The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) is sponsored by California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). The LEPD Program offers need-based grants to the dependents and spouses of California peace officers, Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority employees, and full-time firefighters killed or disabled in the line of duty.

[](http://www. csac. ca.

gov/faforfirst#main-content) Financial Aid Programs for First Responders & Family The**Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)** provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of California peace officers, firefighters, law enforcement, and Department of Corrections employees who lost their lives or were totally disabled in the line of duty.

##### **Program Details** * **Award Amount:** Up to the Cal Grant award amount or the student’s remaining unmet need verified by their institution’s Financial Aid Office * **Duration:** Available for up to four years * **Separate Application Required? ****Yes** – Students must submit an LEPD application for each award year in addition to the FAFSA or CADAA.

* **Application Start & Deadline:**LEPD Applications are available **starting July 1**and accepted **until June 30**of the academic year. The FAFSA or CADAA should be submitted by the priority deadline for state aid.

##### **Eligibility & Requirements** To qualify for the **LEPD Program**, students must: * Be a dependent or spouse of an employee who lost his/her life in the line of duty or was totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury**in the performance of duty in the following professions:** * California peace and law enforcement officers * Employees of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Division of Juvenile Justice * Firefighters and Tribal Firefighters > **For LEPD purposes, “dependent” means the children (natural or adopted) or spouse,** at the time of the death or injury, of the peace officer, law enforcement officer, or firefighter.

* Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). * Be currently enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program at a Cal Grant eligible school. * Demonstrate financial need.

✔ **Step 1: Submit your financial aid application for the academic year** * Apply with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). * Visit our how to apply page for more information. ✔ **Step 2: Complete the Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Program (LEPD) Application** * Submit the LEPD Application and **required documentation** to specialized@csac.

ca.

gov * **2025-26 application period**: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 * **2026-27 application period:**July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 **Required Documentation** * A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or marriage certificate * The death certificate of the parent/spouse, the coroner’s report (if applicable) for a dependent or spouse of: * **California peace and law enforcement officer:**Documentation (i.e., police report) showing evidence that the death or total disability was caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the line of duty; * **Officers and employees of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation:**Documentation showing that the death, accident, or injury was caused by the direct action of an inmate; * **California Fire Fighters:**Documentation showing that the death or total disability was the result of an accident or injury incurred in the performance of duty.

* If applicable, a copy of the findings of the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board or other evidence that the fatality or disabling accident was compensable under Division 4 or 4. 5 (commencing with section 6100) of the Labor Code. ✔ **Step 3: Awarding process** * Once a student has submitted their complete application, CSAC will reach out to the Financial Aid Office of the school listed for more information.

* After evaluating the complete application and financial aid information, CSAC will make the final determination of eligibility for the award.

##### **Contact Information** **For more information, please contact:** California Student Aid Commission ##### **Other Resources for First Responders** ### Alan Pattee Scholarship Act: Tuition Fee Waiver Under this act, an eligible student who is a surviving spouse or child of a deceased person who meets all of the following requirements may be eligible for an exemption towards tuition and fees at a California Community college, California State University, or University of California campus.

Requirements include: * Was a resident of California. * Was employed by a public agency, or was a contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency. * Had principal duties consisting of active law enforcement service or active fire suppression and prevention.

* Passed away in the performance of active law enforcement, or active fire suppression and prevention duties, or died as a result of an accident or injury incurred in the performance of those duties. A student that is the surviving spouse or child of contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency must also: * Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at a CCC, CSU, or UC campus.

* Based on the student's current year FAFSA or California Dream Act, have an annual income, including the value of support received from the parent, that does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for a Cal Grant B applicant. If you think you may be eligible for this tuition and fee waiver, please contact your campus financial aid office for more information.

### Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act If you are an immediate family member of a first responder who may have lost their life or became disabled in the line of duty, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act.