Illinois’s PFC Grant supports dependents of police, fire, and correctional officers who died or became disabled in the line of duty under state definitions. For 2026–27, the application is listed as available. The award may cover tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions, generally up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to approval and funding.
Students must document their relationship and the officer’s employment and qualifying circumstances using required records; dependency and disability are defined by rule and should not be self-assessed. The grant is not awarded merely because the applicant works in public safety. Review the document list and confirm with ISAC which employer or agency certification is required.
The 2026–27 page says application dates depend on the first term requested and that several priority payment deadlines have not yet been determined. Do not reuse dates from prior cycles. Apply early, monitor official updates, and coordinate with the college about when it must submit its funding claim.
ISAC asks students and schools to follow annual deadline and document updates; the page reviewed leaves claim dates pending. Keep employer certification and proof of relationship, and check with financial aid before enrolling to confirm whether a campus form is needed. Do not treat prior-year deadlines as current.
Before applying, confirm that the school and program participate, check cycle requirements and dates, keep a copy and submission receipt, and ask how the award coordinates with FAFSA and other benefits. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.
When comparing options, identify whether the benefit is a scholarship, grant, tuition exemption, or loan: not all aid must be repaid or applies to the same charges. Ask the college for a written estimate after FAFSA and other awards, check renewal and academic-progress rules, and do not accept a loan thinking it is a scholarship.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
PFC Grant Program — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
PFC Dates and Timelines — Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Cycles, funding, and eligibility can change; confirm the cycle for your academic year with the administrator and your school financial-aid office.
Confirm eligibility, current terms, and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Illinois Grant Program for Dependents of Police, Fire, or Correctional Officers (PFC)
Illinois’s PFC Grant supports dependents of police, fire, and correctional officers who died or became disabled in the line of duty under state definitions. For 2026–27, the application is listed as available. The award may cover tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions, generally up to eight semesters or twelve quarters, subject to approval and funding.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Illinois Student Assistance Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.