Maximum Pell Grant for Children of Fallen Heroes

Beginning with the 2024-2025 award year, 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 , will be awarded the maximum Pell grant award for the year.

To qualify, a student must meet all three of the following criteria:

1. Have a valid FAFSA on file with WSU and submit all requested documents listed in myWSU.
2. Be less than 33 years of age as of January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying. Example, for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years of age as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible.

Acceptable documentation

For a parent/guardian who died in the line of duty during military service on or after September 11, 2001:

1. A copy of the servicemember’s DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) which documents death in the line of duty.
2. A copy of the servicemember’s DD Form 214 and death certificate, documenting that the date and cause of death occurred during and as a result of active duty.
3. A Department of Veterans Affairs Death Narrative Document.
4. Other documentation the school determines to be from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

OR

For a parent/guardian who died in the line of duty as a public safety officer:

1. A determination letter acknowledging eligibility for certain federal benefits under the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program administered by the Department of Justice.
2. 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.
3. Documentation of the student qualifying for a 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 below.
4. Other documentation the school determines to be from a credible source that describes or reports the circumstances of the death and the occupation of the parent or guardian.

Renewal criteria

In subsequent award years, the student’s eligibility for the maximum Pell Grant for the award year will continue, as long as the student has a Pell eligible SAI and continues to be an eligible student.