Bill 119 hr 1004, also known as the "Improving Benefits and Services for Surviving Spouses Act," aims to make changes to titles 10 and 38 of the United States Code in order to enhance benefits and services for surviving spouses of military service members and veterans.
The bill includes provisions to increase the amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) paid to surviving spouses of veterans who died as a result of a service-connected disability. This increase in DIC benefits is intended to provide greater financial support to these individuals who have lost their loved ones due to their military service.
Additionally, the bill seeks to expand eligibility for certain survivor benefits, such as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), to ensure that more surviving spouses are able to access these important benefits. This expansion aims to provide greater financial security to surviving spouses who may be struggling to make ends meet after the loss of their spouse.
Overall, the "Improving Benefits and Services for Surviving Spouses Act" is designed to honor the sacrifices made by military service members and veterans by ensuring that their surviving spouses receive the support and benefits they deserve. This bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress and is seen as a positive step towards improving the lives of surviving spouses across the country.