S.274 - Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025 (S.274) aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, specifically concerning benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by the death of a beneficiary. The bill seeks to modify the effective dates of reductions and discontinuances of compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pension payments. It ensures that in the case of pensions under an existing rating or decision, benefits are paid for the entire month in which the beneficiary dies.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is to ensure that veterans' families receive the full benefits for the month of the veteran's death, particularly concerning pension payments. This change prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from recouping benefits for the month of death. This provides financial relief to surviving family members during a difficult time.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures families receive full pension benefits for the month of a veteran's death.
- Simplifies the benefit payment process after a veteran's death.
- Provides financial support to surviving family members during a period of loss.
- Reduces administrative burden on the VA by clarifying payment timelines.
- Aligns benefit payments with a more compassionate approach to veteran affairs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May slightly increase the overall cost of VA benefits administration.
- Could potentially create minor administrative complexities in implementing the changes.
- The financial impact on the VA budget may require adjustments in other areas.
- Some may argue that this change could incentivize delayed reporting of deaths, although unlikely.
- Limited scope; addresses only a specific aspect of veteran benefits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to provide financial support to veterans' families during a time of need. Specifically, it relates to Congress's power to provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States (Preamble). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).