(a) Eligibility standards.--The following requirements shall be used to determine the eligibility of applicants for educational gratuity payments. The applicant shall be:
(1) Not less than 16 years of age nor more than 23 years of age.
(2) The child of an eligible disabled or deceased veteran.
(3) A resident of this Commonwealth for a period of five years immediately preceding the date the application was filed.
(b) Qualification determination.--The commission shall determine qualified applicants based on the following requirements:
(1) The applicant meets the requirements of subsection (a).
(2) The applicant is attending an approved educational institution.
(3) The applicant demonstrates a financial need for the educational gratuity.
(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).