summary
Introduced
04/16/2013
04/16/2013
In Committee
04/16/2013
04/16/2013
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015
01/03/2015
Introduced Session
113th Congress
Bill Summary
Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013 - Allows dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) paid through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the surviving spouses of veterans to be increased for months occurring during the five-year (under current law, two-year) period beginning on the date of entitlement. Provides that the remarriage after age 55 of the surviving spouse of a veteran shall not bar the furnishing of VA DIC, health care, educational assistance, and housing loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide, to any spina bifida-affected child of a veteran who served on active duty in Thailand beginning on January 9, 1962, and ending on May 7, 1975, and was exposed to a herbicide agent during such service, the same health care, vocational training and rehabilitation, and monetary allowance required to be paid to a similarly-affected child of a Vietnam veteran. Directs the Secretary to carry out a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing grief counseling services for the surviving spouses of veterans who die while serving on active duty.
AI Summary
This bill, the Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 2013, makes several changes to benefits for surviving spouses and children of veterans. It extends the period during which surviving spouses can receive increased Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a monthly payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible survivors, from two years to five years. The bill also removes a restriction that previously barred surviving spouses who remarried after age 55 from receiving DIC, health care, educational assistance, and housing loans. Additionally, it extends VA benefits, including healthcare and monetary allowances for spina bifida, to children of veterans who served in Thailand between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and were exposed to herbicide agents, mirroring benefits provided to children of Vietnam veterans with similar conditions. Finally, the bill mandates a two-year pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of providing grief counseling services to surviving spouses of servicemembers who die on active duty.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 113-111. (on 06/12/2013)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/735/all-info |
| BillText | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s735is/pdf/BILLS-113s735is.pdf |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s735is/pdf/BILLS-113s735is.pdf.pdf |
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