DATE OF ISSUE: 2 DECEMBER 1993
VETERANS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (VCES) and AUSTRALIAN MARINERS' CHILDREN EDUCATION SCHEME (AMCES)
The purpose of this instruction is to advise of increased rates of education allowances to be paid in 1994 through VCES and AMCES.
2. The rates are effective from the first payday in January 1994 and are set out at Attachment A. These figures correspond to 1994 rates for AUSTUDY and Assistance to Isolated Children as determined by the Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET).
3.The education allowances are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index. This includes the primary student allowance and secondary students who are under sixteen and living at home.
4.The education allowance payable to all students aged sixteen years and over is increased annually to reflect the maximum rates payable under AUSTUDY. Those students aged sixteen and under seventeen years will still be able to receive the Living at Home Rate, even though AUSTUDY no longer pays this student age group. Removing this student age group from eligibility for AUSTUDY payments was a DEET Budget initiative and it does not impact on VCES or AMCES payments. The AUSTUDY rate of payment is a guide for VCES.
5.VCES underwent a major review in 1992 and the new Scheme was implemented on 1 January 1993. Further information about changes to VCES is contained in Departmental Instruction Number B61/92 of 31 December 1992. AMCES was established by the Repatriation Commission on 5 June 1993. The benefits provided under this scheme are the same as those provided under VCES.
6.Please direct any queries regarding the increased rates at Attachment A to Felicity Donnelly, Compensation Section, on 06 289 6452.
A W ASHFORD
NATIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
BENEFITS PROGRAM
ATTACHMENT A
Fortnightly rates of education allowance payable effective from 1 January 1994. (VCES Part 3 - Education Allowances)
AGE GROUPAT HOMELIVING AWAYHOMELESS
FROM HOMESTUDENTS
Secondary Students
Under 16 years$30.00$132.30$218.40
Secondary/Tertiary
16 -17 years$132.30$218.40$218.40
18 years and over+$159.10$241.50$241.50
Double Orphans
Under 16 years$132.30
16 - 20 years$241.50
21 years and over$293.40
Primary Students
An annual lump sum of $146.00 will be made to those students at the primary level living at home. This is also effective 1 January 1994.