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Top Scholarships for Students With a Disabled Parent in December 2022
Students with a disabled parent go through a unique set of hardships that can make affording college difficult. Luckily, there are a large number of scholarships available specifically to help those with disabled parents fulfill their college dreams. Remember, although other types of college aid are available, scholarships never need repayment!
Jump ahead to:
- Top scholarships for students with a disabled parent(s)
- Pell Grants for students with a disabled parent(s)
- Frequently asked questions
- Upcoming scholarships
Keep on reading to find out about the top scholarships available to you, including information about each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, award amount, and deadline.
Scholarships for students with a disabled parent(s)
Missouri Public Service Survivor Grant
- Eligibility: Children/spouses of public safety officers who have been killed or left permanently disabled in the line of duty (applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to enroll at a Missouri postsecondary school and be less than 24 years old)
- Amount: Tuition for 12 credit hours at the school where you are enrolled full-time
- Deadline: None!
Pinnacol Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of workers who were injured or killed in work-related accidents while working for a Colorado-based employer
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: February 15, 2023
Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children and spouses of roadway workers killed or left permanently disabled in roadway work zones
- Amount: Up to $10,000
- Deadline: February 15, 2023
SFM Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of workers left disabled or fatally injured while working for a Minnesota or Iowa employer (applicants must be between 16 and 25 years of age and planning on pursuing postsecondary education)
- Amount: up to $15,000 per year
- Deadline: March 31, 2023
Pell Grants for students with a disabled parent
In addition to ordinary scholarships, students with a disabled parent may be able to receive Pell Grants, scholarships given to help undergraduate students progress their academic careers within their field of interest. Generally, students must demonstrate exceptional financial need in order to qualify. However, on the bright side, Pell Grants require no repayment (except in certain circumstances)! Learn about specific criteria by reading more about Pell Grants.
Frequently asked questions about scholarships for students with a disabled parent
Can you get FAFSA on disability?
Students with intellectual disabilities are eligible to receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or Federal Work-Study Programs. In order to receive such aid, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment to a comprehensive tradition and postsecondary (CTP) program. Make sure to learn about the other eligibility requirements and find out what universities offer CTP programs.
Does going to school affect Social Security disability benefits?
Luckily, no! To qualify for social security benefits, individuals must have a medical condition that prevents them from working full-time. However, when it comes to schooling, those who qualify for social security disability benefits are encouraged to attend university or other forms of education. So, if you receive social security disability benefits, you can feel free to apply to and attend university without worrying about losing your benefits. However, if you receive a degree or diploma and eventually find a job, your benefits may end because you will no longer considered disabled.
Upcoming scholarships
ENF Emergency Educational Grant
- Eligibility: Children of deceased or disabled members of the Elks National Foundation (applicants must demonstrate financial need, attend a university in the U.S. as a full-time undergraduate student, and be under 24 years of age)
- Amount: up to $5,000
First Responders Children’s Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of first responders attending college
- Amount: $6,250
Millie Brother Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school and college students who have a deaf parent(s)
- Amount: $3,000 (two scholarships are awarded!)
- Opens: March 1, 2023
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of disabled US veterans
- Amount: $1,000 to $2,500
- Opens: March 1, 2023
Victoria Ovis Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of law enforcement officers who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty (applicants must be from or reside in and attend school in New York state)
- Amount: Varies
Vincent Bennett, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Incoming college freshmen who are the children of law enforcement officers or firefighters who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty (applicants must maintain academic eligibility requirements over the four years of the award)
- Amount: 20,000 over a four year period ($5,000 per year)
