Legislation that would ban the Department of Veterans Affairs from retroactively collecting pension benefits from veterans’ families after they die.
Introduced by U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), the proposed bill would ensure that families receive pre-approved pension benefits even after a veteran passes away.
“Our veterans have served our country at the highest level and deserve our full support. Their families should not be concerned about VA collections calls in their time of grieving because of the VA’s bureaucracy,” Daines said. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve the pension benefits payments process and ensure that our veteran families are not encumbered with prorated benefits programs.”
Lawmakers said the legislation would make sure veterans received the amount of pension benefit they have accrued in the event of a month of death claim, or payment for the month of the death has been issues. If a veteran with a pension under an existing rating or decision dies, the effective date of the discontinuance of the benefit would be the last day of the month in which the death occurs.
“Our nation’s promise to have veterans’ backs must extend to their families, who for their own service and sacrifices, deserve the full support of a grateful nation,” Kim said. “I am proud to bring this legislation forward as my first bill introduced as a U.S. Senator to reaffirm our support for our military community and make sure no other military family has to carry these financial burdens while mourning their loved one.”
The bill would prevent the VA from going to the family to collect pension benefits that had already been approved prior to the veterans death, but paid out afterwards due to processing delays, the senators said.