Children of Fallen Heroes

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and Children of Fallen Heroes Grant

Effective with the 2024-25 award year, as part of the FAFSA® Simplification Act, the Special Rule for Pell Grants replaces the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) and the Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) Scholarship with new or modified eligibility criteria for a student who is less than 33 years old as of the first of January of the FAFSA® award year and who indicate on the FAFSA that their parent or guardian died in the line of duty. Students will no longer be awarded the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG), or special grants for Children of Fallen Heroes. Rather than receiving one of these awards, approved students will receive a maximum Pell Grant award.

A Public Safety Officer for Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act is:

As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or
A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while (a) serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
Less than 33 years old as of the January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible).

How to Apply for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). On the FAFSA® there is a question regarding any parent who may have lost their life either while on duty in the military after September 11, 2001, or while performing duties as a public safety officer. If checked yes, you will be asked complete the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant Application and one of the following as documentation.

A copy of the servicemember’s DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) which documents death in the line of duty.
A copy of the servicemember’s DD Form 214 documenting that the date and cause of death occurred during and as a result of active duty.
A copy of a Department of Veterans Affairs Death Narrative Document.
A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice.
A written letter of attestation or determination made by a state or local government official with supervisory or other relevant oversight authority of an individual who died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer as defined above;
Documentation of the student qualifying for state tuition or other state benefit accorded to the children or other family members of a public safety officer consistent with the definition in 42 U.S.C. 3796b, or as a fire police officer as noted above; or
Other documentation from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

If approved, how much money can I receive?

Starting with the 2024-25 award year schools will no longer be awarding Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG), or special grants for Children of Fallen Heroes. Rather than receiving one of these awards, the student will receive a maximum Pell Grant award.

Can this award be renewed?

Yes, this award can be renewed for up to 12 semesters (or its equivalent) for eligible students. You must complete a FAFSA® every year you are enrolled, continue to meet the general eligibility criteria, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.