Children Education Allowance (CEA)
CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE AND HOSTEL SUBSIDY
(Reimbursement of “Tuition Fee” – “Educational Assistance” to the wards of Central Government Employees)
The great first step for the allowance start from Second CPC. The 2nd Central Pay Commission had recommended the educational assistance scheme for Central Government employees, called as “Reimbursement of Tuition Fee“. The scheme was introduced and implemented with effect from March 1962.
The scheme was modified by the 3rd Pay Commission and also further liberalized by the 4th and 5th Pay Commissions. At last, the 6th Pay Commission had given a high priority to this scheme. Recommendations on this scheme was most welcome by the employees working under Central Government. The Central Government also accepted the recommendations and implemented with effect from September, 2008.
Children Education Allowance Scheme: There is no doubt on the recommendations of 6th CPC is continued in 7th CPC. 7th CPC suggested to simplify the reimbursement procedure. A bonafide certificate from the school or institution where the ward of employee studies may be sufficient.
CHECK ALSO: CEA FORMS DOWNLOAD
RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION
Short introduction of CEA: Children Education Allowance (CEA) is paid to government employees to take care of schooling and hostel requirements of their children.
CEA will be applicable for children from class nursery to twelfth, including classes eleventh and twelfth held by Junior Colleges or schools affiliated to Universities or Boards of Education.
CEA can be claimed only for the two eldest surviving children with the exception that in case the second child birth results in twins/multiple birth.
Residential educational institution located at least 50 kilometers from the residence of the Government servant.
Recommendation of JCM Staff Side on Children Education Allowance
RECOMMENDATIONS OF 7TH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION AND GOVT DECISION ON CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE
Rates of CEA: One of the most anticipated hike in this allowance by Central Government employees, but 7th Pay Commission has recommended the allowance would continue as CEA Rs. 2250 pm per child and Hostel subsidy Rs. 6750 pm per child.
And the allowance will continue to be double for differently abled children. And the commission has strongly object to extend the allowance beyond Class XII.
Rate of Children Education Allowance (CEA) has been increased from Rs. 1500 per month / child (max. 2) to Rs. 2250 per month / child (max.2). Hostel Subsidy will also go up from Rs. 4500 per month to Rs. 6750 per month. Annual amount of CEA for the academic year 2017-18 will be Rs. 24750 and Hostel Subsidy will be Rs. 74250.
CEA an Overview: The Children Education allowance was introduced w.e.f. 1-9-2008 on the basis of the recommendation of 6th CPC.
In the background of escalation of school fees, and other expenses connected with education of Children, the present scheme has been a big relief for the Government employees.
Presently the allowance is admissible for two children, for studying in a recognized school upto XII standard.
The maximum ceiling is stipulated at Rs.18000/- since this allowance had been hiked by 50% because of the DA component in salary having been crossed 100% on 1.1.2014.
We suggest doubling of this allowance and increasing the same by 50 % whenever the DA crosses over by 50%
Procedure of Reimbursement: The commission also recommended that the simplification of procedure for reimbursement. For CEA, a certificate from the head of institution where the ward of government employee studies should be sufficient for this purpose.
The certificate should confirm that the child studied in the school during the previous academic year.
The insistence of receipt for each and every expense to claim the allowance is a cumbersome procedure, which serves no purpose at all.
In order to avoid a probable misuse, the employer may be asked to produce an affidavit to the effect this child/children were bonafide student of the school. The production of receipt may be dispensed with.
We also suggest that the scheme may be extended to cover children studying for Graduate/Post Graduate and Professional courses.
This suggestion is being made in view of the huge expenses involved for the children’s higher studies, especially in the background of the Government with from higher education sector and allowing private institutions to come up and extract exorbitant changes for courses.
Since the quantum of allowance is fixed with a ceiling on maximum, our suggestion increase the coverage.
| Latest Updates on CEA and HS |
| 7th CPC Children Education Allowance (CEA) and Hostel Subsidy – Consolidated instructions issued by DoPT |
| CEA and HS Income Tax Online Tool for Central Government Employees |
| All Central Government Employees Should Know the Key Points of CEA and HS |
| CEA and HS rates and reimbursement procedure to Railway Employees – Orders issued August 19, 2018 [View Post] |
| All Ministries and Departments follow the instructions issued by Finance Ministry – PCDA issued on 1.8.2018 August 8, 2018 [View Post] |
| Important order issued by DoPT on 17th July, 2018 [View Post] |
| Amount Fixed for Reimbursement of CEA 2250 pm May 11, 2018 Read more… |
| Clarification on Children Education Allowances – DOP May 3, 2018 Read more… |
| Guidelines for Submission of Children Education Allowance Claim April 18, 2018 Read more… |
| Guidelines for Payment of Children Education Allowance as per 7th CPC March 12, 2018 Read more… |
| Clarification orders on Children Education Allowance – DOPT issued on 31.10.2017 November 1, 2017 Read more… |
| 7th CPCChildren Education Allowance – Orders issued by DoPT on 16.8.2017 August 17, 2017 Read more… |
| Clarification on Children Education Allowance (CEA) – Dopt orders on 22.8.2016 August 23, 2016 Read more… |
| Clarification on Children Education Allowance as FAQ issued by Railway Board on 1.6.2015 June 9, 2015 Read more… |
| FAQ on Children Education Allowance, OTA / NDA, Honorarium/Fee, Leave – Dopt Order April 2015 April 29, 2015 Read more… |
| Grant of Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy to third child when first child is not in a position to go to school due to profound mental retardation. October 2, 2014 Read more… |
| Recommendation of JCM Staff Side on Children Education Allowance June 25, 2014 Read more… |
| Income tax exemption on children education allowance June 24, 2014 Read more… |
| Children Education Allowance – Frequently asked questions (13.05.2014) May 14, 2014 Read more… |
| DA Over 100% – Clarification on increase in certain allowances by further 25% w.e.f. 1.1.2014 April 28, 2014 Read more… |
| 100% D.A from January 2014 – Some Allowances and Advances Rise by 25% April 14, 2014 Read more… |
| FAQ on Children Education Allowance Scheme – Dopt Orders on 1.4.2014 April 1, 2014 Read more… |
FAQ on CEA and Hostel Subsidy
REIMBURSEMENT CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – CLARIFICATION ON LEAVE OR SUSPENSION
The Children Education Allowance or hostel subsidy shall be admissible to a Govt. servant while he/she is on duty…
CLASS ELIGIBILITY OF CHILDREN FOR CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE
Reimbursement of CEA and Hostel Subsidy shall be applicable for children from class nursery to twelfth…
UPPER AGE LIMIT FOR CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE
The upper age limit for Divyaang children has been set at 22 years…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – IN CASE OF RETIREMENT…
In case of retirement, discharge, dismissal or removal from service, clarification given…
CEA CLARIFICATION – IF A GOVERNMENT SERVANT DIES…
If a Government servant dies while in service, the Children Education Allowance or hostel subsidy…
CLARIFICATION ON CEA – CHILD FAILS IN A PARTICULAR CLASS
The reimbursement of Children Education Allowance and Hostel Subsidy shall have no nexus…
CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – DISTANCE OF RESIDENTIAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Clarification on distance for Residential Educational Institution studied children’s reimbursement…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – BOTH ARE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS
Clarification on Husband and wife both are Government Servants, reimbursement…
CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – PERIOD FOR REIMBURSEMENT
Quaterly, Half-Yearly or Annual reimbursement of Children Education Allowance…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – DA IMPACT
Increasing DA over 25%, the amount of Children Education Allowance…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – FOR DIVYAANG CHILDREN
Eligibility criteria of a Divyaang Children for reimbursement of CEA…
REIMBURSEMENT OF HOSTEL SUBSIDY – ELIGIBILITY OF AMOUNT
The amount of ceiling of hostel subsidy is…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – ELIGIBILITY OF AMOUNT
Eligibility amount of a Children for reimbursement of CEA…
REIMBURSEMENT OF CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE – ELIGIBILITY OF CHILDREN
In case of failure of sterilization operation,…
CHILDREN EDUCATION ALLOWANCE PAYABLE FOR CITIZENS OF NEPAL AND BHUTAN – CLARIFICATION
CEA is payable for the children of all Central Government employees including citizens of Nepal and Bhutan…
Thanks for sharing such information I really like it
My father is serving in air force now…35years of service finished..I am pursuing my b.ed (46k/year).so can my father get any amount refunded.pls reply
If he is having GPF amount he can take loan. If more amount require he can give VRS, so that he will be given Gratuity, balance of GPF, Insurance amount, encashment of leave amount, & commutation amount.
Is retired as junior warrant officer eligible for CEA if his ward studying in class 7th -12 th
After retirement not eligible to claim CEA.
Latest cghs impanneled hospital in Kolkata please
I am central govt employee my children studying in Central School
Kya I apply CEA
I am working in a central government mental hospital and my daughter is studying in nursary in a Montessori school which is unrecognised and not affiliated to a board. May I entitle to claim CEA reimbursement as per 7th CPC? My office refused to reimburse CEA claim as the school is unrecognised, please kindly suggest.
If child failed in class, can CEA be claimed again
Can pensioner reimburse the children education allowance.