Up to $500 a year for four years toward school or college for a New Jersey child aged 16 to 21 whose resident parent died in wartime service, died later of a disability from that service, or is listed as missing in action. The amount has not changed since 1952.
Also called: N.J.S.A. 38:20-1, N.J.S.A. 38:20-2, N.J.S.A. 38:20-3, war orphans, $500, Veterans' Tuition Grants, missing in action.
Chapter 20 of Title 38 provides educational grants to "war orphans".
Who. Under N.J.S.A. 38:20-1, a child between 16 and 21, domiciled in New Jersey for at least 12 months before applying, whose parent was a New Jersey resident and was killed in action or died from other causes while a member of the Armed Forces in time of war or emergency, is officially listed as missing in action, or died of disease or disability resulting from that service. The statute defines "in time of emergency" to include "any time of armed hostility or conflict with a foreign adversary after December 31, 1960", which reaches post-9/11 service.
How much. N.J.S.A. 38:20-2 caps the grant at $500 a year per child, for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies at an approved secondary, technical, professional or college-level school in New Jersey, or outside it if the course is not offered here. N.J.S.A. 38:20-3 allows no more than four annual allotments, and the Department of Veterans Affairs checks aptitude, financial need and attendance. Under N.J.S.A. 38:20-4 a child approved before 21 keeps receiving the allotments after turning 21.
The $500 figure dates from 1952, and the fiscal 2027 budget sets aside $4,000 for all veterans' tuition grants together. Federal Dependents' Educational Assistance and the Fry Scholarship pay far more and can be used alongside it. Apply to the Veterans Benefits Bureau.
Thresholds
Thresholds for New Jersey War Orphans Education Grant
Gate
Rule
Resident parent died in or from wartime service, or is MIA; child 16 to 21 with a year in New Jersey
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.