Support for Military Families

The Post 9/11 GI Bill allows service members to transfer unused educational benefits to immediate dependent family members (spouses and children). Transferred benefits may be able to pay for college tuition, housing, books, and supplies after high school graduation until the dependent child has turned 26 years old. The service member must transfer these benefits while still serving in the active or reserve component of the Armed Forces. Additionally, this transfer must occur between 6-16 years of military service and the service member must also agree to serve four more years in the active or reserve component from the date of transfer. In addition to the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, service members (and their dependents) who qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% level may also be eligible to receive additional tuition benefits under the Yellow Ribbon program to help pay for tuition costs to attend private or public schools when the tuition fees exceed the authorized in-state rates. 

Spouse and dependents can apply for up to 36 months of benefits and may be able to receive money for tuition, housing, books, and supplies.

There are additional qualifiers to transferability and eligibility that can be found on the Veterans Administration website. Military youth should be encouraged to discuss this benefit with their veteran parents as well as the Military/Veteran program point of contact or the VA Certifying Official at the university or college to which they are applying for additional information on these programs. 

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The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship awards tuition assistance to children of fallen or severely disabled veterans who served during a period of declared conflict or war. Student must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate study and pursuing a Bachelors or Associates degree at an eligible Ohio college or university and must be under the age of 25. Benefits cover a portion of instructional and general fees at a two- or four-year public institution. Applications are made to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, State Grands and Scholarships Department. 

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The Fry Scholarship provides Post 9/11 GI benefits to children and spouses of fallen service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after 09/10/2001. Beneficiaries may receive up to 36 months of benefits at 100%. Children are eligible as of their 18th birthday (unless they have already grdauated from high school). A child may be over the age of 23 and be married; eligibility ends on their 33rd birthday. 

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The Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) began establishing itself around the country between 2007 and 2009. The MIC3's sole purpose is to facilitate timely enrollment of K-12 students in school systems during any point in an academic year due to Active Duty assignments of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The MIC3 supports the transfer of school and student records and seeks to remove barriers due to variations in local districts, including everything from entrance and age requirements to graduation across the states and the District of Columbia.

The MIC3 commissioners, states, and local districts shall endeavor to do what is in the best interest and most appropriate for a "military kid" and his/her family. Ensuring that that "kid" stays on course for a successful K-12 education experience and a successful high school graduation. 

What children are eligible for assistance under the compact?

Children of:

• active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard, and Reserve on active duty orders
• members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one (1) year
• members who died on active duty

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Our Military Kids pays for children ages 3 through twelfth grade of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel to participate in youth sports, fine arts, and tutoring programs. This is a way of recognizing the sacrifices the entire family is making while the service member is deployed overseas. 

To apply, just send in the required documentation listed on the application, including deployment orders, proof of the child's dependent status, and cost information for the activity of your choice. The grant will cover up to six months of instruction for the activity you select, with a maximum grant award of up to $300 per child. If everything is in order and funding is available, a check will be sent to the organization within two weeks. The child will be notified via mail with an award packet. 

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Regional Troop and Family Assistance Specialists and Airmen and Family Readiness Program Managers are highly trained professionals who provide information, resources, referrals, and assistance to all service members and families before, during, and after deployments or whenever there is a need.

To reach the troop and family assistance center specialist in your region, call 1-800-589-9914

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