1. (a) Eligibility standards.— The following requirements shall be used to determine the eligibility of applicants for educational gratuity payments. The applicant shall be:

   1. (1) Not less than 16 years of age nor more than 23 years of age.
   2. (2) The child of an eligible disabled or deceased veteran.
   3. (3) A resident of this Commonwealth for a period of five years immediately preceding the date the application was filed.

2. (b) Qualification determination.— The commission shall determine qualified applicants based on the following requirements:

   1. (1) The applicant meets the requirements of subsection (a).
   2. (2) The applicant is attending an approved educational institution.
   3. (3) The applicant demonstrates a financial need for the educational gratuity.
3. (c) Appeal.— Any aggrieved applicant may appeal the decision of the commission to the Adjutant General under the provisions of Title 2 (relating to administrative law and procedure).

Cross References. Section 8703 is referred to in section 8701 of this title.