Veterans' Children Education Scheme

The Veterans' Children Education Scheme provides financial assistance and student support services to help eligible children achieve their full potential in education or career training.

To be eligible under the scheme students must be under 25 years and be:

• a child of a decease veteran, Australian mariner or member of the Australian Defence Forces or of a Peacekeeping Force:
  • whose death was accepted as war-caused; or
  • who was a former Australian prisoner of war; or
  • who was eligible to receive a disability pension at the special rate (T & PI); or
  • at a rate increased by a special disability adjustment for certain amputations or blindness,
• a child of a veteran, Australian mariner or member of the Australian Defence Forces or of a Peacekeeping Force who is:
  • receiving a disability pension at the special rate (T & PI); or
  • at a rate increased by a special disability adjustment for certain amputations or blindness.

Also eligible is a child:

• whose parents are both deceased but where one parent had operational service; or
• of a deceased member of the Australian Defence Forces or of a Peacekeeping Force who is eligible to receive a disability pension at the extreme disablement rate.

The rate of payment of education allowance depends on the age of the child and whether he or she is living at home.

VCES applicants are not subject to an income test on either their own or their parent's income.

Students receiving benefits under the scheme cannot claim benefits under Austudy or any other Commonwealth student assistance arrangement.

We strongly recommend that if you are going to make an application under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme, you should consult an ex-service organisation, (that you have confidence in), who have pension officers that have competed the Training Information Program, (TIP).

For further information on applying for the Veterans' Children Education Scheme, contact your nearest DVA office or visit their web site at www.dva.gov.au and look up fact sheet DP 45.

The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia can assist any veteran of any conflict, their widow/er's and children by providing advice and assistance in regard to all pensions matters.  Simply contact your nearest sub-branch.