Many veterans are surprised to learn that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may provide funding to support their children’s education through dedicated education schemes.
These programs can provide significant assistance for eligible families, including tutoring support, educational allowances, and assistance throughout primary school, high school, TAFE, and university.
At Aculeus, we regularly speak with veterans who are unaware that these benefits exist. Understanding what support may be available can help ensure your children receive the educational opportunities they deserve.
What Are the DVA Education Schemes?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs administers two education support programs:
- Veterans’ Children Education Scheme (VCES)
- Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)
These schemes are designed to support the education of eligible children and dependants of veterans who have significant service-related impairments or whose death was related to service.
Depending on individual circumstances, support may continue from primary school through to university or TAFE studies.
What Support Can Be Available?
Eligible families may be able to access:
- Educational allowances and financial support
- One-on-one tutoring assistance
- Specialist educational support services
- Assistance with learning difficulties
- Support for primary and secondary school students
- Assistance during tertiary education and vocational training
- Additional educational resources where appropriate
Some veterans may also be eligible for assistance coordinating these benefits to ensure their children receive the support available to them.
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility varies depending on the veteran’s circumstances and which scheme applies.
Generally, support may be available for children and dependants of veterans who:
- Receive certain high-rate DVA compensation payments
- Are assessed as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI)
- Receive the Special Rate Disability Pension (SRDP)
- Have 80 or more impairment points under MRCA
- Have service-related circumstances recognised under DVA legislation
Eligible dependants may include:
- Biological children
- Adopted children
- Stepchildren
- Children from de facto or same-sex relationships
- Other dependent children recognised by DVA
In many cases, support may continue until age 25 while the dependent remains engaged in eligible full-time education or training.
Tutoring Support for School-Aged Children
One of the most valuable but underutilised benefits is access to funded tutoring support for eligible school-aged children.
Through approved education providers, eligible children may receive ongoing one-on-one tutoring designed to support academic performance, confidence, and educational outcomes.
This can help students who:
- Need additional academic support
- Have fallen behind in specific subjects
- Are transitioning between year levels
- Require assistance preparing for senior secondary studies
- Would benefit from structured one-on-one learning
Many families are unaware that DVA-funded educational support may be available at little or no cost to them.
How Do You Apply?
Applications can generally be completed through MyGov or by submitting the relevant DVA forms.
The most commonly used forms include:
- Form D2697 – for children under 16 years of age
- Form D2566 – for students aged 16 years and over
Applicants will usually need to provide:
- Proof of enrolment
- Birth certificate or evidence of dependency
- Any supporting documentation requested by DVA
Applications are typically submitted to DVA’s Education Schemes team, with processing often completed within several weeks.
How Aculeus and Veteran Life Australia Can Help
Supporting veterans extends beyond pain management, rehabilitation, and medical care.
At Aculeus, we recognise that the wellbeing of veteran families plays a critical role in long-term health and quality of life. Many veterans are unaware that their children may be eligible for educational assistance, tutoring support, and financial benefits through DVA.
That is why Aculeus has partnered with Veteran Life Australia to help veterans understand and access these valuable programs.
Through this partnership, eligible veterans can receive guidance regarding:
- DVA education scheme eligibility
- Children’s tutoring support programs
- Education allowances and payments
- Required documentation and application processes
- Specialist educational support services
- Ongoing coordination of available benefits
For many families, these programs can provide substantial support throughout a child’s education journey, from primary school through to university or vocational training.
Unfortunately, many eligible veterans never access these benefits simply because they do not know they exist.
If you are a veteran receiving DVA compensation and have children or dependants currently studying, it may be worthwhile exploring what educational support may be available to your family.
Education can have a lifelong impact. Ensuring veteran families receive the support they are entitled to is another important step in looking after those who have served.
