Hey guys, my dad was in the military and I heard there might be some college benefits for military dependents like me. Does anyone know what I should look into specifically? Any benefits, scholarships, or grants I might not be aware of?
Yes, there are several benefits for dependents of military personnel. The benefits generally depend on your parent's status - active, retired, or discharged. Here are a few you can look into:
1. GI Bill Benefits Transfer: If your father served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he may have the option to pass on his Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to his dependents. This can cover a significant portion of your tuition and fees and even provide a stipend for books and housing.
2. Fry Scholarship: This is available for children of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept.10,2001. The scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits covering up to full tuition.
3. Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA): If your parent is permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or if they passed away because of a service-connected condition, you might qualify for DEA benefits.
4. State-specific benefits: Some states offer additional scholarships or tuition waivers for children of veterans. For example, Texas has the Hazlewood Act, which provides education benefits to eligible Texas veterans and their dependent children.
5. Scholarships for military dependents: There are many scholarships targeted specifically at military children. For instance, the Military Commanders' Scholarship Fund, the AMVETS National Scholarship Program, and the Scholarships for Military Children Program administered by the Fisher House Foundation.
Remember to also fill out FAFSA, as you might qualify for federal student aid, and it is often a requirement for many scholarships.
It's important to note that while these benefits can be extremely helpful, navigating the process can be a bit complex. Take time to understand each program's application process, eligibility criteria, and deadlines, and don't hesitate to seek help from your school counselor or a Veterans Affairs office.
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