Division 1: General information on education assistance

8.4.4    Purpose
8.4.4A   Policy principles behind education assistance (This clause is policy guidance)
8.4.5    Components of education assistance
8.4.6    Changes to eligibility periods
8.4.7    Assistance in special circumstances

8.4.4    Purpose

 

Education assistance helps members pay for additional education costs for their children caused by a posting to a location within Australia.

 

Note: Clause 1.6.1 deals with situations where a member's adult dependant is also a member, and they would both be entitled to education assistance for a child. Only one of the members is entitled.

See: Chapter 1 Part 6 clause 1.6.1, Dual entitlement – member's adult dependant is also a member.

8.4.4A   Policy principles behind education assistance (This clause is policy guidance)

1.

The aim is to provide the student with limited interim assistance to help avoid or overcome any immediate difficulties with the child's education and emotional well-being as a direct result of a posting.

2.

The child may continue to have education-related difficulties after the application of basic and extended education assistance provisions. In these cases, the policy intention is that the member should take responsibility for any further costs associated with additional assistance that may be required.

8.4.5    Components of education assistance

 

Education assistance is organised into Three main components:

 

Item

For...

reimbursement of costs is available for...

1.

school students at the gaining location

additional tuition fees to maintain academic achievement.

2.

school students not at posting location

 

compulsory tuition fees and accommodation costs.

3.

tertiary students not at member's location of residence

accommodation costs to live near the institution offering the chosen course.

8.4.6    Changes to eligibility periods

 

The CDF may bring forward or extend periods of eligibility outlined in this Part. Before approving, the CDF must consider all these factors.

 

a.

The child's age, school history, educational needs, family circumstances and general welfare.

 

b.

Facilities offered by schools and educational institutions in the former and gaining locations.

 

c.

The nature of the education system in the gaining location.

Examples: Are Years 11 and 12 offered? Is assessment by coursework, exams or a combination?

 

d.

Staff advice from schools and educational institutions in the former and gaining locations.

 

e.

The circumstances of the member's posting and the likely location of future postings.

 

f.

Any other assistance available from the Defence Community Organisation to support dependants with special needs.

See: Part 6, Dependants with special needs

 

g.

Any other disabilities of the child.

 

h.

The interests of the Commonwealth.

 

i.

Any other factor relevant to the child's educational progress.

 

Persons who can make the decision under clause 8.4.6 on behalf of the CDF:

Regional Education Liaison Officer

8.4.7    Assistance in special circumstances

 

Where a member is not entitled to any education assistance in this Part, the CDF may approve assistance for special reasons. These reasons need to be beyond the member's control.

Before approving, the CDF must consider both these factors.

 

a.

The special circumstances are reasonable and consistent with the purposes of education assistance.

 

b.

The member cannot be provided with any other type of education assistance outlined in this Part.

Note: The amount of assistance approved must not exceed the amount outlined in this Part for eligible members in similar circumstances.

 

Persons who can make the decision under clause 8.4.7 on behalf of the CDF:

Regional Education Liaison Officer

Manager Education Policy and Special Needs

 

Note:

Travel entitlements related to education assistance

For travel entitlements related to education assistance, see the following provisions in Chapter 9, ADF travel in Australia.

 

Topic

Reference

Reunion travel for school students

Chapter 9 Part 3 Division 4

Student reunion travel to members in remote locations

Chapter 9 Part 3 Division 5

Reunion travel for tertiary students

Chapter 9 Part 3 Division 6

 

PACMAN                                                        Reprint (August 2010)                                    Chapter 8 – Part 4 Division 1 – 1