Veterans Pension Payment After Death

Official: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

IntroducedApril 30, 2025

Why This Matters

This bill ensures that veterans' pensions can be paid to their families after their death, helping to provide financial support during a difficult time.

If you are a veteran or have a family member who is, this bill could help ensure your family receives pension payments after your death.

Affects: Veterans and their spouses, children, and dependent parents will benefit from this bill.

Summary

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act This bill establishes procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a pension that was due but unpaid at the time of a veteran’s death. Specifically, if the VA issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran prior to the veteran’s death but issues the payment after the veteran dies, the pension must be paid to the first available recipient on the following list: (1) the veteran’s living spouse; (2) the veteran’s living children; (3) the veteran’s living dependent parents; or (4) the estate of the veteran, unless the estate will escheat (i. e., transfer to the state). To be eligible for such pension payments, a claimant of accrued benefits must file an application within one year after the veteran's death. If no application for accrued benefits is filed within one year following the death of the veteran, the pension must be paid to the veteran’s estate unless the estate will escheat.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill allows pension payments to continue after a veteran's death under certain conditions. 2. If a veteran is awarded a pension before they die, unpaid amounts will go to their family. 3. Eligible recipients include the veteran's spouse, children, dependent parents, or their estate. 4. If no claim is filed within a year, the payment will go to the veteran's estate. 5. The bill also extends a deadline related to pension payments to February 28, 2033.