Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

Name: Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Award Amount: Up to the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount for the applicable award year

Information And Eligibility:
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a federal education benefit created to support students who have experienced the loss of a parent or guardian as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan following the events of September 11. This grant is intended for students who meet nearly all Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements but are not eligible for Pell funding due to their Expected Family Contribution. By providing grant assistance that mirrors the value of a Pell Grant, the program ensures that eligible students are not financially disadvantaged because of technical eligibility thresholds.

This grant recognizes the unique circumstances faced by families of fallen service members and is designed to help students continue their education without taking on additional debt. Funds awarded through the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant do not need to be repaid, provided the student remains enrolled and meets ongoing eligibility requirements. Grant amounts may vary by year based on federal funding limits, enrollment status, and institutional cost of attendance rules.

Eligibility is tied directly to both family military service history and student enrollment status. To qualify, the student’s parent or guardian must have died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11. In addition, the student must have been under a specified age or enrolled in postsecondary education at least part time at the time of the parent or guardian’s death. These criteria ensure that the grant supports dependents who were directly impacted during their educational years.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year to be considered for the grant. The FAFSA is used to confirm eligibility and determine award amounts, even though the grant is not based on financial need in the same way as traditional need-based aid. Institutions apply the grant toward tuition, fees, and other eligible education-related expenses in accordance with federal guidelines.

Because the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is administered through the federal student aid system, it can be used at eligible colleges and universities that participate in federal aid programs. Students may receive this grant alongside other forms of federal, state, or institutional aid, subject to standard financial aid packaging rules. For qualifying students, the grant serves as a meaningful source of support that honors military sacrifice while helping recipients achieve their educational goals.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Parent or guardian must have died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11.
• Student must have been under the age of 24 or enrolled in college at least part time at the time of the parent or guardian’s death.
• Must meet all Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements except for Expected Family Contribution limits.
• Must be enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution.
• Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each award year.

Application Requirements:

• Submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Verification of parent or guardian military service and qualifying death, as required by the institution or federal aid system.
• Enrollment confirmation at an eligible college or university.
• Any additional documentation requested by the school’s financial aid office.

Deadline: FAFSA deadlines vary by award year and institution

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