Benefits for dependents of retired military in California

Hey guys, I'd appreciate it if someone could help me out here. My parents recently retired from the military and we live in California. Are there any special college benefits for dependents in this position?

Absolutely, being a dependent of retired military personnel can certainly offer unique benefits when it comes to college. In California, there are a few state-specific benefits you should be aware of:

1. Fee Waiver Program: One significant benefit is the California College Fee Waiver Program. This program waives any mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for dependents of veterans who have a service-connected disability, or had one at the time of their passing.

2. Troops to College: This is an initiative by the state to support military personnel and their families in accessing higher education. While it doesn't provide any specific financial aid, it can help guide you to further resources.

3. Scholarships: There are also a number of scholarships available to dependents of military veterans, such as the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program. This award provides eligible members of the CA National Guard, State Military Reserve, and the Naval Militia awards towards their educational costs.

Remember, there are also several federal benefits available to you, the most notable being the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This bill can cover tuition and provide a stipend for books and housing, which can be transferred to dependents under certain conditions.

It's a good idea to explore these options thoroughly and get in touch with appropriate military veteran services or a high school guidance counselor to make sure you're leveraging all the benefits available to you as a dependent of retired military personnel.