HPSP and Family

[Nat426]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am considering accepting the military scholarship, I have a family and three kids and one of my concerns is being able to live off the stipend amount. Has anyone here had the scholarship and been able to qualify for foods stamps and medicaid? This isn't my first choice but based on the cost of living around my school I am concerned that this is the only way I would be able to make ends meet.

 

[tingting]

Talk to your Mormon network. At my school they are big into food stamps and medicaid. Almost all of them managed to buy houses too.

 

[jim85213]

Talk to your Mormon network. At my school they are big into food stamps and medicaid. Almost all of them managed to buy houses too.

Classy 👎

 

[krmower]

I am considering accepting the military scholarship, I have a family and three kids and one of my concerns is being able to live off the stipend amount. Has anyone here had the scholarship and been able to qualify for foods stamps and medicaid? This isn't my first choice but based on the cost of living around my school I am concerned that this is the only way I would be able to make ends meet.

I was able to do it - had 2 kids while in school (back when the stipend was much less than now).

You may also be able to get some additional money in student loans to help out - may vary by school.

You may also need to work part time. It's all worth it though.

 

[Nat426]

We may have about 4k in loans we can take out with the scholarship so that may have to make up the difference. Good news is we have an Air Force base close and will be able to shop on base which will help out with the cost of everything.

 

[OffAngleHatchet]

We may have about 4k in loans we can take out with the scholarship so that may have to make up the difference. Good news is we have an Air Force base close and will be able to shop on base which will help out with the cost of everything.

I'd just go ahead and take out subsidized loans as much as you are comfortable. Keep in mind that once done with school, and in the active duty military, you have a few things working in your favor:

1) Military loan repayment deferments for the duration of your active duty career

2) Servicemember civil relief act, which restricts any lender (credit card, bank, otherwise) from charging you more than a set % in interest while you remain on active duty.

3) Some places offer new servicemember starter loans at a reduced rate. I've had friends take these starter loans and use them to pay off the higher interest loans they have accumulated (CC debt, etc).

4) Not to mention you're going to be a freakin' dentist with no educational debt, and that's going to be a sweet deal. Maxing out Federal subsidized loans is nothing in the long run.

 

[Sting111]

My wife and I had 3 kids while in dental school. My school allowed us to take out extra loans, which we did. We are not coming out of dental school debt free but to me it was worth it not to have to take on a part time job. Good luck!