Fry Scholarship

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Section 1002 of Public Law 111-32 September 04, 2009 This document provides an overview of the Fry Scholarship provisions in Public Law 111-32, signed by the President on June 24, 2009. Public Law 111-32 amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33) to include an additional category of eligible individuals.

Fry Scholarship Provisions

Adds a category of individuals eligible under ch33 effective 08/01/09:

• Child of an active duty member of the Armed Forces who dies in the line of duty on or after 9/11/01.
• Definition of a child includes a married child or an individual above the age of 23.

Eligibility:

• Eligible for 36 months of entitlement at the 100% benefit level
• Period of eligibility is 15 years beginning on his/her 18th birthday (delimiting date is 33rd birthday)
• Cannot use benefit before age 18 even if he/she has completed high school
• Not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program

If a child eligible for ch33 benefits under this category (line of duty death of a parent) is serving, or has served, in the Armed Forces, the following rules apply:

• If the child is eligible under ch30, ch1606, or ch1607 on 8/1/09, then he/she must relinquish eligibility under one of those programs to receive benefits under ch33.
• A child's character of discharge from his/her own service does not impact eligibility resulting from the line of duty death of a parent.
• A child on active duty will receive benefits at the active duty benefit rate (eligible for unlimited T&F but not eligible for monthly housing allowance or books & supplies stipend).
• A child who meets the service requirements to transfer entitlement under ch33, may be eligible to transfer up to 36 months of entitlement to a dependent(s).

VA will begin accepting applications for individuals applying for benefits under the Fry Scholarship provision effective May 1, 2010. VA must begin issuing payment to children eligible for benefits under this category of the Post-9/11 GI Bill not later than 08/01/10, including retroactive payments for eligible children enrolled during the period of 08/01/09 through 07/31/10. Processing instructions will be issued prior to 08/01/10.

Note: Children currently enrolled in school may apply to receive benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (chapter 35). They may opt to receive a retroactive payment under the Fry Scholarship provision by submitting an application on or after May 1, 2010.