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

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).

Assessing eligibility for 66% concessional study load for PES

Step	Action
1	Customer contacts Smart Centre Telephony + Read more ... 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 in person, particularly in cases of discretionary decisions.
2	Gather information and evidence about the study load that the customer is undertaking or intending to undertake + Read more ... The study detail information in the Online Claim or Assisted Customer Claim (ACC), or Section B of the paper Claim for Pensioner Education Supplement form (SY004) contains this information. The customer may need to supply their Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) weightings, Proof of enrolment or a letter from the institution to verify the amount of study. If the student’s study load is not between 66% and 74% of the normal amount of full time study, go to Step 3 If the student’s study load is between 66% and 74% of the normal amount of full time study, go to Step 4
3	What is the student’s study load? + Read more ... Less than 25% of the normal amount of full-time study. These students do not satisfy the study load requirements and therefore do not qualify for PES. Tell the student of their review and appeal rights. See Initial contact about a decision and the review of decision process Between 25% and 65% of the normal amount of full-time study. See Assessing eligibility for 25% concessional study load for Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) Between 66% and 74% of the normal amount of full-time study, go to Step 4 Between 75% and 100% of the normal amount of full-time study - these students are considered to be undertaking full-time study. Therefore this concessional study load procedure does not apply. Go to Step 7
4	Student’s study load is between 66% and 74% of the normal amount of full-time study. + Read more ... The study load may be between 66% and 74% because of any of the following: 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 load 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 Is study load between 66% and 74% because of any of the above reasons? Yes, for any of the above, tell the student that they can qualify for PES as a 66% concessional study load student for a certain period. Go to Step 5 No, to all of the above, go to Step 6
5	Determine length of concession period + Read more ... Complete the following tasks for concessional study load students: Determine the period for which the 66% concession applies. This is generally, for the duration of their current course and/or studies and so long as there is no variation to the student’s study load Note: where the recommendation for the 66% study load concession is based on vocational reasons, the study load requirements can only be reduced for these students for up to 1/2 an academic year. Advise the student that they are required to notify any changes to their study load within 14 days Explain to student that they may no longer qualify for PES if their study load reduces or they cease studies Note: students doing less than 50% of a full time study load but greater than 25% will receive half of the full fortnightly rate of PES. Customers receiving Disability Support Pension (DSP) or, invalidity service pension or war widow/er pension (with a dependent child) also receiving an income support supplement on the ground that the person is permanently incapacitated for work, are specifically exempted from the less than 50% study load rate reduction. Go to Step 7
6	The student does not satisfy the study load requirements for a 66% concessional study load + Read more ... Is customer studying at a 25% study load or greater Yes, see Assessing eligibility for 25% concessional study load. Procedure ends here No, Tell the student of their review and appeal rights. See Initial contact about a decision and the review of decision process Reject the PES claim
7	Update education details on the EDC screen + Read more ... In Process Direct on the Customer Study Details (EDC) screen or In Customer First on the Education Course Details (EDC) screen See Coding new study details.
8	Finalise activity and document decision + Read more ... Record details of decision and all relevant information on a DOC. Finalise the activity on the system.