How does the new Veterans’ Entitlement, Treatment and Support Bill impact DVA Additional Tuition?
The short answer is there will be no changes to DVA Additional Tuition.
Background
The Royal Commission into Veteran suicide has released an interim report finding that the unnecessarily complex nature of tri act framework governing veteran injury claims is exacerbating the mental health of veterans. Minister for the The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has announced legislative reform with a bill that seeks to harmonise the three existing pieces of legislation (commonly referred to as DRCA, MRCA & VEA).
However, this week was the first and second reading of the new bill as it was introduced into Parliament. This means, it is not yet law. However, we want to make sure you know how this impacts all our (or potentially your) dependents in the education schemes, and those receiving DVA Additional Tuition. If the bill passes, the date of effect will be 1 July 2026.
Let us take you through the implications for the kids in the Education Schemes. Here’s what you need to know:
Grandfathering of VCES (Veterans’ Children Education Schemes)
Within the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986, power can be delegated to the commission to establish the VCES to assist kids from disadvantaged backgrounds (dependents of a severely impaired veteran or deceased veteran). All kids eligible for or receiving benefits under the VCES will be transitioned to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Acts Education and Training Scheme under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. Okay, so what does this actually mean?
Kids under MRCAETS cannot work full time and be receiving the MRCAETS allowance (something unique to MRCAETS)
All kids will have to be shown to be substantially or partly dependent on the veteran (something not needed for biological children under VCES)
Additional Eligibility for Veterans under DRCA (Defence Related Claims Act 1988)
Up until now eligible dependants under DRCA could access guidance and counselling which is administered by the Education Schemes, but they did not get access to additional benefits: DVA additional tuition, education allowance, start up scholarships, fares allowance, special assistance (for supports beyond guidance and counselling), income support bonus, rent assistance.
In the QNA for the new legislation the department stated the following:
“DRCA veterans can access the additional PI payment under section 80 of the MRCA from 1 July 2026 where they meet the current MRCA criteria (which requires the veteran to have suffered an impairment of at least 80 impairment points as assessed under the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation and where the veteran has an "eligible young person" for the purposes of the Act) and have either a newly accepted condition under the MRCA, or there has been a 5 point worsening of their compensable conditions since their last assessment.”
While this answer is in reference to the Severe Impairment Payment ($108,000 lump sum per Eligible Young Person), it also describes the pathway to eligibility for the Education Schemes for veterans covered under DRCA.
We feel this is a positive result for the veterans that are covered under DRCA who previously never had access to the Education Schemes or DVA additional tuition. More veterans who can access the Education Schemes means more veteran kids who can receive the support they need with their schooling. There is a great summary below, we encourage you to take a look.
Click Here for the Education Schemes Fact Sheet for the Veterans’ Entitlement, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024
