Scholarships For Disabled Veterans Dependents

There are numerous scholarships available for dependents of disabled veterans, offered by federal, state, nonprofit, and private organizations. Here’s a breakdown of common opportunities:

Federal and State Scholarships

1. DEA (Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program):
   • Administered by the VA.
   • Provides up to 36 months of education benefits for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-related conditions.
   • Covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
   • Learn more at VA Dependents’ Educational Assistance.
2. State-Specific Programs: Many states offer scholarships or tuition waivers for dependents of disabled veterans. Examples:
   • California College Fee Waiver Program: Waives tuition at California state schools for eligible dependents.
   • Texas Hazlewood Act: Extends tuition exemption at public colleges in Texas for dependents.
   • Florida Scholarships for Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans: Provides tuition assistance for eligible students.

   Check with your state’s veterans’ affairs office.

Nonprofit and Private Scholarships

1. Folds of Honor Foundation:
   • Offers scholarships for spouses and children of disabled or deceased service members.
   • Learn more at Folds of Honor.
2. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation:
   • Provides college scholarships and educational counseling for children of disabled or deceased veterans.
   • Learn more at Fallen Patriots.
3. American Legion Legacy Scholarship:
   • For children of post-9/11 veterans who are 50% or more disabled.
   • Learn more at American Legion Legacy.
4. ThanksUSA Scholarships:
   • Provides scholarships for military dependents, including those of disabled veterans.
   • Learn more at ThanksUSA.

Education-Specific Resources

1. Scholarships.com:
   • Lists scholarships for military families and dependents, including those for disabled veterans’ families.
   • Visit Scholarships.com.
2. Fastweb.com:
   • A scholarship database where you can filter scholarships for dependents of disabled veterans.
   • Visit Fastweb.

Tips for Applying

1. Gather Documentation:
   • Proof of your dependent status (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
   • Verification of the veteran’s disability status from the VA.
2. Start Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines, often months before the academic year starts.
3. Look into Local Opportunities: Local veterans’ organizations (like VFW and American Legion chapters) often offer smaller scholarships.

Would you like help finding opportunities specific to your state or a particular area of study?

Here’s more detailed information about scholarships and assistance for dependents of disabled veterans:

Federal Programs

1. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program (Chapter 35):
   • Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
   • Provides up to 36-45 months of benefits for eligible dependents pursuing:
     • College degree programs
     • Non-college degree programs
     • On-the-job training, apprenticeships, or vocational courses
   • Monthly stipend provided to help with education expenses.
   • Eligibility: Dependents (spouses and children) of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions.
   • Learn more: VA DEA Benefits.
2. Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Benefits:
   • Veterans may transfer unused GI Bill education benefits to dependents if certain service requirements are met.
   • Covers tuition, housing, and other educational expenses.
3. Scholarships for Military Children Program:
   • Sponsored by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).
   • Awards scholarships to children of active-duty, retired, or disabled veterans.
   • Learn more: Military Children Scholarships.

State-Specific Programs

Many states offer unique educational benefits for dependents of disabled veterans. Here are examples:

1. Texas Hazlewood Legacy Act:
   • Allows veterans to transfer up to 150 credit hours of tuition exemption to their dependents.
   • Learn more: Hazlewood Act.
2. California College Fee Waiver for Veterans’ Dependents:
   • Waives tuition and fees for dependents attending California community colleges, CSU, or UC schools.
   • Eligibility includes income limits and veteran disability status.
   • Learn more: California College Fee Waiver.
3. Florida Tuition Waivers:
   • Provides full tuition coverage for dependents of disabled veterans attending public universities or colleges in Florida.
   • Learn more: Florida Veterans Benefits.

Private and Nonprofit Scholarships

1. Folds of Honor Scholarship:
   • Provides up to $5,000 per year for K-12 or higher education expenses.
   • Available to dependents of veterans with service-related disabilities or those killed in action.
   • Learn more: Folds of Honor.
2. Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship:
   • For dependents of Purple Heart recipients.
   • Awards vary annually based on available funding.
   • Learn more: MOPH Scholarship.
3. Scholarships for Military Dependents by AMVETS:
   • Provides scholarships for high school seniors who are children of disabled veterans.
   • Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000.
   • Learn more: AMVETS Scholarships.
4. Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship:
   • Offers scholarships for spouses and children of paralyzed veterans.
   • Awards up to $2,500 annually.
   • Learn more: PVA Scholarships.

Additional Resources

1. Branch-Specific Scholarships:
   • Each branch of the military often offers scholarships for dependents. Check organizations like:
     • Army Emergency Relief (AER)
     • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
     • Air Force Aid Society
2. Local and Community-Based Scholarships:
   • Check with local veterans’ organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion for smaller, community-based scholarship opportunities.
3. Online Search Tools:
   • Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com allow filtering based on military-dependent status and disability.

Application Process Tips

1. Prepare Early:
   • Gather required documents like proof of dependent status, the veteran’s VA disability documentation, transcripts, and FAFSA results.
2. Tailor Applications:
   • Customize essays and application materials for each scholarship. Highlight your connection to the veteran’s service and your educational goals.
3. Seek Help:
   • Contact the veteran service office in your state or the financial aid office at your school for assistance navigating these benefits.

Would you like help locating scholarships for a specific field of study, region, or educational level?