Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 2278
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2278Armed Forces and National Security
Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 21· LAST ACTION APR 4
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it tries to fix a long-standing issue: ensuring that all eligible veterans and their families, especially those from diverse backgrounds or specific communities, are fully aware of and can access the benefits they have earned. Currently, some groups might be less informed or face more barriers in applying for benefits due to lack of targeted outreach or awareness.
If this bill becomes law, the VA will have a better understanding of who is receiving benefits and, more importantly, who might not be. This data-driven approach could lead to more effective and equitable distribution of support, potentially closing gaps in benefit access for underserved communities. If it doesn't become law, the VA would continue its current outreach methods without the specific requirement to collect detailed demographic data, identify underserved groups through that data, or develop targeted strategies to address any disparities, meaning some eligible individuals might continue to miss out.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
The VA must develop a method and begin collecting demographic data (race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, LGBTQIA+ status, geographic location) from recipients of certain survivor and burial benefits.
This establishes a system to identify which groups of beneficiaries may be underserved or have difficulty accessing benefits.
PROVISION 02
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must designate specific 'underserved demographics' based on the collected data and review these designations at least every two years.
This ensures that efforts to improve access are specifically targeted to the groups identified as needing the most support.
PROVISION 03
The VA must develop outreach and education strategies to raise awareness of benefits among identified underserved survivor demographics and among veterans/beneficiaries regarding national cemetery burial eligibility.
This directly addresses potential knowledge gaps and aims to ensure all eligible individuals are informed about their entitlements.
PROVISION 04
The VA must include information on the collected demographic data in its annual benefits reports.
This provision promotes transparency and accountability regarding the VA's efforts to achieve equitable benefit delivery.
PROVISION 05
The Secretary must assess the resources of the Office of Survivors Assistance and develop a strategy to ensure it has necessary resources.
This strengthens the office specifically tasked with supporting survivors, ensuring it can effectively carry out its mission.
This bill matters because it tries to fix a long-standing issue: ensuring that all eligible veterans and their families, especially those from diverse backgrounds or specific communities, are fully aware of and can access the benefits they have earned. Currently, some groups might be less informed or face more barriers in applying for benefits due to lack of targeted outreach or awareness.
If this bill becomes law, the VA will have a better understanding of who is receiving benefits and, more importantly, who might not be. This data-driven approach could lead to more effective and equitable distribution of support, potentially closing gaps in benefit access for underserved communities. If it doesn't become law, the VA would continue its current outreach methods without the specific requirement to collect detailed demographic data, identify underserved groups through that data, or develop targeted strategies to address any disparities, meaning some eligible individuals might continue to miss out.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
The VA must develop a method and begin collecting demographic data (race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, LGBTQIA+ status, geographic location) from recipients of certain survivor and burial benefits.
This establishes a system to identify which groups of beneficiaries may be underserved or have difficulty accessing benefits.
high
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must designate specific 'underserved demographics' based on the collected data and review these designations at least every two years.
This ensures that efforts to improve access are specifically targeted to the groups identified as needing the most support.
high
The VA must develop outreach and education strategies to raise awareness of benefits among identified underserved survivor demographics and among veterans/beneficiaries regarding national cemetery burial eligibility.
This directly addresses potential knowledge gaps and aims to ensure all eligible individuals are informed about their entitlements.
med
The VA must include information on the collected demographic data in its annual benefits reports.
This provision promotes transparency and accountability regarding the VA's efforts to achieve equitable benefit delivery.
med
The Secretary must assess the resources of the Office of Survivors Assistance and develop a strategy to ensure it has necessary resources.
This strengthens the office specifically tasked with supporting survivors, ensuring it can effectively carry out its mission.
not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
Develop data collection method and commence data collection
not later than one year after data collection commences
Make initial designation of any underserved demographics
on or after one year after data collection commences
Requirement for annual benefits reports to include demographic data applies
not later than one year after the date of initial designation
Develop and submit outreach and education strategy for underserved survivor demographics
not later than 180 days after the date of initial designation
Develop and submit outreach strategy for national cemetery burial eligibility
not later than one year after the date of initial designation
Submit initial report on burial outreach efforts
annually thereafter for five years
Submit annual reports on burial outreach efforts
not later than one year after the date of enactment
GLOSSARY
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Survivor Benefits
Financial assistance, healthcare, or other services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of a deceased veteran.
Demographic Data
Information about a population, including characteristics such as race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, LGBTQIA+ status, and geographic location.
Underserved Demographic
A group of people identified by the VA who may not be receiving or are less aware of certain benefits compared to other groups, based on collected demographic information.
Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
A non-profit organization recognized by the VA that provides support, advocacy, and assistance to veterans and their families with benefits and services.
Disability and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
A monthly tax-free benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died from a service-related injury or disease, or who were totally disabled from a service-related condition at the time of death.
Pension
A needs-based benefit paid to low-income wartime veterans or their surviving family members who meet specific age or disability requirements.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
APR 4, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
COMMITTEE
MAR 21, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 21, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Conduct assessment of Office of Survivors Assistance resources and develop strategy
Uniformed Services
The seven uniformed services of the United States, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps.
