Can I Qualify for College Grants if My Dad Was in the Military?
If you are the child of a military veteran and are seeking financial assistance for college, there are a variety of programs to investigate. You may be eligible for assistance via the Department of Veterans Affairs as part of the post-9/11 GI Bill. There are also programs available to help the children of disabled and deceased veterans, as well as a number of scholarships underwritten by private donations to veterans organizations.
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Post-9/11 GI Bill
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A relatively recent change to the GI Bill allows veterans to transfer their GI Bill educational benefits to their dependents. To qualify, your parent or guardian must have at least six years of service either in the active components of the U.S. Armed Forces or as a drilling reservist or National Guard member. In most cases, there is an additional service requirement of up to four years, as well. However, there is no additional service required for those eligible to retire on August 1, 2009.
Spouses may use the benefits immediately. Children of veterans may only use the benefits after the sponsor has completed ten years of service.
Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)
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This is a program run through the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist the dependents of veterans who have been disabled or have passed away. To qualify, you must be a child or spouse of a veteran who died from, or was was permanently and totally disabled in, a service-connected incident or illness, or who has been captured or listed as missing in action.
You must also be between the ages of 18 and 26 to apply, though there are some exceptions. The program provides education benefits for up to 45 months for qualifying dependents of these veterans.
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Relief Societies
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The Air Force and Army each have their own relief societies, which provide charitable assistance and low-interest loans to military families who are undergoing financial difficulties. The Navy and Marine Corps also have a joint relief society serving those families, as well. Each of these societies sponsors scholarships to assist the children or spouses of military members seeking to raise money for college. See the Resources section for links.
Military Organizations
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A number of private foundations founded in support of America's military offer their own scholarships to deserving students. Examples include the Association of the United States Army, the Reserve Officers Association, the Marine Corps League, the Fisher House Foundation, and many others.
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