Getting started.
Who this helps
The veteran must have a total and permanent service-connected disability, have been killed in action, died from a service-connected disability, died while totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability, or be on active duty and listed for more than 90 days as missing in action, captured, or forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty. The veteran must have entered service from Maine or lived in Maine for five years right before applying. If alive, they must stay a Maine resident while benefits continue. A spouse must be legally married to a living veteran or be the veteran's unremarried widow or widower who was not previously divorced from the veteran. A child must be the veteran's natural child, adopted before age 18, or a stepchild whose parent has been married to the veteran for at least five years and remains married during benefits. Children must be at least 16, have graduated high school, and enroll in a degree program and receive benefits before age 22. If service in the U.S. Armed Forces delayed enrollment, they can apply through age 26. Each student must apply for a Federal Pell Grant.
How to get started
The school shares enrollment, contact, grades, credits, and transcript information with the Bureau as needed to manage the benefits.
Check the eligibility rules.
Compare the veteran's service or death situation, Maine residency, and the student's relationship and age with the program requirements.
Open the application.
On the Bureau's Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits page, select the Maine Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits Application link.
Apply for a Pell Grant.
Each student must apply for a Federal Pell Grant.
How they can help.
The Bureau of Maine Veterans' Services administers the waiver at University of Maine System schools, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy. Spouses may use it for certificate, associate, bachelor's, or master's programs. Children may use it for certificate, associate, or bachelor's programs. Room and board are not covered.
- Waives tuition, mandatory fees, and lab fees at participating Maine colleges
- Covers spouse certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's programs
- Covers child certificate, associate, and bachelor's programs
A few questions before you go.
Have information about the veteran's service and Maine residency ready. Residency can be shown with a valid state driver's license or ID, current state vehicle registration, or current state fishing or hunting license.
- Could my spouse or child qualify based on our situation?
- Which papers should my family have ready?
- Which college programs can use the waiver?
- What costs will the waiver cover?