Defence expands the PEEP program
The success and popularity of the Partner Education and Employment Program (PEEP) has resulted in over 700 partners benefiting from the great education and training opportunities offered by the program. However, we know that there are many more waiting their turn.
To help out some of those partners sooner rather than later, PEEP is being expanded with a new second tier. PEEP Tier Two is an in-financial year ‘one-off’ payment of up to $3000 to be used for vocational courses, up to and including first time undergraduate courses.
PEEP Tier Two will be available for the next three years and is aimed at the partners of the more junior officer and enlisted ranks. Applications will be open to the partners of Private to Sergeant ranks (and their equivalents) and to the partners of Lieutenant to Captain ranks (and equivalents).
PEEP Tier Two application form - Nov 2011 (Word, 268k)
PEEP Tier 1 applications for FY 2011/2012 have now closed
Both Tiers of PEEP are subject to limited budgets. The available funding for Tier 1 2011 has all been committed and applications have closed.
PEEP aims to offer eligible Defence partners the opportunity to improve their job readiness. It is offered due to the potential for Defence partners to experience career and income disruption as a result of posting to a new locality.
The availability of employment or employment assistance for partners is not a condition of Service or entitlement and the program operates on a finite budget.
PEEP Guidelines - October 2011 (PDF, 114K)
PEEP Approved Applicant Request Form - Nov 2011 (Word, 266k)
Partners can still access benefits offered by Open Universities Australia
Open Universities Australia (OUA) has formed a partnership with Defence to offer vocational education training (new),tertiary and higher education opportunities to ADF personnel, Defence Australian Public Service employees, their partners and their family members. The OUA offer has not been affected by the close of PEEP applications.
You do not need to be a PEEP applicant to access the services offered by OUA. The offer includes a corporate support team, financial support for text books, and tutorial support. Visit the OUA website at www.open.edu.au/oua/peep for more information.
Free employment resources for partners
Free professional resume builders are a great resource and are available on the internet. Entering ‘resume builder’ into a search engine will give you an extensive range to choose from.
JobSearch is Australia’s largest free jobs website. It is funded and operated by the Australian Government as a free service to help job seekers gain employment and connect employers with quality staff. Visit www.jobsearch.gov.au for more information.
The Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the code – How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service is an excellent, comprehensive online resource that includes advice on how to answer selection criteria and how to handle a job interview. Visit www.apsc.gov.au for more information.
If you have any questions, send an email to peep@defence.gov.au or call 02 6265 8833. In the meantime, keep an eye on the DCO website at www.defence.gov.au/dco/peep for the latest updates about PEEP.
Index
What is PEEP
The Partner Education and Employment Program (PEEP) is a Defence funded program developed to provide a comprehensive range of education and employment initiatives to assist partners of ADF members to become job ready in order to access the workforce when posted. The program is divided into two Tiers.
Tier 1 provides an Education and Employment allowance of $12,000 allocated for a period of ten years to assist partners to self manage all of the initiatives available under PEEP Tier 1. The funding is capped at $6,000 per posting locality for the approved initiatives.
Tier 2 provides an in-financial year ‘one off’ payment of up to $3000 for course costs only. Courses covered include vocational courses up to and including first time undergraduate courses. Tier 2 is restricted to partners of the more junior offices and enlisted ranks.
To access the education assistance available contact the Defence Family Helpline on
1800 624 608.
Fringe Benefit Tax Implications
All assistance provided under PEEP will attract Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
Defence pays the FBT to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). If the total cumulative value of all the ADF member's fringe benefits provided by Defence exceeds the $2000 threshold, during the FBT year (1 April to 31 March), it will be reported on the ADF member's payment summary in the Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount (RFBA).
The RFBA amount is not used to calculate liability for income tax, however, the amount is used to calculate the ADF member's eligibility for benefits such as family payments and liabilities for HECS payments, Medicare levy and child support obligations.
As RFBA amounts can be significant, you should carefully check the cost of the PEEP initiative/s you wish to undertake and the impact this may have on your family before committing yourself to undertake any program.
Eligibility
To receive assistance under PEEP, the ADF partner must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Tier 1
- The applicant must be recognised on PMKeys as a partner of a full time ADF member on effective service or Reservist on CFTS;
- The $12,000 Allowance is valid for ten years from the date of approval subject to the ADF member’s provision of effective service during that period.
- Assistance under PEEP must be taken up within two years of the partner moving to a new posting locality.
- Priority will be given to partners posted to a Very Remote Locality (VRL) as specified in the PEEP Guidelines.
- Should the member die during Service, the partner may access the Allowance for up to two years after the member’s death.
- Defence must have relocated the partner to a new posting locality either upon the posting of the ADF member or upon the marriage or recognition of an interdependent relationship.
- Where the partner is also an ADF member or a Reservist on CFTS, no entitlement to PEEP exists.
- Members must complete 4 years of effective service in the ADF before their partner may be eligible to apply for PEEP. This is in line with current ADF return of service entitlements.
- Former ADF personnel may not apply for PEEP as they have already received a significant amount of education and training within their military careers.
- Partners who are currently employed by the Australian Public Service be it Commonwealth, State or Local may not apply for PEEP as they have opportunity to undertake professional development within the Public Service as well as access to funding assistance via Study Bank.
- Assistance is not available to partners of ADF members who are discharging or relocating on discharge. Once this is visible on PMKeys, all PEEP assistance ceases.
- Partners who have not accessed PEEP at all within two years of approval will be required to reapply for PEEP.
Tier 2
As for Tier 1 with the addition of the following:
-
Tier 2 applications will be open to partners of Private to Sergeant ranks(E) and to the partners of Lieutenant to Captain ranks (E) only.
- The $3000 Allowance is an in-financial-year ‘one off’ payment subject to the ADF member’s provision of effective service during that period.
Partners can only apply for one Tier at a time. The funding expended under Tier 2 will be deducted from the Tier 1 Allowance if the partner is successful in gaining access to Tier 1 PEEP in future years.
Application Process
The applicant completes the appropriate PEEP Tier application form inclusive of their acknowledgement that they and the member are aware of the FBT implications and forwards it to the Executive Officer Community Support Programs for consideration at least two weeks prior to commencement date.
Assistance under PEEP can only be approved upon receipt of the application form at DCOHQ.
DCOHQ will check PMKeys to confirm whether the applicant is a recognised spouse/partner and will email the outcome of their applications within 14 working days.
Partners are required to demonstrate how the proposed course/study will provide the skills to enhance their success in finding employment when selecting assistance under the education/training initiative.
Partners may be required to supply evidence at any point following their approval to ensure they still meet the eligibility requirements and aim of the program.
Closing dates for Long Term Study
Partners wishing to undertake longer term study i.e. courses longer than 12 months in duration such as university study will be required to obtain approval each semester/financial year using the Approved Applicant Request form on the DCO website.
- Semester 1 closing date 28 Feb,
- Semester 2 closing date 31 Jul.
Applications for study received after these dates will only be considered if the applicant can demonstrate the reason for the late application was because of an unforeseen requirement and beyond the applicant’s reasonable control.
Allocation of PEEP ID
Once eligibility is confirmed a PEEP ID is allocated and this will be the reference to track the expenditure of the Allowance.
A letter will be forwarded to the partner advising them that they are an approved applicant for the Tier in which they applied.
The approved applicant only then has to forward the invoice for payment of the agreed program initiatives. All invoices are to reference the PEEP ID and payment will not be made on initiatives commenced prior to the approval of the Education and Employment Allowance. Invoices issued by the ATO for FEE-HELP will not be considered. It is up to the applicant to liaise with their University to amend the payment terms for DCO to process fees with the University directly.
Please note the allocation of funds is dependent upon the total budget and money is approved pending funds availability.
Once eligible, Defence becomes liable for payment upon presentation of invoice. If circumstances change and the partner cannot undertake the training through ill health or for any other reason, it is the partner’s responsibility to negotiate or arrange with the service provider to have the training deferred to a later date or for the money to be reimbursed back to Defence.
Prior to the payment of any invoice, Defence will confirm that the partner is still a recognised partner of an ADF member or Reservists on CFTS.
If the partner completes their approved course and wish to undertake another course or access another PEEP initiative, they will be required to complete the Approved Applicant Request form located on the DCO website www.defence.gov.au/dco/. This form also allows partners to update their address should they relocate.
Summary Letter
A summary letter will be sent in May to each PEEP Tier 1 applicant advising them of the initiatives that have been funded from their allowance and the remaining balance.
Payment or Reimbursment
There are two methods of payment available:
- The service provider invoices the partner for the services provided. The partner verifies that the costs and services invoiced are correct and forwards the invoice to Defence. Defence then pays the service provider directly.
- The service provider invoices the partner for the services provided. The partner pays the invoice and forwards the receipt to Defence for payment. Reimbursement will be deposited direct to the ADF members bank as identified by the Defence accounting system.
Payment of invoices for Tier 2 will be made in full at the beginning of the calendar year.
Invoices/receipts must be submitted to DCOHQ as soon as practicable. Defence policy is to: effect payment no later than 30 days after receipt of the goods or services or receipt of a correctly rendered invoice, whichever is the later. Invoices will not be considered outside of this policy.
Key Performance Indicators(KPIs)
PEEP aims to provide a valuable service to its clients. As part of managing PEEP the following processes and procedures are applied ensuring that the needs of ADF partners are met in an efficient and effective manner.
We endeavour to answer telephone queries in relation to PEEP within 24 hours; Applications are to be processed within 14 working days of receipt of paperwork. Payments and Reimbursements are processed on a weekly basis.
Superannuation Set Up
Financial assistance will be provided for the costs associated with setting up a superannuation fund i.e., financial planning advice, so as not to be disadvantaged by being unable to contribute towards long term superannuation.
Tips on how to use a Professional Employment/Resume Provider
For more information on Tips when choosing your Professional Employment / Service Provider, please click on the following link ( Word, 33k)
Education and Training
Courses of study approved will include all vocational courses up to and including first time undergraduate tertiary courses. No postgraduate study will be approved as it is deemed that partners who already hold undergraduate qualifications have the requisite skills to obtain employment. There is no limitation on the length or duration of the course but funding will be capped at $6000 per posting locality up to a maximum of $12,000 for Tier 1 and a $3,000 in-year spend for Tier 2. The application form will request partners to demonstrate the relevance of the proposed study to their present or likely future employment within the nominated career stream, category or trade. Self interest or hobby courses will not be funded under PEEP. Training may take either of these forms:
- Face to face tutorial attendance.
- Courses provided through correspondence or on-line facilities.
The training must be a formal course which has all these attributes:
- A schedule of training and a syllabus for each subject.
- Recognised or accredited by employers.
Any vocationally-oriented course or recognised course segment, within the Australian qualifications framework may be approved as employment assistance training. It must meet PEEP policy guidelines and must enhance the partner's employment prospects.
Please see the following link for more information about Open Universities Australia (OUA). OUA now offers a range of Vocational Educational and Training (VET) courses.
Open Universities Australia
Enrolments for Study Period 2 are closing soon, see link for more information.
Enrolments closing soon ( PDF, 170k)
Please see the following link for assistance measures for ADF partners looking for Training / Education courses.
National Training Information Service
Personalised Resume Preparation
Funding assistance is available for a personalised resume to be prepared by a professional service provider. The applicant can select a professional service provider who best meets their needs and arrange to have their resume prepared. See tips above.
Professional Resume Builder
Professional resume builders are available on the internet that can readily be accessed by those partners who prefer to prepare their own resumes. This is completely free and is not FBT reportable. Simply do a google search www.google.com.au and insert the words resume builder and an extensive range of resume builders will appear for you to choose from. You will also find tips in addressing selection criteria from these sites.
Professional Registration Expense Payments (PREP)
PREP is available to assist partners who relocate to a new locality on posting whether in Australia or overseas, and are required to re-register in the same profession.
Jobsearch is Australia's largest free online jobs website. It is funded and operated by the Australian Government as a free service to assist job seekers into employment and connect employers with quality staff. www.jobsearch.gov.au
Job Services Australia providers and public employers upload their job vacancies to Jobsearch and search for potentially suitable staff. Job seekers can search for jobs via the map on the homepage by choosing their state, local area and occupation category. The advanced search function includes more detail in searching criteria. Everyone is welcome to use Jobsearch to search for vacancies. It's free to register and take advantage of the complete range of services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply for PEEP as the partner of an overseas Defence Force member?
A. No. PEEP is only available to the partners of Australian Defence members.
Q. Can I apply for PEEP when my ADF partner is posted overseas?
A. Yes partners and spouses can access distance education through Australian based institutions as well as the Professional Re-registration Expense Payment (PREP) initiative. All other initiatives are only available when posted within Australia.
Q. Can I apply for PEEP if we have been relocated on discharge?
A. No.
Q. Am I still able to access PEEP if my partner discharges during our posting and we decide to remain in the same locality?
A. No, assistance is not available to partners of ADF members who are discharging. Once this information is visible on PMKeys all PEEP assistance ceases.
Q. If the course that I plan to undertake in our current posting locality exceeds $6,000, will this be funded under PEEP?
A. No PEEP provides an Education and Employment Allowance of $12,000 for a ten year period and this is capped at $6,000 per posting. Any expense above this amount will be self funded.
Q. My approved training course requires the purchase of text books. Are these costs covered under PEEP?
A. No
Q. I am a spouse and a reservist can I apply for PEEP?
A. Yes, as long as you are not on continuous full time service.
Q. Does PEEP guarantee me a job?
A. No. PEEP assists partners to enhance their job readiness, it cannot guarantee employment.
Q. Can I apply for PEEP if I am already employed?
A. Yes. The Program allows spouses to enhance their skills to enable them to find more suitable job opportunities in their new posting locality. However, APS employees will be exempt.
Q. What do I do if I am unhappy with my chosen service provider?
A. As it is the provider of your choice and they are not contracted to Defence, we ask that you liaise with your provider to reach a suitable solution. Please advise the Executive Officer of any outcomes.
Q. What if I don’t complete my course?
A. If circumstances change and the partner cannot undertake the training through ill health or for any other reason, it is the partner's responsibility to negotiate or arrange with the service provider to have the training deferred to a later date or for the money to be reimbursed back to Defence.
Q. Do I have to fill in another application form each time I select a new PEEP initiative?
A. Yes, if you have completed your approved course and wish to undertake another course or access another PEEP initiative, you will be required to complete the Approved Applicant Request form located on the DCO website www.defence.gov.au/dco/peep. This form also allows you to update your address should you relocate.
Q. How do I know how much I have expended from my Education and Employment Allowance?
A. You will be sent a summary letter each May advising you of the initiatives that have been funded from your Allowance and your remaining balance.
Q. I recently completed a training course and wasn't aware of PEEP. Can I claim my payment for these fees?
A. No, as per the PEEP Guidelines, the Program does not accept retrospective payments. Payment of initiatives will only be made after the date of PEEP approval.
Q. My partner and I have recently been posted, however we have bought a house in another location to the posting and therefore I am not accompanying my partner to his new posting, am I still eligible for PEEP assistance?
A. Yes as long as you can supply evidence that Defence paid for your removal from your previous posting locality to your new house locality, otherwise no assistance exists.
