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Assessing eligibility for 66% concessional study load for Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) 010-05110020

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This document outlines how to determine whether a student is eligible for the 66% concessional study load for the purpose of receiving Pensioner Education Supplement (PES).

Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) purpose

PES aims to assist qualified customers with the ongoing costs associated with study and is available to those who are undertaking qualifying study either as a full-time student (that is, at least 75% of the normal amount of full-time study) or as a concessional study load student (that is, 25 or 66% concessional study loads).

Study load requirements

To be considered a 66% concessional study load student, the student must have a study load of at least 66% but less than 75% of a full-time study load. The reason for a reduced study load must be one of the following:

  • conflicts with the institution’s normal requirements for the course (for example, timetable clashes, subject prerequisites not satisfied because of failure or other reasons, subject cancelled or over-enrolled, or reduced study needed to complete the course)
  • there is a specific direction in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer
  • a recommendation in writing from the academic registrar or equivalent officer for academic or vocational reasons, regardless of whether the reason is given with the recommendation or not

Note: while general advice based on information provided by the customer can be given over the phone, the customer should be encouraged to test their eligibility, particularly in cases of discretionary decisions.

The Resources page contains links to the Services Australia Website and the Pensioner Education Supplement Claim form (SY004).

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