Given the financial hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reminding people that some children pursuing a post-high school education or training "at an approved institution in the Commonwealth" could be eligible for financial assistance if their parent is a disabled or deceased veteran.
“We recognize that COVID-19 has posed financial challenges for many of us and that includes the military community,” said Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general of Veterans Affairs. “That is why we like to remind veterans and their family members of financial assistance they might be eligible to receive, such as Educational Gratuity. We encourage everyone who meets the criteria to apply for this benefit now.”
The program provides assistance to children of veterans who have 100% service-related disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict. Children of veterans who die or died in service during war or armed conflict are also eligible to receive the financial supplement. According to Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, "payments will not exceed $500 per term or semester per qualified child to each approved educational institution over a total of eight terms or semesters."
To qualify, the children must be between the ages of 16 and 23, must live within Pennsylvania five years prior to application, must attend a school within the state and must have a financial need.
