Benefits for a Military Dependent in College

I am a dependent of a military member and I've heard there may be some benefits towards my college tuition because of this. Can anyone provide any details about the types of assistance available and the process of applying for them?

Absolutely, there are several resources which offer financial assistance to military dependents for their college education.

1. Post-9/11 GI Bill: This is one of the most impactful benefits where the military member can transfer all or some of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to their dependents. The benefits can cover up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees for public colleges for up to 36 months, and provides a stipend for books and housing. To be eligible, the military member must have served at least 6 years, and agree to serve 4 more when transferring the benefits.

2. Fry Scholarship: This is specifically for the children and spouses of servicemembers who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. It provides similar benefits to the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

3. State Benefits: Each state may offer additional benefits, such as tuition waivers or scholarships. It is a good idea to research what your state offers as well.

4. Military Spouse and Family Educational Assistance Programs: These programs are usually offered by individual branches of the military, including the Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Air Force Aid Society.

5. Scholarships: Several organizations offer scholarships specifically for military dependents, such as the Military Child of the Year Award, or the AMVETS National Scholarship Program.

To apply for these benefits, you would first need to confirm your eligibility, and then fill out the necessary paperwork for transfer of the benefits. For state benefits, each state will have its own procedure, typically found on your state's Department of Veterans Affairs or similar website. For scholarships, you would need to apply for each individually, following the criteria laid out by the organization.

Remember that some of these benefits might also need renewal annually, so make sure to check on any ongoing requirements. Hope this information helps, good luck!