(a) General rule.--The commission shall make educational gratuity payments not exceeding $500 per term or semester per qualified child to each approved educational institution upon submission by that approved educational institution of proof that bills have been incurred or contracted covering matriculation fees and other necessary fees, tuition, board, room rent, books and supplies for a qualified child in a definite amount for the school year.

(b) Records.--The commission shall attach the proof submitted under subsection (a) to the requisition prepared for payment out of appropriations made by the General Assembly for purposes of the educational gratuity payments.

(c) Duration of payments.--Whenever a qualified child is completing an educational or training course and becomes 23 years of age before completing the course, the educational gratuity payment may be paid until the course is completed. No educational gratuity payments may be made for any qualified child for a period longer than four scholastic years, provided, however, that the department may adjust the payments per term or semester per child so that the total payments do not exceed the amount of the appropriation.