In the past two years, life expectancy has declined significantly in the country. A man’s average life expectancy decreased from 79 to 73.2 years old in 2019, while a woman’s average life expectancy declined to 76 years old. This shift in trend has also resulted in more children living without a parent by age 18. It is estimated that nearly 8% of American kids, or 1 in 13, will experience the death of their siblings or parents — equivalent to 5.6 million orphaned children and teens.
The absence of a parent can make life extremely challenging. Since many organizations recognize the detrimental impact this loss can have on your ability to afford certain things, financial aid for students with deceased parents, along with scholarships and grants, is provided. Read the article to learn more.
What Is The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for federal student assistance, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. By filling up and submitting the FAFSA, you can access the largest pool of financial aid for college education and other necessary expenses.
Your FAFSA details may also be used by private organizations or charities to determine your eligibility for their financial assistance programs. In addition, some colleges and universities also use your FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for their scholarships and student aid.
How To Complete The FAFSA If Your Parents Are Deceased
The first step in applying for financial help is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even under ideal conditions, the form can seem complicated; if you’ve lost a parent, the process may seem significantly more challenging.
It is not permissible to use the income information of your deceased parents. Fill out the FAFSA only with the income and personal information of your surviving parent. It is important to remember that even if your parents were recently deceased, you should not use their parental information.
If you have no surviving parent, you will be designated as an independent student. This means that your assistance eligibility will be based on your gross income, total assets owned, and living expenses.
Scholarships For Children With Deceased Parents
Paying for college and career schools can be extremely difficult, especially for students with deceased parents. Aside from assistance provided by FAFSA, you may also be eligible for other scholarship programs from non-profit and charitable organizations. You can also check out some need-based scholarships that cater to your current life circumstances.
Aretta J. Graham Scholarship
Students enrolled in the College of ACES at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign are eligible for the Aretta J. Graham scholarship. You will be given priority for the scholarship if one or both of your parents have passed away, but it may also be given to kids who live in a single-parent household or to students who are single parents.
David J. Ewing Scholarship
The University of North Texas offers the David J. Ewing Scholarship to students whose parents have passed away. However, the amount provided varies depending on the available funding. As a result, this scholarship program is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To qualify, you must also submit two letters of recommendation, any transcripts of records from your high school or college, a two-page essay outlining your need for the scholarship, and a copy of your FAFSA and Student Aid Report.
Families Of Freedom
The Family of Freedom scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to the surviving family members of those killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Applicants enrolled at the Families Of Freedom Scholarship Fund may use the award to finance their education at two- or four-year universities as well as trade or technical schools.
MaryEllen Locher Foundation
Full-time students at two- or four-year colleges whose moms either beat breast cancer or passed away from the complications of breast cancer are eligible for the MaryEllen Locher Foundation scholarship award. The scholarship can be extended each academic year with the necessary documents, given that the student is doing well in school.
When applying for this scholarship program, evaluations for eligibility will be based on your financial situation, grades, and an essay explaining your need for educational assistance.
Forgotten Dependents
The Forgotten Dependents scholarship is created for the surviving dependents, specifically the children of deceased U.S. military troops and personnel. You may apply for this program through their online application portal. At the same time, you have to submit all necessary supporting documents, including:
- High school transcripts
- Death certificate of your parents
- A copy of the DD-214
- A copy of your ACT or SAT scores
- Two recommendation letters
Find Help For Your Education
In addition to the financial aid for students with deceased parents offered by charities and private organizations, you may also be able to find grants and programs provided by your state. Visit your state’s Department of Education website to discover other potential scholarships.
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