They move every two to three years. They change schools mid-year. They say goodbye to a parent before most kids know what deployment means. Military children are among the most resilient people in America, and they deserve every resource available to help them thrive.

Today, there are more programs than ever designed to support military-connected children and help set them up for long-term success. Here are seven resources every military family should know about in 2026.

1. The Post-9/11 GI Bill — And Yes, You Can Transfer It
After 10 years of service, a service member can transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent under 26. That means tuition coverage, a housing allowance, and up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. If transfer isn’t an option, dependents may still qualify under Chapter 35: the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program. Learn more about GI Bill benefits for dependents.

2. State Tuition Waivers + Scholarships Built Specifically for Military Kids
Most states offer tuition waivers for military dependents who attend in-state schools, especially for children of veterans who were killed, disabled, or declared MIA. Texas goes furthest: the Hazlewood Act gives eligible dependents up to 150 hours of free tuition at any public Texas college or university. Know your state policy before your student applies anywhere.

Don’t overlook private scholarships. Some standouts:

• Scholarships for Military Children (Fisher House Foundation) up to $2,500
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation up to $10,000
• Dolphin Scholarship Foundation for Navy and Marine Corps families
• AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship extends to grandchildren of veterans
• Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship open to Legion Auxiliary family members

These scholarships exist because military kids have earned them.

3. Child Care for Military Families
Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN)

Can’t get a spot on base? MCCYN provides fee assistance for off-base childcare through community providers, available to families across the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and more. Applications are handled through Child Care Aware of America. Find childcare assistance at militarychildcare.com

Six Types of On-Base Child Care Programs

Military-operated childcare isn’t one-size-fits-all because military schedules don’t fit in a box. Options include full-day, part-day, school year, summer, hourly, extended hours, and 24/7 care. Check what’s available at your installation.

4. Dependent Care FSA
Military families can set aside up to $5,000 annually in pre-tax income through a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to cover childcare and even summer camp costs. It’s one of the most underused benefits in the system. If you’re not using it, you’re leaving money on the table.

5. Food Assistance Programs for Military Families
One in five military and veteran families experiences food insecurity — a statistic that should stop everyone in their tracks. Programs that can help include:

• SNAP and WIC. Federal programs open to qualifying low-income families
• Blue Star Families. Food insecurity resources and referrals
• Military Family Advisory Network. Distributes meals to military families and has distributed over one million meals
• Hope for Heroes. Community-based food support for service members and veterans

6. Enrichment Grants
Our Military Kids provides $300 grants to help military children participate in sports, tutoring, performing arts, STEM programs, and more during a parent’s deployment or recovery from injury. It’s a small amount with an outsized impact on a kid’s sense of normalcy during hard times. Apply at ourmilitarykids.org

7. YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs
Both organizations partner directly with the U.S. Armed Services to provide military families with reduced or free memberships. That means after-school programs, summer camps, sports, and safe spaces for kids, at little to no cost, no matter where a PCS move takes the family.

8. Emergency Financial Assistance
Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Air Force Aid Society, and the American Red Cross all provide emergency financial assistance to military families. Covered needs can include childcare, dental care for dependents, clothing, and child safety equipment.

You don’t have to be in crisis to ask; that’s what these programs are for.

Why Awareness Matters
More than 1.6 million children in the United States are part of military families. Their experiences are shaped by service, sacrifice, and change. With the right support systems in place, these challenges can also foster strength, adaptability, and leadership. Military children carry more than most people realize. But they don’t have to carry it without support. Knowing what’s available is the first step — and now you do.

At Mission Roll Call, we believe that supporting those who serve means supporting their entire family. Share this list with a military family who needs it. Visit our Resource Directory and try searching for terms like “kids,” “youth,” or “military families” to find support, programs, and communities that understand their experiences.