Fry Scholarship in New Jersey: Education for Surviving Dependents
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
The Fry Scholarship is a federal education benefit providing up to 36 months of tuition, fees, books, and housing assistance for children of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability. For 2024, the monthly payment is $1,066 for full-time students, with additional amounts for books and supplies. New Jersey has no state-specific Fry Scholarship program; eligible dependents use the federal benefit at any approved institution nationwide, including New Jersey colleges and trade schools.
Key Facts
- •Fry Scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and housing at approved schools.
- •Eligible: children of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disability.
- •Up to 36 months of full-time education benefits available.
- •Use benefits at colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs.
- •Apply through VA.gov using VA Form 22-5490 or eBenefits.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
The Fry Scholarship is available to eligible children of veterans who meet specific death or disability criteria. The veteran's child must be between ages 18 and 26 at the time of application, though those with military service may qualify for an age waiver. Eligible children include those whose parent was a veteran who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability rated at 100% by the VA. Children of veterans who died from a non-service-connected condition after being retired with a 100% service-connected disability rating also qualify.
The veteran must have established a Chapter 33 SAVE account before their death or disability determination for the child to access benefits. Service-connected death or disability must result from service on or after September 11, 2001. The child must be enrolled in an approved VA school program such as a college, university, vocational or technical school, or flight training institution.
Eligible dependents cannot be married to the deceased or disabled veteran and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. There are no income or asset limits for Fry Scholarship eligibility. The benefit is portable and can be used at institutions nationwide, including New Jersey schools. Dependents must meet school enrollment requirements and cannot exceed 36 months of full-time education benefits total.
Benefit Amounts
For 2024, the Fry Scholarship monthly payment is $1,066 for a full-time student (17+ credit hours per semester or equivalent). For part-time students, the payment is reduced proportionally based on credit hours. Additional payments include a flat amount for books and supplies of $75 per month while enrolled. For apprenticeship programs, the monthly amount is $1,066 for the first 6 months, then $803.50 for months 7-24, and $540 for months 25 and beyond.
Housing allowance rates vary by geographic location and school type. Veterans Administration adjusts rates based on zip code and enrollment status. The benefit includes a yearly COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) applied January 1st each year. The total lifetime entitlement is up to 36 months of full-time education equivalent. Rates are indexed annually; beneficiaries should verify current amounts on VA.gov.
New Jersey Benefits on Top of Federal
New Jersey does not provide a state-specific Fry Scholarship program or additional state-level education benefits specifically tied to the federal Fry Scholarship. The Fry Scholarship is a purely federal program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs with uniform eligibility standards and payment amounts across all states.
However, New Jersey offers other education-related benefits for veterans and their dependents that are separate from Fry Scholarship. Eligible New Jersey residents may access the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) programs and state-based veteran tuition benefits. These programs operate independently and may stack with Fry Scholarship benefits.
New Jersey's County Veterans Service Offices can provide guidance on coordinating federal Fry Scholarship with state programs to maximize total education funding. Veterans Affairs approved schools in New Jersey, including public and private colleges and trade schools, accept Fry Scholarship benefits at the federal rate. Beneficiaries should contact their school's Veterans Affairs certifying official to ensure proper coordination of benefits and to prevent overpayment or underfunding.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
Applications for the Fry Scholarship are submitted directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs through VA.gov. The primary method is to apply online using the VA's online application system at va.gov/education/apply. Eligible dependents can also use eBenefits (ebenefits.va.gov) or submit a paper application using VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Education Benefits Under the Fry Scholarship Program).
Required documents include proof of the veteran's death in service or service-connected disability rating, the dependent's birth certificate, Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and the Certificate of Eligibility or DD Form 1172 if available. The dependent must also provide the school's name and VA School Code. Once submitted, the VA processes claims within 30 days on average, though complex cases may take longer.
Applicants can check status by logging into VA.gov or eBenefits, which provides real-time updates on claim progress and any requests for additional information. The VA mails a Certificate of Eligibility once approved, which the dependent presents to their school's certifying official. The school then notifies the VA of enrollment, and payments begin according to the school's established payment schedule. For questions during the application process, call the VA Education Benefits line at 1-888-442-4551.
State Application
New Jersey does not have a separate state application process for the Fry Scholarship, as this is a federal-only benefit. However, New Jersey's County Veterans Service Offices provide free assistance to dependents applying for and managing Fry Scholarship benefits. The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs operates these offices in each county.
To connect with your county veterans service office, visit www.nj.gov/military/veterans-benefits or call 1-888-882-5202 to find the office nearest you. County veterans service officers can help gather required documentation, explain eligibility requirements, and answer questions about coordinating Fry Scholarship with other New Jersey education programs. They can also assist with appeals if a claim is initially denied.
New Jersey schools approved for VA benefits have certifying officials who guide dependents through enrollment verification and benefit payment coordination. Once a dependent is approved for Fry Scholarship, they work directly with their school's certifying official to begin receiving benefits. Processing times vary by school but typically occur within 30 days of enrollment verification. No separate state enrollment or registration is required for Fry Scholarship beyond federal VA submission.
Common Reasons for Denial
The most common reason Fry Scholarship claims are denied is failure to prove the veteran's service-connected death or disability. The dependent must submit medical evidence, VA disability rating documentation, or death certificate clearly linking the death to military service or to a 100% service-connected rating. If the VA rating document is missing, the claim will stall until the dependent provides official VA documentation showing the rating percentage and condition.
Another frequent denial reason is the dependent exceeding the age limit of 26 years old at time of application. The Fry Scholarship has strict age requirements; dependents who apply after turning 27 are ineligible unless they have qualifying military service that grants a waiver. Claims are also denied if the veteran did not establish a Chapter 33 SAVE account before death or disability determination, as this is a prerequisite for dependent eligibility.
Missing enrollment information is a third common reason for delays or denials. The dependent must provide the correct VA School Code for their institution and proof of enrollment status. If the school is not VA-approved or the School Code is incorrect, the claim cannot be processed. Additionally, the dependent must provide their own identifying documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, driver's license) to verify identity and establish the parent-child relationship. Providing incomplete or illegible documentation significantly delays processing.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If a Fry Scholarship claim is denied, the dependent has three appeal options within VA's modernized system: Supplemental Claim (for new evidence), Higher-Level Review (HLR, for VA error), and Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA, for formal appeal).
The Supplemental Claim lane allows the dependent to submit new evidence the VA did not consider in the original decision. This is best used when the dependent finds missing documents such as the veteran's service-connected disability rating letter or death certificate. The deadline is one year from the date of the decision letter. Processing typically takes 4-6 months.
The Higher-Level Review lane requests a senior VA reviewer to examine the original decision for errors in law or fact without submitting new evidence. This is appropriate if the dependent believes the VA misinterpreted eligibility rules or made a procedural mistake. The deadline is one year from decision, and processing takes 4-5 months on average.
The Board of Veterans' Appeals is the formal hearing process, best for complex cases requiring oral argument or when the dependent disagrees with VA's legal interpretation. A single Veterans Law Judge reviews the case and issues a written decision. The deadline is one year from decision, but BVA processing can take 12-24 months depending on workload.
Free help is available through Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and the VA's Office of the Veterans Ombudsman. The American Legion, VFW, and DAV all provide free representation throughout appeals. Contact your New Jersey County Veterans Service Office for a referral to a free VSO representative.
Need help with your Fry Scholarship application? Contact your New Jersey County Veterans Service Office for free assistance. Visit www.nj.gov/military/veterans-benefits or call 1-888-882-5202 to find the office nearest you. Accredited Veteran Service Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV also provide free representation at no cost.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fry Scholarship and who qualifies?
The Fry Scholarship is a federal education benefit for dependents of veterans who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability rated at 100%. Eligible children must be between ages 18 and 26 at the time they apply (though military service may extend the age limit). The veteran must have established a Chapter 33 SAVE account before their death or disability determination. The benefit covers tuition, fees, books, and housing at approved colleges, universities, trade schools, and vocational programs nationwide. New Jersey residents can use Fry Scholarship at any VA-approved school in the state or across the country. There are no income or asset limits, and the benefit can be used at part-time or full-time programs. Total eligibility is up to 36 months of full-time education equivalent.
How much money will I receive from Fry Scholarship in 2024?
For 2024, the Fry Scholarship monthly payment for a full-time student (17+ credit hours per semester) is $1,066. Part-time students receive a proportional reduction based on credit hours enrolled. The benefit also includes $75 per month for books and supplies. For apprenticeship programs, the payment is $1,066 for the first six months, $803.50 for months 7-24, and $540 for months 25 and beyond. Housing allowance amounts vary by geographic location and school type, with rates adjusted annually based on the school's zip code. All rates receive a yearly Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) applied on January 1st each year. Current rates and regional variations are available on VA.gov. Combined with other education benefits or state grants, total education funding may exceed the federal Fry Scholarship amount.
Can I use Fry Scholarship at New Jersey schools?
Yes, Fry Scholarship benefits can be used at any VA-approved school in New Jersey, including public universities, private colleges, and accredited trade or vocational schools. New Jersey institutions approved for VA benefits include Rutgers University, Princeton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Seton Hall University, Montclair State University, and many community colleges and trade programs. You must enroll in an approved program and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Your school's Veterans Affairs certifying official will help verify your enrollment with the VA and ensure proper benefit payment. The federal Fry Scholarship payment is the same regardless of which approved school you attend in New Jersey or nationwide. New Jersey does not add additional state funding to Fry Scholarship, but you may be eligible for separate New Jersey education grants or programs that can stack with federal benefits. Contact your school's certifying official to coordinate all available funding sources.
How do I apply for Fry Scholarship and how long does it take?
Apply online at va.gov/education/apply or through eBenefits (ebenefits.va.gov), or submit a paper application using VA Form 22-5490 to the VA. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license, birth certificate, proof of your parent's service-connected disability or death (such as a VA rating letter or death certificate), and your school's VA School Code. The VA typically processes Fry Scholarship claims within 30 days of submission, though more complex cases may take longer. Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Eligibility to give to your school's certifying official. Your school then verifies enrollment and notifies the VA, which begins sending payments according to the school's payment schedule. You can check your application status anytime by logging into VA.gov or eBenefits. If you need assistance, contact the VA Education Benefits line at 1-888-442-4551 or visit your New Jersey County Veterans Service Office for free help.
What documents do I need to prove my parent's military death or disability?
You must provide official documentation proving your parent was a veteran who died on active duty, died from a service-connected condition, or was rated 100% disabled by the VA. Acceptable documents include the veteran's Certificate of Death (from the state vital records office or military records), the veteran's DD Form 1172 (military ID card), a VA disability rating letter showing 100% service-connected rating, and the veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214). If your parent died on active duty, you may submit the death certificate along with military records confirming active duty status. If your parent died after military service, you need proof that the death was service-connected or that they held a 100% disability rating at the time of death. The VA will verify the veteran's information in its own records, but submitting clear copies of these documents with your application speeds up processing. If documents are missing or unclear, the VA will contact you requesting additional evidence. New Jersey County Veterans Service Offices can help locate and obtain these documents.
Related Benefits in New Jersey
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. section 3501 — Establishes Fry Scholarship eligibility and payment authority
- 38 U.S.C. section 3532 — Defines eligible dependents and service-connected death/disability requirements
- 38 C.F.R. section 21.3700 — Details application procedures and entitlement limits
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 3 statutes. Last reviewed September 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by September 2027.
See our editorial policy for how content is created and verified, or report an inaccuracy.