To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.
3/18/2025, 5:43 PMSummary of Bill HR 790
Bill 119 hr 790, also known as the Purple Heart Education Assistance Act, aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to allow individuals who have been awarded the Purple Heart for their service in the Armed Forces to transfer any unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits to a family member. This bill would provide an opportunity for these individuals to pass on their educational benefits to a loved one, helping to support their family members in pursuing their educational goals.The bill is designed to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have been awarded the Purple Heart and to provide additional support to their families. By allowing these individuals to transfer their unused educational benefits, the bill seeks to ensure that their family members have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.
In addition to allowing for the transfer of benefits, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to educational assistance for veterans and their families. Overall, the Purple Heart Education Assistance Act aims to honor the service and sacrifices of Purple Heart recipients and provide valuable educational support to their families.
Congressional Summary of HR 790
This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service.
Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD).
A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings.
The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement.
In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount.
The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.
