Financial Assistance for Higher Education to Eligible Dependents of Disabled and Deceased Veterans
With winter break upon us, now is a good time to look into educational benefits for the children of severely disabled and deceased veterans offered by the DMVA.
The Educational Gratuity Program supports children of veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and who have 100% permanent service-connected disabilities incurred during a period of war or armed conflict, as well as the children of veterans who died in active service during a period of war or armed conflict.
Educational Gratuity payments are based on the need remaining after application of all other financial aid, not to exceed $500 per term or semester per qualified child. Payments are issued directly to the educational institutions over a total of eight terms or semesters.
To apply for Educational Gratuity, contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs for the county in which you reside.
The surviving spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members who died or were killed in the line of duty on state or federal orders may also be eligible for a waiver of tuition and fees at all state-owned (PASSHE), state-related, and community colleges and universities, as well as certain state-supported trade schools.
To apply for the Pennsylvania National Guard Survivors’ Tuition Waiver, contact a DMVA veterans services officer at 717-861-8910 or 800-547-2838 (toll free). Casualty assistance officers may inquire with the department on the survivors’ behalf as well.