Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant (LEPD)
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Need-based grant up to the Cal Grant amount for children and spouses of California peace officers, firefighters, and corrections employees killed or totally disabled in the line of duty.
- How much
- up to the Cal Grant award amount or the student's remaining unmet need
- Who qualifies
- Child or spouse of a California peace/law enforcement officer, CDCR/DJJ employee, or firefighter (incl. tribal) who died or was totally disabled in the line of duty
- Enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program at a Cal Grant eligible school; must demonstrate financial need.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due June 30, 2027 LEPD application accepted July 1 - June 30 of each academic year (2026-27: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027); FAFSA/CADAA by the state priority deadline
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA, then email the LEPD application and required documents to specialized@csac.ca.gov
- A new LEPD application is needed each award year
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov)
The details
For dependents (natural or adopted children, or the spouse at the time of death or injury) of California peace and law enforcement officers, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation / Division of Juvenile Justice employees, and firefighters (including tribal firefighters) who died or were totally disabled in the line of duty. Award is up to the Cal Grant award amount or the student's remaining unmet need as verified by the school, for up to four years. Required documents include birth/marriage certificate, death certificate or coroner's report, and evidence the death or disability happened in the line of duty (e.g., police report; for corrections employees, that it was caused by an inmate).
More money from California
- Cal Grant A2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)
- Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Programup to $5,000 (one-time)
- Cal Grant C2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- Cal Grant B2026-27: $1,648 access award (first year); from year two also tuition/fees up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $4,000-$9,358 at private schools
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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