Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a federal education funding program designed to support students whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education through participating schools, the grant targets students who do not qualify for a Pell Grant based on income alone but meet the service-related eligibility requirement. The award amount is set annually in relation to the maximum Pell Grant for that year, subject to federal legal limits.
Eligibility determination begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which applicants file at no cost. After submission, the student's school verifies the loss of the parent or guardian and confirms that it occurred through military service in the designated countries and timeframe. This verification process is essential; the school's financial aid office works directly with applicants to establish eligibility rather than awarding funds automatically or without documentation.
Awards through this grant are not repaid, though applicants should understand that awards are not guaranteed for all who apply. Selectivity depends on verification of circumstances, legal limits on award amounts, and the school's administration of the program. Students and families considering this grant should work directly with their school's financial aid office, file the FAFSA themselves without paying a third party, and be cautious of any service claiming to secure or guarantee a grant award in exchange for a fee.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: Federal Student Aid (studentaid.gov) — Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for iraq and afghanistan service grant?
Students whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of September 11, 2001, and who were under 24 or enrolled in college at the time of the death. Open to women and men alike..
Does iraq and afghanistan service grant have to be repaid?
This is grant (not repaid). Grants generally do not have to be repaid, but they are competitive and eligibility-bound.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for iraq and afghanistan service grant?
Submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov; the school's financial-aid office determines eligibility.
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