Bill > S611

This bill, called the "Caring for Survivors Act of 2025", aims to improve dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses of veterans. The bill makes two key changes: First, it increases the monthly DIC benefit for surviving spouses by setting the amount to 55 percent of the monthly compensation rate for totally disabled veterans, replacing the previous fixed amount of $1,154. Second, it modifies the eligibility requirements for DIC for survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled, lowering the continuous rating period from 10 years to 5 years before death. For cases where the continuous rating period is less than 10 years, the bill establishes a prorated benefit amount proportional to the duration of the rating period. The bill includes a special provision for individuals whose DIC is based on a veteran's death before January 1, 1993, ensuring they receive the higher of their current benefit or the new calculated amount. These changes are set to take effect six months after the bill's enactment, with the goal of providing more financial support to veterans' surviving spouses.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/611/all-info