I think the msg from Signora Ricci is useful to the family of the vet, but not of any help to the vet himself (that’d be me). I’m a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and currently in the American Legion.
At that time, I was unaware of any additional help.

I was in school in the late 80’s/early 90’s so I don’t know if the Ford loans were in existence. My University Financial Aid office only offered what I ended up getting. As for being persistent; well and good if I had the time, but I had bills to pay and homework to do; plus full time work during the summer….

For a loan, fill out a FAFSA and apply for William D Ford Federal Direct Loan. You can qualify for subsidized and unsubsidized loans. They were available to me every year until I graduated. I found that some Financial Aid offices are not as helpful as they should be. Do your research, find out what is available, don’t take no for an answer…be persistant.

Go here for more information on $$ available and how to apply…
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/studentloans.jsp?tab=funding#03

You see, his disability included mental problems that forced Mom to divorce and remarry, and because of the trauma, we were in family court, where the judge ruled that we could come out from the DCF foster care if we were adopted by her new husband.

Catch-22. In spades. I served and retired from 20 years in the USAF, but, could not complete college, with the TDY duty worldwide, and the other “needs of the government”. The GI bill expired the month I retired.

So much for any thanks to America’s patriots! If you care, run GNU/Linux,
my current niche. Recommend http://livecdlist.com

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans (who died of service-connected disability, currently has permanent SC disability, POW, MIA). The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children even if married (natural, step, and adopted) between 18 + 26, (although sometimes extensions are granted) can get $860.00 per month sent directly for Full Time educational expenses. Rates drop depending on number of credits taken, but are still available. these are not loans, checks are sent monthly.

Go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm#DEA
for complete details, but here is some general info:

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY–

You must be the son, daughter, or spouse of:

–A veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.
–A veteran who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
–A servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty by a hostile force.
–A servicemember forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
–A servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for that disability. This change is effective December 23, 2006.

Also check associations for grants + scholarships available only to servicemembers, retiree’s, veterans + dependents.

The “Student Loan” program would be my last choice for aid. You will end up paying for years. Be aggressive about applying for all the grants, scholarships, work study and whatever else you can find.

I paid it, but why should we force students to go through that charade? If nothing else, it would make repayment easier and more honest. It could also help to demonstrate practically that college is expensive so we can address what drives up costs. It’s reasonable to expect students to pay for their education, but we should create a boondoggle the hides and increases the costs.