Benefits for Special Groups
Federal Veterans
Federal educational benefits are available to veterans' dependents if the veteran (a spouse or parent) died in service, was totally disabled, or is still listed as missing in action. The federal government sets this benefit. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information or see http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor dependent
assistance.asp
California State Veterans
Dependents of California veterans who are current totally service-connected disabled or deceased, wives of totally disabled veterans, and widows of deceased veterans may be eligible to receive benefits from the California Department of Veterans Affairs. The benefits include a waiver of registration and tuition fees at UC, CSU and community colleges. Dependents of service connected disabled or deceased non-California veterans also may receive a fee waiver. Those receiving federal aid as a veteran's dependent may not be eligible to receive subsistence allowances; however, waiver of fees may be allowed. For more information, click here.
Disabled Students
Disabled students who meet the academic qualifications for a college should apply for admission and, if they have financial need, for student aid. By law, a student who is otherwise qualified cannot be excluded from college solely because of a disability.
If you have a disability severe enough to interfere with getting a job, but not so severe that you cannot work at all, you may be eligible for vocational training assistance from the California Department of Rehabilitation. A Department of Rehabilitation counselor can determine your eligibility for aid. Benefits may include help with tuition/fees, books, tools, special equipment, medical supplies and transportation.
All public schools and colleges, and many independent schools, have disabled student services. If you are eligible and attending school is a part of your vocational objective, benefits may include counseling, tutoring, readers, interpreters, note takers, special parking zones, and loan of special equipment.
Also, remember that your student expense budget, as calculated by the college, should take into account all educational expenses necessary to accommodate your disability.
For more information, contact the school or college's disabled students' office, or the national organizations serving your particular disability, and check online for the nearest office of the Department of Rehabilitation (under California, State of). http://www.dor.ca.gov/. The U.S. Department of Education the most updated information and answers to frequently asked questions at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.h tml
Aid for American Indians
American Indian students are entitled to receive educational grants from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). A student must be able to prove that he or she is a member of a federally recognized state tribe. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for state-sponsored Cal Grants. Applications for BIA grants are available to review
and apply online: http://www.bie.edu/Parents Students/Grants/