Students whose parent served during a qualifying wartime period and died in service, was rated 40 percent or more service-connected disabled, or was declared missing in action or a prisoner of war can receive $450 a year toward their studies. Qualifying periods are Afghanistan from September 18, 2001, Iraq from October 16, 2002, the Persian Gulf from August 2, 1990, Vietnam and Indochina from December 22, 1961 to May 7, 1975, Korea from June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955, World War II from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946, World War I from April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918, Merchant Seaman service from December 7, 1941 to August 15, 1945, and service that earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in Panama, Grenada or Lebanon.
Complete the New York State Child of Veteran Award online application with your supporting documents. Once your eligibility is established, complete the New York State Tuition Assistance Program application and the FAFSA. If you were born with spina bifida and your parent is a Vietnam veteran who served in Indochina between December 22, 1961 and May 7, 1975, email scholarships@hesc.ny.gov instead. For help, book a call using the New York HESC call scheduler.
The veteran parent’s discharge paperwork showing wartime service, documentation of their death, 40 percent or higher VA disability rating, or missing in action or prisoner of war status, proof of your relationship to them, and proof of the veteran’s New York residency.
