Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act

12/19/2024, 9:06 AM

Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act

This bill exempts from the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test (RET) certain benefits paid to surviving spouses and divorced spouses caring for the children of individuals who died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. 

Specifically, under the bill, Social Security mother's and father's benefits payable to such surviving spouses and surviving divorced spouses are not subject to RET deductions. Currently, under the RET, benefits are reduced for beneficiaries who are younger than full retirement age if they earn wages in excess of a specified annual limit. 

Bill 118 hr 7304, also known as the Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to provide financial assistance to the families of military service members who have died in the line of duty.

The bill aims to address the financial hardships that families of fallen service members often face by providing them with a one-time payment of $100,000. This payment is intended to help cover funeral expenses, ongoing living expenses, and other costs that may arise following the death of a loved one in the military.

In addition to the financial assistance, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that families of fallen service members receive the support and resources they need to navigate the complex process of applying for and receiving benefits. This includes assistance with paperwork, access to counseling services, and other forms of support. Overall, the Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act seeks to honor the sacrifice of military service members by providing their families with the financial and emotional support they need during a difficult time. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently being considered for passage.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 7304
Introduced on
2024-02-07
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/7/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act

This bill exempts from the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test (RET) certain benefits paid to surviving spouses and divorced spouses caring for the children of individuals who died while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. 

Specifically, under the bill, Social Security mother's and father's benefits payable to such surviving spouses and surviving divorced spouses are not subject to RET deductions. Currently, under the RET, benefits are reduced for beneficiaries who are younger than full retirement age if they earn wages in excess of a specified annual limit. 

Bill 118 hr 7304, also known as the Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to provide financial assistance to the families of military service members who have died in the line of duty.

The bill aims to address the financial hardships that families of fallen service members often face by providing them with a one-time payment of $100,000. This payment is intended to help cover funeral expenses, ongoing living expenses, and other costs that may arise following the death of a loved one in the military.

In addition to the financial assistance, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that families of fallen service members receive the support and resources they need to navigate the complex process of applying for and receiving benefits. This includes assistance with paperwork, access to counseling services, and other forms of support. Overall, the Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act seeks to honor the sacrifice of military service members by providing their families with the financial and emotional support they need during a difficult time. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently being considered for passage.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title II of the Social Security Act to establish that benefits paid to a parent caring for the child of an individual who died while performing active duty as a member of the Armed Services are not subject to deductions under the retirement earnings test.
Policy Areas
Social Welfare

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/3/2025

Protecting the Families of Our Fallen Patriots Act

This bill exempts from the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test (RET) certain benefits paid to surviving spouses and divorced spouses caring for the children of individu...

Latest Action12/17/2024
Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.