The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Educational Assistance Program provides financial support to eligible dependents of Filipino veterans, covering tuition and other school fees in government-recognized institutions. This initiative ensures that the sacrifices of veterans are honored through the educational advancement of their families. Applicants can submit their applications either in person at PVAO offices or online, with processing typically completed within 10 days upon receipt of all necessary documents.
Established under Republic Act No. 6948, the program aims to promote social equity by facilitating access to higher education for the families of veterans, thereby contributing to national development. Public awareness of this program is crucial to ensure that eligible individuals can benefit from it and to uphold the nation’s commitment to its veterans. By disseminating information about the program, we honor the legacy of our veterans and invest in the future of their descendants. If you’re a descendant, spouse, or family member of a recognized Filipino veteran, you may be qualified to receive this educational assistance. This in-depth guide outlines the eligibility, requirements, application steps, and how to successfully avail of this financial support.
What is the PVAO Educational Benefit?
The PVAO Educational Assistance Program is a government initiative that offers financial support to the dependents of Filipino veterans for their education. Unlike the pension programs offered by PVAO, which provide monthly stipends to veterans or their surviving spouses, this program specifically targets the educational needs of the veterans’ families. Its primary goal is to alleviate the financial burden of education, ensuring that the descendants of veterans have access to quality education. This program stands out by directly covering educational expenses, rather than providing cash allowances, thereby ensuring that the funds are used for their intended purpose. By focusing on education, the program not only honors the service of veterans but also contributes to the nation’s development through the empowerment of its youth.
Background and Legal Basis
This assistance program was established under Republic Act No. 6948, enacted in 1990, which standardized and upgraded the benefits for individuals who rendered military service during critical periods in Philippine history, including World War II, the Korean War (PEFTOK), and the Vietnam War (PHILCAG) and their dependents. Section 3, Part A of Title II of this Act specifically provides for educational benefits to veterans or their qualified dependents. Over the years, the program has undergone various enhancements to improve its implementation and reach. These changes have included the expansion of eligible courses and the streamlining of application processes to better serve beneficiaries. The program’s legal foundation ensures its continuity and alignment with the nation’s commitment to its veterans.
Features and Benefits
The PVAO Educational Assistance Program offers several key benefits:
- Coverage of tuition and other school fees in government-recognized institutions
- Eligibility extended to one dependent per veteran, including children and, in certain cases, grandchildren
- Direct payment of fees to educational institutions, ensuring proper utilization of funds
- Support for various levels of education, from vocational courses to tertiary degrees
- Streamlined application process with a typical processing time of 10 days upon receipt of complete documents
Who Can Avail of the Benefit?
The educational benefit is open to:
- Surviving spouse of eligible veterans
- Veterans who have not previously availed of any educational benefits
- World War II veterans
- PEFTOK (Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea) veterans
- PHILCAG (Philippine Civic Action Group) veterans
- One child of a veteran, in cases where the veteran renounces their right in favor of the child
- Surviving child of a deceased veteran, upon application by the spouse or legal guardian
Each veteran is entitled to one educational benefit only, which means only one qualified descendant can receive the assistance.
What Does the Benefit Cover?
The PVAO educational benefit pays for:
- Tuition
- Matriculation
- Registration
- Laboratory fees
- Military training fees
- Diploma and graduation fees
The maximum assistance provided is Php 60,000 per academic year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Provide proof of the veteran’s military service, such as a Military Service Record or certification from PVAO
- Submit the marriage contract of the veteran and birth certificate of the beneficiary
- Provide a 2″ x 2″ photograph of both the applicant and the beneficiary
- Present the beneficiary’s school credentials
- If applicable, submit death certificates of the veteran and/or spouse, and a waiver of rights from other children
- For grandchildren beneficiaries, additional documents such as the birth certificate of the veteran’s child (parent of the beneficiary) and the marriage contract of the beneficiary’s parents are required
Requirements
Take note that the requirements may vary based on beneficiary type. Regardless, here’s a complete list of the documents you need to prepare before applying for this program:
For Children or Grandchildren of a Living Veteran (PVAO Pensioner)
- Completed Application Form
- Affidavit of No Other Claims Filed
- Student Information Sheet
- Marriage Certificate of the veteran and spouse
- Birth Certificate of the veteran’s child
- Marriage Certificate of the veteran’s child (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate of the grandchild (if applicable)
- Two 2×2 ID photos each of the veteran and student
If Veteran is Deceased but Surviving Spouse is a PVAO Pensioner
- Completed Application Form
- Affidavit of No Other Claims Filed
- Student Information Sheet
- Marriage Certificate of the veteran
- Death Certificate of the veteran
- Birth Certificate of the veteran’s child
- Marriage Certificate of the veteran’s child (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate of the grandchild (if applicable)
- Two 2×2 ID photos each of the claimant and beneficiary
If Both Veteran and Spouse are Deceased (PVAO Pensioners)
- Completed Application Form
- Affidavit of No Other Claims Filed
- Student Information Sheet
- Marriage Certificate of the veteran and spouse
- Death Certificates of the veteran and spouse
- Birth and Marriage Certificates of children and/or grandchildren
- Notarized Waiver of Rights from all children of the veteran
- Two 2×2 ID photos each of the claimant and student
If Both Veteran and Spouse are Deceased (Non-PVAO Pensioners)
- Completed Application Form
- Affidavit of No Other Claims Filed
- Student Information Sheet
- Military Service Record from the Non-Current Records Division of the Office of the Adjutant General
- Marriage and Death Certificates
- Birth Certificates
- Notarized Waivers
- Two 2×2 ID photos each of the claimant and student
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Once you have the requirements ready, you may proceed with the application. To do so, just follow the steps below:
Step 1. Determine Eligibility
- Verify if you are a child, grandchild, or spouse of a veteran who served in WWII, PEFTOK, or PHILCAG.
Step 2. Gather Required Documents
- Prepare all necessary documents based on your category.
Step 3. Download and Fill Out the Application Form
- Visit the PVAO website and complete all forms needed.
Step 4. Submit the Documents
- Send your application to the PVAO Central Office or a Field Service Office.
Step 5. Wait for Processing
- Your application will go through a multi-stage evaluation.
Step 6. Follow Up
- Contact the assigned officer if needed for updates.
Where to Secure Forms and Submit Applications
All forms can be accessed and downloaded from the official PVAO website: www.pvao.gov.ph When submitting your documents, you may go and visit either the PVAO Central Office at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City or any PVAO Field Service Office nationwide.
Costs and Processing Time
Applying for the PVAO Educational Assistance Program is free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all eligible applicants. Once all required documents are submitted, the processing of the application is typically completed within 10 working days . This efficient processing time allows beneficiaries to promptly receive the support they need for their educational pursuits.
Key Reminders
For your reference, here are some things you need to remember:
- Each veteran can grant the educational benefit to only one descendant.
- Submit complete and authentic documents to avoid delays.
- Stay updated with PVAO announcements for changes in policies.
- Make sure you or your dependent falls within the program’s target beneficiaries and meet all requirements.
- Submit your application early to avoid delays in school enrollment.
- Download and fill out the latest forms from the official PVAO website or get them from PVAO offices.
- File your application through the Veterans Affairs Management Division (VAMD) or any authorized regional office.
- Provide active contact numbers/email for updates or requests for additional info.
- If you haven’t received a response after 10 working days, politely follow up with PVAO.
- Once you get the benefit, make sure to always submit your requirements to continue receiving benefits.
- Submit updated school credentials and documents as required for continued support.
- Maintain a personal file of submitted documents and PVAO correspondence.
- This benefit honors the service of Filipino veterans—use it wisely and complete your education.
Video: The Educational Assistance Benefit Offered by PVAO
The PVAO Educational Benefit opens the door to academic opportunities for families of Filipino veterans. Through this program, the government provides direct support to descendants who wish to pursue their studies without the burden of high educational costs. If you or someone in your family is a qualified beneficiary, don’t miss this chance to access government-provided educational aid through PVAO. You can learn more about it by watching this video below:
Contact Information
For further clarification, you may reach out to:
Ms. Ma. Maggie Grace B. Sahagun-Salva
- Email: educationalbenefit.customercare@pvao.gov.ph
- Phone: (02) 8352-8510
- Mobile: 0929-660-2313
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pvaoiskolarngbayani