13.4.3 Absences from study for primary and secondary students

13.4.3 Absences from study for primary and secondary students

See paragraph 2.10 of the Instruments

Where a primary or secondary student ceases to participate in the normal activities of a course for more than fifteen days in any year without reasonable cause, a delegate may review the student’s eligibility for continuing benefits under the Scheme and may suspend the payment of allowances in accordance with subparagraph 2.10.1 of the Instruments. A decision to suspend payment must be made in accordance with section 13.1.4 Decision Making.

Under subparagraph 2.10.2 of the Instruments, if a delegate is satisfied that the student’s absence is due to sickness or reasons beyond the student’s control, the absences may be disregarded. A decision to disregard absences is not a formal decision with appeal rights, however the delegate should record the decision appropriately and advise the student. 

Where a delegate is satisfied that the absences are without reasonable cause and the student’s progress has been affected, a delegate may determine that the education allowance and/or other benefits will be suspended under subparagraph 2.10.3 of the Instruments. A decision to suspend payment must be made in accordance with section 13.1.4 Decision Making.

If a student resumes satisfactory progress, a delegate may determine suspended benefits are restored under subparagraph 2.10.4 of the Instruments. If benefits are restored, then regular payments may resume but there will not be any back pay for the period of lost entitlement.  A decision to restore payment must be made in accordance with section 13.1.4 Decision Making.