Bill > HR4637

This bill, known as the "Veterans' Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025," amends existing veterans' benefits law to expand eligibility for certain benefits for surviving spouses of veterans who were rated totally disabled at the time of their death. Specifically, the bill modifies the conditions under which a surviving spouse can qualify for these benefits by adding two new alternative eligibility criteria: first, the surviving spouse must have been married to the veteran for at least one year before the veteran's death, or second, the surviving spouse must have lived with the veteran in the same household for at least one year immediately preceding the veteran's death and presented themselves publicly as the veteran's spouse during that time. This change is significant because it broadens the definition of a qualifying surviving spouse, potentially allowing more partners who were in committed relationships with veterans to receive benefits, even if they were not legally married or were in complex relationship situations. The bill aims to provide more equitable access to veterans' benefits for surviving partners who may have been previously excluded under more restrictive eligibility rules.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4637/all-info