Caring for Survivors Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced
Summary
Would increase monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving spouses. This bill would replace the current fixed spouse payment with a formula tied to 55 percent of the monthly compensation rate under 38 U.S.C. §1114(j) and would change who qualifies and how much survivors of totally disabled veterans receive.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier eligibility for survivor benefits
The bill would lower the continuous-rating requirement for certain survivor payments from 10 years to five years. If a veteran's continuous total disability rating before death was less than 10 years, the payment would be prorated by the fraction (years of continuous rating ÷ 10). These changes would let more survivors qualify and set a clear proration rule for shorter rating periods.
Higher monthly benefits for survivors
This bill would replace the fixed $1,154 monthly survivor payment with a new amount equal to 55% of the VA monthly rate under 38 U.S.C. 1114(j). If enacted, payments under chapter 13 would begin using the new formula for months starting six months after enactment. For survivors whose entitlement is based on a veteran's death before January 1, 1993, the VA would pay whichever is larger: the old subsection amount or the new 55% amount.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Cosponsors
John Boozman
AR • R
Sponsored 2/18/2025
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
WI • D
Sponsored 6/3/2025
Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
VT • I
Sponsored 7/21/2025
Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
WA • D
Sponsored 9/17/2025
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 9/29/2025
Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 9/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov