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119-hr-2278119th CongressWALLET

Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]

In Committee

Summary

Better data and continuous outreach for survivors. This bill would set up demographic data collection and require ongoing, proactive contact so surviving spouses, children, and parents can find and claim VA survivor and burial benefits.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger VA outreach to survivors and dependents

If enacted, after the VA learns of a covered individual’s death, it would contact each eligible dependent by mail, email, and phone at least once each calendar quarter until a claim is filed. For minor children, the VA would contact the legal guardian and make reasonable efforts to find contact details if missing. Each year, the VA would tell families they can choose fewer or no contacts. Outreach materials would include the Office of Survivors Assistance and how to find recognized veterans groups and accredited attorneys or agents nearby. The VA would add 5 to 10 full‑time call‑center staff to do this work. Outreach rules would apply to veterans and to anyone who served in the uniformed services, broadening who is covered. The VA would also review the Office of Survivors Assistance’s resources within one year and make a plan to meet needs.

VA would collect survivor demographic data

If enacted, the VA would start collecting demographic data for survivors getting DIC, pension, aid and attendance, or housebound add‑ons, and for people who get burial benefits. The data would include race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation (if any), LGBTQIA+ status, and location. The VA would develop and begin this within 180 days after enactment. Within one year after collection starts, the VA would name underserved groups and review that list every two years. Annual VA benefits reports would include this data starting one year after collection begins. No one would be forced to answer, and not answering would not affect a claim.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Takano, Mark [D-CA-39]

CA • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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