The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will make financial assistance available to eligible children of veterans through the Educational Gratuity Program. This program is designed to provide financial assistance for those pursuing higher education at a school in the commonwealth.

Children eligible for the assistance include those of honorably discharged veterans who have complete service-connected disabilities or children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. Eligible children must be between the ages of 16 and 23, must have lived within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for five years prior to the application, and must attend a school within the commonwealth.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate a financial need. Payments will not exceed $500 per term or semester per qualified child over a total of eight terms or semesters. To apply, contact the Veterans Affairs director in the county of residence.

For more information about the program's criteria, eligibility, and needed documentation, visit http://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva.