Hamilton expands tuition benefits from children of disabled veterans

Yesterday, Senate Bill 15 passed out of the House after it was amended last week to preserve full in-state college tuition benefits for children of disabled veterans. This amendment originated from House Bill 1170 which was authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis). Under current law, the children of disabled veterans who enlisted before the year 2011 receive full tuition reimbursement for in-state universities and colleges while those who enlisted after 2011 only receive 20% plus the parent’s VA disability percentage. While Hamilton’s original language would have expanded the full tuition reimbursement to all disabled veterans, the final amended bill moved the eligibility cutoff from 2011 to 2017.  This ensures six more years of eligibility and provides breathing room as Representative Hamilton continues to work towards fully reinstating the benefit. 

“Providing full college tuition reimbursement for the children of disabled veterans is the least we can do to say thank you to these brave individuals and their families,” Hamilton said.

“As the daughter of a disabled veteran, I understand how much this will mean to eligible families. Moving the cut off year back six years extends this benefit to more Hoosiers and supports disabled veterans as they provide for their children. I am so glad I was able to Hexpand this tuition benefit and will continue to support disabled Hoosier veterans and their families.”