Public Law 111-32, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. The benefit is effective August 1, 2009; the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill® takes effect. Eligible children attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance under this program.
Children of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for this benefit. A child may be married or over 23 and still be eligible.
Effective January 01, 2015, VA educational benefits have been expanded under Section 701 of this Act. Specifically, this section extends the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship to surviving spouses of military personnel who die in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
Spouse – DEA vs Fry Scholarship:
Children currently enrolled in school may apply for benefits under VA’s Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. The application for this benefit is available online, and there is a link on the GI Bill® website, www.gibill.va.gov. The link takes the user to VONAPP, the online application. Select VA Form 22-5490, Application for Dependents’ Educational Assistance, to apply. If you are a son or daughter, under legal age, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
For more information, call toll-free 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551), or visit the VA GI Bill® Website at http://www.gibill.va.gov