A bill 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.

1/31/2025, 11:56 AM

Summary of Bill S 342

Bill 119 s 342, also known as the Purple Heart and Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Transferability 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.

In addition to allowing for the transfer of benefits, the bill also includes provisions for the implementation and administration of this transferability program. It outlines the eligibility requirements for both the individual transferring the benefits and the family member receiving them, as well as the process for transferring and using the benefits.

Overall, the Purple Heart and Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Transferability Act seeks to honor the sacrifices made by individuals who have been awarded the Purple Heart by allowing them to support their family members in furthering their education. This bill aims to provide additional opportunities for education and advancement for military families, while also recognizing the service and sacrifices of those who have been wounded in the line of duty.

Congressional Summary of S 342

Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025

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.

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.

Current Status of Bill S 342

Bill S 342 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 30, 2025. Bill S 342 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 30, 2025. Bill S 342's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of January 30, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 342

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 342

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 342

A bill 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.