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TAX ALERT: PACMATE Annex 3.A, item 138. |
8.4.23 Purpose
8.4.24 Member
this Division applies to
8.4.25 Rate
and period of assistance
8.4.26 Applying
for tertiary education assistance (This clause is policy guidance)
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This Division assists posted members with the accommodation costs of a child in tertiary education. This is only available if the child is studying away from the member's location of residence. |
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1. |
This Division applies to a member who meets both these conditions. |
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a. |
The member has a child who meets all these conditions. |
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i. |
They are less than 25 years old. |
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ii. |
They are doing a full-time undergraduate course at a
tertiary institution within |
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iii. |
They are unable to take the selected course at an institution within the member's location of residence. |
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iv. |
They are not eligible for Youth Allowance for an independent full-time student living away from home. Note: A member must show a statement from Centrelink that the child is ineligible for Youth Allowance, under the Social Security Act 1991. |
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b. |
The member incurs costs for the child's accommodation. Note: Accommodation includes accommodation owned or rented by the member. |
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Example: Rent and utility costs. |
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2. |
The CDF can approve assistance in special cases. This is where a student can attend an equivalent course in the member's location of residence, but the student needs to study elsewhere. Example: The member is posted when the child has completed two years of a three-year degree in the member's former location. It would be disruptive to change universities. |
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3. |
For subclause 2, the CDF must consider all these
factors. P |
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a. |
If family members can provide support to the student. |
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b. |
Factors relevant to the course of study or research, including the availability of specialist academic staff. |
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c. |
The child's age, school history, educational needs, family circumstances and general welfare. |
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d. |
Facilities offered by educational institutions in the former and gaining locations. |
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e. |
The nature of the education system in the gaining location. Examples: Are different subjects needed for the degree? Is assessment by coursework, exams or a combination? |
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f. |
Staff advice from educational institutions in the former and gaining locations. |
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g. |
The circumstances of the member's posting and the likely location of future postings. |
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h. |
Any other assistance available from the Defence
Community Organisation to support dependants with special needs. See: Part 6, Dependants with special needs |
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i. |
Any other disabilities of the child. |
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j. |
The interests of the Commonwealth. |
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k. |
Any other factor relevant to the child's educational progress. |
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Persons who can make the decision under subclause 8.4.24.2 on behalf of the CDF: Director General Defence Community Organisation Director Retention Program Defence Community Organisation Manager Education Policy and Special Needs |
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1. |
The member is entitled to be reimbursed up to $161 a week for each child for accommodation costs. |
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Exception: Rent forgone and mortgage payments relate to capital costs and will not be reimbursed as costs incurred for the child's accommodation. |
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2. |
The period for reimbursement of these costs begins on the day the child begins tertiary education. The period ends on the earliest of these events. |
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a. |
The day the child fulfils the minimum requirements to complete the course. |
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b. |
After a total of three years' assistance. Example: Three academic years, or six semesters over a number of years. |
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c. |
If any change in circumstances make the child ineligible for assistance under this Division. Example: The student becomes eligible for the independent rate of Youth Allowance. |
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d. |
The day the member ceases to be entitled under this Division, for any other reason. Example: The student withdraws from their course. |
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3. |
A member cannot be reimbursed for any of the following. |
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a. |
Accommodation costs during semester breaks. |
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b. |
Accommodation costs while the member or an adult dependant lives in the student's location. |
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c. |
Forgone rent. |
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Example: The member has a rental property which the child lives in. The member cannot claim their loss of the rent that could have been paid for the property had the child not lived there. |
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d. |
Rates. |
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e. |
Mortgage payments. |
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Example: The
student has a lease that includes payment of rent in semester breaks. |
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4. |
The CDF may approve accommodation costs in special circumstances. The CDF must consider all these factors. |
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a. |
The child's age, school history, educational needs, family circumstances and general welfare. |
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b. |
Staff advice from educational institutions in the former and gaining locations. |
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c. |
The circumstances of the member's posting and the likely location of future postings. |
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d. |
Any other assistance available from the Defence
Community Organisation to support dependants with special needs. See: Part 6, Dependants with special needs |
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e. |
Any other disabilities of the child. |
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f. |
The interests of the Commonwealth. |
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g. |
Any other factor relevant to the child's educational progress. |
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Persons who can make the decision under subclause 8.4.25.4 on behalf of the CDF: Director General Defence Community Organisation Director Retention Program Defence Community Organisation Manager Education Policy and Special Needs |
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A form is available to apply for education assistance outlined in this Division. See: Form AD 303, Reimbursement for tertiary student accommodation. See also: Chapter 9 Part 3 Division 6, Reunion travel for tertiary students |