Income Support Bonus
This page provides information on the Income Support Bonus.
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What is the Income Support Bonus?
The Income Support Bonus is paid every six months to assist eligible students with the cost of living pressures.
Back to topWho is eligible?
DVA clients entitled to the Income Support Bonus are those in receipt of an education allowance under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS), where the student is in secondary or tertiary education and:
- 16 years old or over; or
- under 16 years old and receiving the education allowance rate of double orphan, homeless or living away from home.
They must be in receipt of an education allowance on 20 March or 20 September to be eligible.
Back to topWhen is it paid?
The Income Support Bonus is paid in late March and September each year.
Back to topHow much is the Income Support Bonus?
For the current payment rates, please refer to Compensation payment rates for MRCA.
Back to topIs this payment taxable or count for income test purposes?
No, these payments are tax free and do not count for income test purposes.
Back to topWho is paid the Income Support Bonus?
If the parents of the student/s receive the education allowance, they will receive the Income Support Bonus.
If the student receives the education allowance, the student will receive the Income Support Bonus.
Back to topWhat if I share custody of my children?
If separated parents receive a proportion of the education allowance, the Income Support Bonus is paid in the same proportion as the current recorded split of education allowance payments.
Back to topWill I need to make a claim?
No, all VCES and MRCAETS students who receive an education allowance and who are eligible for the Income Support Bonus will automatically be paid. If you were not paid and think you were eligible, contact DVA.
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