The Veterans Administration offers up to 45 months of education benefits towards degree and certificate programs, on-the-job training and apprenticeships for children of military servicepeople who died, became disabled or were missing in action or captured by an enemy. Eligible children between the ages of 18 and 26 must submit an Application for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, VA Form 22-5490 (see Resources) to obtain the scholarship assistance.
The GI Bill's Transfer Education Benefits (TEB) allows servicepeople to transfer their own education benefits to their children. Military servicepeople may transfer their entire three years of education benefits to their children or any unused portion of the benefits. Eligible children aged 18 to 26 must maintain membership in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS). They must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency. The serviceperson may make the TEB transfer after serving 10 years in the military, entitling the recipient child to tuition, a monthly living stipend and a books and supplies stipend.
Some states offer children of deceased servicepeople or children of deceased veterans tuition assistance for their children who study in a state institution of higher learning. Qualifications to receive this assistance differ among the states. Eligibility may include only undergraduate programs. Each state limits eligibility to children of its state's residents.
Private initiatives offer varying educational financial aid packages to children of veterans. The Army Emergency Relief gives financial aid to children of active or retired soldiers through the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program. The Air Force Aid Society's General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program provides scholarships to selected children of active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force service personnel. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers scholarships and low-interest loans to children of navy veterans and active servicepeople who study full-time at a technical, vocational or other post-secondary institution. National Military Family Association awards the Joanne Holbrook scholarship to children of active-duty and retired service people including the National Guard and the Reserves.