Understanding College Benefits for Military Kids

Hey, guys! My dad served in the military. I heard that military kids can sometimes get to go to college for free. Is this true? What qualifications do you have to meet to be entitled to this benefit?

Yes, there are educational benefits that can help cover or reduce the cost of college for children of military service members. One of the key programs is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides funding for the tuition and fees, books, and housing of military dependents. To qualify for these benefits, your parent must have served in the military after September 10, 2001, for at least 90 days of active duty.

The service member can transfer these benefits to their child. The transfer should ideally be made when the individual is still serving in the military, and the process is done through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Additionally, a variety of scholarships exist specifically for military dependents. These can vary greatly, from those offered by foundations or associations like the Fisher House Foundation's "Scholarship for Military Children" program, to smaller local scholarships. These typically have their own application processes and eligibility criteria, so it's best to research each one to see if you qualify.

Another notable program is the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program, intended for children of veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died in service or from a service-related condition. The DEA provides funding for tuition, books, and tutoring.

Keep in mind that eligibility for these benefits can depend on a range of factors including the length of your parent's service, the branch they were in, and their status (active, reserve, etc.). For precise eligibility and application process related to these benefits, you should look at the VA's official website or reach out to a VA counselor. Always remember to confirm the latest details as policies might change over time.Moreover, some colleges offer scholarships or tuition assistance programs for military children, so it's a good idea to research various institutions to pinpoint these opportunities. Reach out to the financial aid office of the colleges you're interested in, as they can provide more insight into how to take full advantage of these benefits.But remember, while these military benefits can make a huge difference, they might not necessarily cover all college costs. It's useful to consider all types of financial aid and scholarships as part of your college funding strategy.