Educational benefits for family members
As the spouse or child of a completely and permanently disabled or fallen service member, you are eligible for educational benefits. There are two kinds of benefits available to you:
- Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- PCC tuition waiver
You can apply for one or both of these benefits. If you need help applying for these benefits, please contact us!
Survivors and Dependents Assistance
Veterans Affairs provides educational stipends to spouses and dependents of completely and permanently disabled and fallen service members through the Survivors and Dependents Assistance Program.
How to apply for Survivors and Dependents Assistance
To begin your benefits, follow the steps on this website for applying for veterans benefits, starting with Step 1: Apply with the VA.
PCC tuition waiver
In recognition of your loved one’s service to our country, we are honored to provide you the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree – tuition free – through PCC. The tuition waiver is offered to the children and spouses of completely and permanently disabled or fallen service members. The waiver provides you with the opportunity to earn a certificate or associates degree and will cover up to 135 credits or your desired degree or certificate (whichever comes first).
You must be the child or spouse of a veteran who was killed or became completely and permanently disabled as a result of active service in the Armed Forces, or died as a result of a service-connected complete and permanent disability.
Tuition waiver restrictions
- Dependents of the veteran must enroll by the age of 23 to take advantage of the waiver.
- You must apply for the waiver within 21 years after the date of death or disability.
- You must be a degree seeking student with a declared major.
- Only college-level courses (100 or higher) are eligible for the waiver.
- Only classes that satisfy your degree requirements are eligible for the waiver.
- Course fees or other college expenses are not covered by the waiver.
Apply for the PCC tuition waiver
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Step 1: Get admitted
If you haven't taken a class at PCC in the last two years, you need to apply for admission. We recommend that you meet with an academic advisor to help you choose a major and make a long-term academic plan.
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Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Get together the following documentation:
- Proof of dependent status (DD Form 93 or other supporting document)
- Proof of the death or complete and permanent disability (DD 214 or other documentation from the VA of service-connected disability rating, stating percentage determined)
- Proof of residency in Oregon (valid state or federal photo ID with Oregon address)
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Step 3: Complete application
Print and complete the application for tuition waiver.
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Step 4: Submit application
Bring the application and required documents to any PCC business office. Your application and documents may be submitted by fax or mail, but your photo ID must be presented in person at the business office for validation.
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Step 5: Register and pay
Register for classes, and then pay your fees using PCC-Pay in the MyPCC Paying for College tab.
How the waiver is applied to your student account
Tuition waivers can impact other funding, such as financial aid or scholarships. If you have other sources of funding, contact Veteran Services or the Business Office to discuss how the waiver will affect your account.
In short, here is how the waiver is applied:
- If the veteran was killed while on active duty, or died as a result of a service-connected complete and permanent disability, the waiver is applied to your account in addition to other funding, such as financial aid or scholarships.
- If the veteran became completely and permanently disabled while on active duty, or died as the result of a disability that was not complete and permanent, the waiver is only applied to tuition that is not already covered by other funding, such as financial aid or scholarships.