PES aims to assist certain recipients of social security and DVA payments with some of the ongoing costs associated with study and so to improve their later employment prospects.
PES is a non-taxable, non-income and assets tested payment of $62.40 or $31.20 per fortnight, and is available to recipients who are undertaking at least 25% of a full-time study (1.1.F.230) load.
The half rate of PES is paid to 25% concessional study-load students with study-loads below 50%. Some exemptions apply - see 3.8.3.40 PES Concessional Study-load Students.
PES is paid fortnightly.
PES became a payment under the SSAct from 1 July 1998. Before this, it was a payment administered by DETYA as part of the Austudy scheme.
ABSTUDY PES is a separate payment under the ABSTUDY scheme, and it continues to be administered by DEEWR.
Act reference: SSAct section 1061PA Qualification for PES, section 1061PZG Rate of PES
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.8.3 PES - Qualification & Payability, 5.1.7.30 PES - Current Rate
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Last reviewed: 5 November 2007