Veterans’ Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
In Committee
Summary
Expand eligibility for survivors of veterans rated totally disabled at death. This bill would broaden who can receive benefits under laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs for survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled when they died. It amends 38 U.S.C. 1318(c) by adding a new paragraph with two alternative ways to qualify.
Show full summary
- Surviving spouses: A surviving spouse would qualify if they were married to the veteran for one year or more immediately before the veteran’s death.
- Long-term partners: A surviving partner who lived with the veteran for at least one year and publicly held themselves out as the veteran’s spouse would also qualify, even if the veteran or partner entered another legal or religious marriage during that year.
- Narrow change: The revision is limited to adding paragraph (3) to 38 U.S.C. 1318(c) and does not create a new program or include a phase-in or sunset provision.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More survivor benefits for spouses
If your spouse was rated totally disabled when they died, you may qualify for VA survivor benefits. You qualify if you were married to the veteran for at least one year right before their death. You also qualify if you lived with the veteran for at least one year. During that year you must have publicly acted like their spouse. That cohabitation rule still works even if either person entered another marriage during that year.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
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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