Fry Scholarship in Minnesota: Education for Surviving Dependents

The Fry Scholarship is available to unmarried dependent children under age 23 (with limited exceptions to age 26) of service members who meet specific criteria under 38 U.S.C. section 3532. Eligible service members include those who died on active duty in the line of duty, died from a service-connected condition, or have a 100% permanent disability rating based on service-connected condition.

The dependent child must be the biological, adopted, or stepchild of the qualifying service member. Birth children and children legally adopted before the service member's death or disability rating qualify. The service member's service must have been honorable, meaning discharge papers show "Honorable" or "General Under Honorable Conditions" characterization.

Children of service members on active duty who died after September 11, 2001, generally qualify regardless of whether the death occurred in theater or while on active duty status. Children of service members rated 100% permanently disabled may begin using benefits when the disability rating is established, though the child must still meet age requirements.

The child must be enrolled in an approved educational institution, including colleges, universities, vocational schools, and flight schools. The program covers full-time and part-time study. Income and asset limits do not apply; the benefit is based solely on the parent's service status and disability or death status.

Children of surviving spouses of qualifying service members may also be eligible in some circumstances. The child must not be receiving military educational assistance simultaneously and cannot be eligible for federal educational benefits from another source while using the Fry Scholarship.

For academic year 2024–2025, the Fry Scholarship maximum monthly benefit rate is $2,452.07, equaling approximately $29,436 annually for full-time enrollment. This amount covers tuition, fees, and an approved living allowance. Part-time students receive prorated amounts based on enrollment intensity.

Benefit rates adjust annually in August based on the cost of living adjustment (COLA). Rates vary slightly depending on institution type: public school, private school, or approved training programs. The VA pays benefits directly to the educational institution for tuition and fees, with living allowance paid directly to the student.

Children pursuing programs longer than four years (such as certain graduate programs) may receive benefits for the extended period, provided they remain otherwise eligible. The total lifetime benefit is not capped by a dollar amount but rather by the time limit of 36 months of full-time training or equivalent part-time usage.

Minnesota does not provide supplementary state-level Fry Scholarship benefits because this program operates exclusively under federal administration through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Fry Scholarship is a wholly federal educational benefit program with uniform eligibility, payment rates, and application procedures across all states, including Minnesota.

While Minnesota offers various state veterans benefits and educational assistance programs (such as the Minnesota State Grant for veterans), these are separate from and do not overlap with the Fry Scholarship. Minnesota veterans' families using the Fry Scholarship should not expect state supplements to the federal benefit amount.

However, Minnesota-based educational institutions may offer institutional scholarships or aid packages to Fry Scholarship recipients. Some Minnesota schools (University of Minnesota, Minnesota State colleges, and private institutions) have dedicated veteran student services offices that can coordinate the Fry Scholarship with other financial aid. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to explore additional state or institutional aid opportunities that layer on top of the federal Fry benefit.

Minnesota residents may also be eligible for separate federal Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA), or state-specific veteran education programs, depending on the service member's service era and disability circumstances. These programs operate independently of the Fry Scholarship and do not reduce Fry payments.

Fry Scholarship claims are most commonly denied due to discharge characterization issues. If the service member's discharge was "Other Than Honorable" or "Dishonorable," the dependent is ineligible. Always verify the DD Form 214 shows "Honorable" or "General Under Honorable Conditions." Discharges can sometimes be upgraded through the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR); if you have documentation that the characterization was incorrect, contact a Veterans Service Officer for upgrade assistance.

Age is a second leading denial reason. Fry Scholarship eligibility requires the child to be under age 23 (or up to age 26 in narrow circumstances). If a child turned 23 before submitting the application, they are ineligible. Applicants must apply before the child's 23rd birthday and enroll at an approved school before that deadline.

Missing or incorrect service member disability documentation causes many denials. For deceased service members, the VA requires an official death certificate. For 100% disabled service members, the VA disability rating letter must be on file with VA. If the service member is not yet rated or has a rating below 100%, the child is ineligible. Request the disability rating letter from VA.gov or by calling 888-442-4551.

Incorrect institution approval status is a common problem. The school, college, or training program must be VA-approved. Some online programs, trade schools, or international institutions are not approved. Before applying, verify the institution at www.va.gov/education/approved-schools/. If your school is not approved, the VA will deny the claim even if the child is otherwise eligible.

Missing proof of relationship documents, such as a birth certificate, adoption decree, or marriage certificate (for stepchildren), results in denial. The VA requires legal documentation showing the dependent relationship. Ensure all names match between documents. Name changes (marriage, legal name change) require supporting documentation.

If the VA denies your Fry Scholarship claim, you have the right to appeal through one of three appeal lanes: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review (HLR), or Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). Each lane has different rules, timelines, and is best suited to different situations.

The Supplemental Claim lane is best if you have new evidence the VA did not consider. You have one year from the date of the denial to file a Supplemental Claim using VA Form 20-0995. Examples of new evidence include newly obtained disability rating letters, corrected discharge papers, or birth certificates. This lane is fastest, typically deciding within 4–6 weeks. File at www.va.gov/decide or by mail.

The Higher-Level Review (HLR) lane is best if you believe the VA made an error in interpreting existing evidence but have no new documents. You have one year from denial to request HLR using VA Form 20-0996. An HLR officer (not the original rater) will review your case. This lane takes 4–6 months. HLR does not add new evidence; it challenges the logic of the original decision.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) lane is best for complex cases or if Supplemental and HLR have already been denied. You have one year from denial to appeal to the BVA using VA Form 10182. You can request a hearing (in-person, phone, or video). BVA decisions take 6–12 months or longer. The BVA may overturn the VA's decision if evidence shows the child is eligible.

Free appeal help is available through accredited Veterans Service Officers, registered VA agents, or attorneys at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Contact your county Veterans Service Office or the Veterans Service Division at 651-296-2562. Do not pay anyone to file an appeal; VSO help is always free.