The SCES was replaced by the VCES in May.

Children of deceased EDA veterans gain eligibility.

From January, the Scheme was revised, as follows:

• It is now a compensatory scheme.
• As there is no way of testing whether or not a child is "prepared for a suitable career" that requirement has now been removed.
• The income test for students over 16 years was abolished.

In June, the Australian Mariners' Children Education Scheme (AMCES) was introduced.  The AMCES provides the same benefits as the VCES but it only applied to eligible children of Australian mariners.

From 1 July 1994, the SWPA Act and Regulations were repealed and Australian mariners became eligible under the VEA on the same basis as veterans.  The AMCES was abolished, and children of Australian mariners became eligible under the VCES.

From 1 July 1998, students aged 16 and over and in receipt of a “living away from home” rate of education allowance became eligible for rent assistance on the same basis as Youth Allowance recipients.

From 1 January 2000, VCES benefits were extended to the children of veterans receiving disability compensation payment at the EDA rate.

A 2006-07 Federal Budget initiative increased the number of Long Tan bursaries from 30 to 50, and the value from $6,000 to $9,000 over three years.

From 1 January 2010, eligible students enrolled in an approved scholarship course at a higher education institution can receive a Student Start-Up Scholarship.  In addition, those living away from home or in receipt of the homeless or orphan rates can receive a Relocation Scholarship.

From 1 January 2012, the rates of the Student Start-up and Relocation Scholarships were adjusted to allow for a new second tier rate of Relocation Scholarship to be paid to students in their second and third year of studying away from home.

Clean energy advance payable for the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 for eligible recipients.

On 18 June 2012, a one-off Education Tax Refund (ETR) payment of $409 for primary school students and $818 for secondary school students was paid to education allowance recipients (as at 8 May 2012).  This replaced the former Education Tax Refund claimable through the Australian Taxation Office and covered 2011-12.  This was paid under the VEA and MRCA.

On 1 October 2012, some further ETR payments were made under an Administrative Scheme to those who were not eligible for the June ETR payment but would otherwise have been able to claim under their tax returns for 2011-12, mainly school leavers.  This was paid under family assistance legislation.

Indexation of the Student Start-up Scholarship is paused for 4 years from 1 January 2013.  The next indexation date is 1 January 2017.

From January 2013, Schoolkids Bonus payable each January and July for those in receipt of education allowance on 1 January or 30 June and at school.  This is paid under social security and family assistance legislation.  Also payable to Department of Human Services Family Tax Benefit clients.

From March 2013, Income Support Bonus payable each March and September for 16 year olds and over and certain eligible under 16 year old students in receipt of education allowance on 20 March or 20 September and in secondary or tertiary education.  It is for those relying mainly on government allowances and is to help with unexpected expenses.  Also payable to Department of Human Services allowance clients such as Newstart and ABSTUDY.

Second clean energy advance payable in July 2013 for the period 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013.

Clean energy supplement commenced 1 January 2014.

Clean energy supplement replaced by energy supplement commenced 20 September 2014.

The Coronavirus Supplement commenced from 27 April 2020.  It was initially payable for a six month period, but was extended twice, at reduced rates, finally ceasing on 31 March 2021.  The rates of payment over time were:

• $550 per fortnight from 27 April to 24 September 2020;
• $250 per fortnight from 25 September to 31 December 2020; and
• $150 per fortnight from 1 January to 31 March 2021.

 The Coronavirus Supplement formed part of the Government’s response to the economic impacts of the COVID019 pandemic.  It was payable to new and existing recipients who received the education allowance at a similar rate to Youth Allowance.

The base rates of certain Education Allowance rates increased by $50 from 1 April 2021.  Rates of Education Allowance that received this increase were for:

• students aged 16 and over;
• students under 16 who are living away from home;
• students under 16 who are homeless; and
• students who are double orphans.