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The American Legion Expands Legacy Scholarship Eligibility, AidThe American Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund has helped children of servicemembers killed on active duty since 9/11 pay for the rising cost of higher education. Now, children of post-9/11 veterans with a VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher are also eligible to apply to the scholarship, which will award up to $20,000 in aid per applicant each year. Changes to the scholarship will go into effect starting with the 2017 application, which is due April 20, 2017. "The American Legion will continue to ensure that the children of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war on terrorism will receive the assistance they need in obtaining the best education possible," said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett. "The children of the fallen will remain a priority with the Legacy Scholarship. However, we are expanding the qualification criteria because it is critically important that we meet the needs of children of veterans who live with the aftermath of war every day." Since the Legacy Scholarship's inception following the Sept. 11 attacks, more than $440,000 has been awarded to help children of the fallen with the expense of graduate or post-graduate tuition, books, room and board, meal plans, transportation and other supplies needed to achive a higher education. "The American Legion Riders have worked hard to raise funds over the years for the Legacy Scholarship," Barnett said. "I want to personally thank them for the work they have done to raise awareness and funds for this important scholarship. And also thank them for their support as the criteria for the scholarship has been updated to help more young men and women. This program would not be nearly as successful without the dedication of our American Legion Riders." With the increase in aid awarded, the Legacy Scholarship is now a needs-based one. The grant amount each scholarship recipient will receive will be based on his or her financial need after all federal and state aid is exhausted. Recipients will have a year to use the grant and may reapply to the scholarship up to six times. And the number of scholarships awarded and the amount of financial aid granted to each awardee (this includes returning applicants) will be determined on donations to the scholarship fund and one's financial needs. New and returning Legacy Scholarship applicants can apply online at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy; completed applications must be submitted by April 20 each year. For children of the fallen, this includes legally adopted children, the parent did not have to die in combat or on foreign soil. And for children of post-9/11 disabled veterans, it is important to note that the veteran must have a 50 percent or higher disability rating from the VA, not from the Social Security Administration. Paperwork showing the VA disability rating - and a military death certificate for the fallen servicemember - will be required in the application process. With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs, National Security, Americanism and Children & Youth. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160506005339/en/ |
