As the child of a military servicemember, I've heard a lot about some kind of free tuition benefits for military dependents. Does anyone know the specifics of how this works and how to apply?
Absolutely, some educational benefits are available for dependents of military servicemembers and veterans. One of the major programs is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Service members can transfer all 36 months or a portion of their benefits to a dependent. To be eligible, the servicemember has to serve at least six years, and agree to serve four more years. Exceptions are available for individuals nearing retirement. Once the Department of Defense approves benefits for transfer, the new beneficiaries (in this case, you) can apply to utilize these benefits using the VA Form 22-1990e or via the VA website. You’ll get a Certificate of Eligibility, which you can use when talking to the school about getting your benefits. The benefits available include tuition and fees paid directly to the school, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. The amount you receive is dependent on several factors, including the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees in the state where the school is located.
Another resource is the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. This is designed for children and spouses of veterans who are permanently disabled or died while on duty. Some states also have benefits for children of veterans, including scholarships or free tuition, so it might be worth checking if the state where your parent served offers these.
Don't forget, though, that while these benefits can help ease the burden, they may not cover all the costs. You'd need to factor in living expenses and any costs over the benefit cap. Consider completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for additional federal assistance. Remember, each program has different eligibility, application process, and benefits, so research each one thoroughly to choose the best one for your situation.
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