Hey everyone! My family has a military background and I've heard something about college students of military families getting some sort of monthly financial assistance. Could anyone shed some light on this, and how to potentially apply for it?
Hello! What you might be referring to is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides education benefits for military veterans, service members, and some dependents of veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty since Sept. 10, 2001.
One of the main benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is a monthly housing allowance, which is essentially a stipend to help with living expenses. The amount depends on the cost of living where your school is located. It's important to note that in order to qualify for this stipend, students must be attending school more than half-time.
The application process for the Post-9/11 GI Bill is quite straightforward. You can apply online through the VA's website. After submitting the application, the VA will review it and send a Certificate of Eligibility, which will detail the specific benefits a student is entitled to. You need to provide the college's financial aid office with this certificate.
There's another military-connected program you might consider if applicable: the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program. If you are the son or daughter of a service member who died, is missing, or was permanently disabled while on duty, you may be eligible for this program. It provides a monthly payment to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other school fees.
Remember that while these sources of aid can be very helpful, you should still fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The aid provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and DEA program is not affected by any financial aid you might receive through the FAFSA.
In general, your college's financial aid office, as well as the VA's website, can provide valuable resources and assistance in navigating these options. Good luck in your journey!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.