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Fry Scholarships were created in memory of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry. They are connected with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, but only benefit the surviving spouses and children of service members who have died on active duty while serving their country after September 10, 2001.
The Fry Scholarship is a military benefits program that provides educational assistance to the surviving family members of service members who died while on active duty. Eligible family members may receive up to 36 months of 100 percent reimbursement for three categories. School fees and tuition are fully covered for those who attend public schools as in-state students.
The reimbursements for those who those attend private schools are capped at a preset maximum amount that is allowed academic year. There is also a monthly housing allowance and books and academic supplies stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
Children of deceased service members are eligible for these benefits as long as they begin the approved educational program before they reach the age of 18. Eligibility for children ends when they turn 33 years old.
The child’s marital status does not affect eligibility. Surviving spouses are eligible to receive benefits after the first of January, 2015. However, their eligibility typically ends 15 years after the service member’s deceased date.
If the spouse remarries during the 15 year period, they will lose eligibility. Take note that surviving spouses or children who receive benefits under the Montgomery GI Bills or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) must relinquish eligibility before they can qualify for benefits under Post-9/11 GI Bill.
When are Scholarships Taxable?
Your scholarship may or may not be taxable. As a general rule, a scholarship or fellowship is tax-free if you are pursuing a degree and the funds are used for tuition and fees, books, supplies, and equipment. However, some scholarships and fellowships may not qualify for tax exemption. Any portion of the scholarship used for room and board or a living stipend is considered taxable. Additionally, there are rules in place to prevent double benefits from education tax credits and the use of scholarships or fellowships.
Fry vs. DEA
Children who are eligible for both Fry Scholarships and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) cannot receive both. A child whose service member parent died after July 31 of 2011 must make a permanent decision between the two when applying for educational benefits.
A child whose service member parent died before August 1 of 2011 is eligible for both benefits, but they may only use one program at a time. Surviving spouses may be eligible for either program but they must select the benefit program they want for educational assistance.
These benefits stop when the individual reaches a total of 81 months of training.
Fry Scholarships Benefits
Benefits include full tuition & fees paid directly to the school for all public school in-state students, a monthly housing allowance, and a books & supplies stipend. For those attending private or foreign schools, tuition & fees are capped at a statutory maximum amount per academic year.
Fry Scholarship VA
The Fry Scholarship is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is available to eligible dependents of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible dependents who are pursuing a degree or certification program at a post-secondary educational institution. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, a housing allowance, a book stipend, and a tutorial assistance allowance.
Fry Scholarship Housing Allowance
The Fry Scholarship provides a housing allowance to eligible dependents who are pursuing a degree or certification program at a post-secondary educational institution. The housing allowance is based on the military's Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This allowance is intended to help cover the cost of housing while the student is attending school. The housing allowance is paid directly to the student and is tax-free.
Where to Find Scholarship Ppportunities
There are many scholarship opportunities available to dependents of service members who died in the line of duty. Some of these scholarships are available through government agencies, such as the VA, while others are offered by private organizations. To find scholarship opportunities, you can start by visiting the VA's website and searching for educational benefits for surviving dependents. You can also search online for organizations that offer scholarships specifically for military dependents. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer scholarships to military dependents, so it is a good idea to check with the financial aid office at the school you are interested in attending.
