Educational Gratification Program provides financial assistance to eligible children of veterans

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – As the school year approaches, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants children of eligible veterans to know that the Free Education Program provides financial assistance to those who follow post-secondary education or training at an approved Commonwealth institution.

“We recognize that COVID-19 has posed financial challenges for many of us and that includes the military community,” said Brig. Gen. (AP) Maureen Weigl, Deputy Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs. “That’s why we like to remind veterans and their family members of the financial assistance they may be eligible for, such as the school gratuity. We encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply for this benefit now. »

The program supports children of honorably discharged veterans who have 100% service-related disabilities who served during a period of war or armed conflict, or children of veterans who died or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. To be eligible, a child of a veteran must be between the ages of 16 and 23, live in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania five years prior to application, and attend a Commonwealth school. All applicants must be in financial need.

Payments will not exceed $500 per term or semester per eligible child at each designated educational institution for a total of eight terms or semesters.

To apply, contact the county director of veterans affairs in the county where you reside.

“Connecting veterans to the programs and services they have earned through their service is our goal,” Weigl added.

For more information on program criteria, eligibility, and necessary documentation, go to Free Education Program. Learn more about the DMVA by visiting us online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joseph Butera, DMVA, jobutera@pa.gov

# # #