Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

3/27/2025, 2:55 PM

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors (i.e., spouses, parents, or children) of (1) certain veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed while on active military duty or active or inactive duty for training; or (3) veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period of time.

The bill also (1) reduces, from 10 years to 5 years, the period of time that certain veterans must have been rated totally disabled due to a service-connected disability in order for a survivor to qualify for benefits; and (2) specifies the amount that is payable to survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death.

Bill 119 s 611, also known as the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act, aims to make changes to title 38 of the United States Code in order to enhance and broaden the eligibility criteria for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) provided to certain survivors of veterans. The bill seeks to improve the benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of deceased veterans by expanding the scope of who is eligible to receive DIC.

Specifically, the bill proposes to extend DIC benefits to surviving spouses who remarried after the age of 55, as well as to surviving children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability. Additionally, the bill aims to increase the amount of DIC paid to surviving spouses and children, ensuring that they receive adequate financial support following the loss of their loved one.

Overall, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act seeks to honor the sacrifices made by veterans and their families by providing them with the support and assistance they deserve. The bill is a bipartisan effort to improve the lives of those who have lost a loved one in service to our country.
Congress
119
Number
S - 611
Introduced on
2025-02-18
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/18/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors (i.e., spouses, parents, or children) of (1) certain veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed while on active military duty or active or inactive duty for training; or (3) veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period of time.

The bill also (1) reduces, from 10 years to 5 years, the period of time that certain veterans must have been rated totally disabled due to a service-connected disability in order for a survivor to qualify for benefits; and (2) specifies the amount that is payable to survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death.

Bill 119 s 611, also known as the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act, aims to make changes to title 38 of the United States Code in order to enhance and broaden the eligibility criteria for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) provided to certain survivors of veterans. The bill seeks to improve the benefits available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of deceased veterans by expanding the scope of who is eligible to receive DIC.

Specifically, the bill proposes to extend DIC benefits to surviving spouses who remarried after the age of 55, as well as to surviving children of veterans who died from a service-connected disability. Additionally, the bill aims to increase the amount of DIC paid to surviving spouses and children, ensuring that they receive adequate financial support following the loss of their loved one.

Overall, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Improvement Act seeks to honor the sacrifices made by veterans and their families by providing them with the support and assistance they deserve. The bill is a bipartisan effort to improve the lives of those who have lost a loved one in service to our country.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve and to expand eligibility for dependency and indemnity compensation paid to certain survivors of certain veterans, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security
Potential Impact
Disability assistance•
Marriage and family status•
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Comments

Related

Member:  
John Boozman
Member:  
Richard Blumenthal
Bill Update Alert:  
Caring for Survivors Act of 2025
Committee:  
Veterans' Affairs

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/27/2025

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Dependency and indemnity comp...

Latest Action3/11/2025
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.