Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:

• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice
• Firefighters
• Law Enforcement
• Tribal Firefighters

Students may be eligible for up to the full LEPD award amount in accordance with their institution awarding and Cal Grant eligibility guidelines. Students may be eligible to receive this grant for a maximum of four years.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this grant, the applicant 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

• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at a Cal Grant eligible school

• Meet the Cal Grant income and asset ceilings

• Demonstrate financial need

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. To apply for this grant, the applicant must submit the following information:

1. ​The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) Application

• 2022-23 application open date: July 1, 2022
• 2023-24 application open date: July 1, 2023

2. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or marriage certificate.

3. The death certificate of the parent/spouse, the coroner’s report (if applicable) for a dependent or spouse of:

a. 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;

b. 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;

c. 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.

4. 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.

Next Steps

• 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.

LEPD Award Amounts

Go to the Cal Grant Award Amounts by Segment and Term webpage  to view the LEPD award amounts.

For more information, please contact: