summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This House urges Congress to enact the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity is purchased insurance and the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is paid for service-caused death. The offset has been an unfair penalty that cuts earned benefits to military survivors. Currently, the surviving spouse of a military member who dies on active duty or of a service-connected illness or injury in retirement is entitled to survivor's benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs' DIC fund. However, if they had also voluntarily paid into the Department of Defense's SBP in addition to the DIC, their survivors' benefits can be subtracted by as much as $15,828 per year. Essentially, the SBP is subtracted from the total survivor's benefit, rather than added to it. This offset is a substantial burden for many surviving military families. Our nation's military personnel risk their lives to defend our nation and our freedoms. They should be able to trust that the benefits they designate for their families will be provided.
AI Summary
This resolution urges Congress to enact the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, which aims to correct an unfair practice where surviving military spouses often have their Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity, a form of purchased insurance, reduced or eliminated when they also receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a payment for service-caused death. Currently, for every dollar a surviving spouse receives in DIC, they lose a dollar from their SBP, creating a significant financial burden for families who have lost a loved one in service to the nation. While some attempts have been made to mitigate this issue, such as a small monthly rebate, this resolution emphasizes that these measures are insufficient and that the DIC should be paid in addition to, not subtracted from, the SBP annuity, ensuring that the benefits earned by military members for their families are fully provided.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/AR115 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/AR/115_I1.HTM |
Loading...