HR 2278119th CongressIn Committee

Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025

Introduced: Mar 21, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025 aims to make VA survivor benefits more accessible and better targeted to underserved groups, while expanding proactive outreach to survivors and dependents. It does this in two broad ways: (1) creating a formal data-collection framework to identify and monitor the demographics of beneficiaries and to designate underserved groups, with regular reporting and outreach plans; and (2) expanding VA outreach efforts for all “covered individuals” (veterans and those who served in the uniformed services) and their eligible dependents, including a new requirement to provide quarterly outreach after a veteran’s death until beneficiaries file a claim. The bill also requires an assessment of the Office of Survivors Assistance’s resources and adds staffing and coordination requirements to support these efforts. In short, the bill seeks to (a) collect and publicly report demographic data to improve equity in survivor benefits, and (b) strengthen, standardize, and extend outreach to survivors and dependents to help them access benefits and burial-related information.

Key Points

1Demographic data collection and equity focus (Survivor Benefits Data Collection Act of 2025):
2- VA must develop a method to collect demographic data for covered survivors and burial beneficiaries and designate underserved demographics based on this data.
3- Data collection must occur within 180 days; initial underserved demographics designations within 1 year; and the annual benefits reports must include demographic data collected.
4- Key demographic categories include race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, LGBTQIA+ status, and geographic location.
5- Consultation on designations involves several VA advisory groups and veterans service organizations.
6Outreach and education requirements:
7- VA must submit an outreach and education strategy for underserved demographics within 1 year of designation.
8- The Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs must develop and implement an outreach plan to raise awareness of burial eligibility in national cemeteries for underserved groups, with ongoing education and annual reporting for five years.
9Office resources and assessment:
10- VA must assess the resources of the Office of Survivors Assistance and develop a strategy to ensure adequate resources for the office.
11Survivor Solid Start Act: expanded outreach for covered individuals:
12- The terminology shifts from “veterans” to “covered individuals” (veterans and individuals who served in the uniformed services) and their dependents.
13- After the death of a covered individual, VA must provide quarterly outreach to each eligible dependent (or their legal guardian if a minor) until a claim is filed, with options to opt out.
14- Outreach materials must include contact information for the Office of Survivors Assistance and information about assistance to file a claim (including qualified veterans service organizations and recognized attorneys/agents).
15- Outreach materials must guide dependents to find appropriate support entities and nearby offices.
16Implementation and operations:
17- VA must consult with veterans service organizations and advisory committees when developing and revising outreach materials.
18- The VA must establish 5 to 10 full-time equivalent call-center positions to carry out these outreach efforts.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Survivors of veterans (spouses, children, parents) who receive burial benefits or survivor benefits under VA laws, and “covered individuals” (veterans and those who served in the uniformed services) and their eligible dependents. This includes those who may qualify for disability compensation, pension, aid and attendance, or burial benefits.Secondary group/area affected- Veterans service organizations, VA advisory committees (on minority veterans, women veterans, and survivor-related services), and the Office of Survivors Assistance. These groups participate in data-designation discussions and outreach material development.Additional impacts- Data collection and reporting: The bill introduces demographic data collection and public reporting, which could influence policy emphasis and resource allocation to underserved groups. It also raises considerations about privacy and consent, though the bill states no person is required to submit demographic data.- Outreach operations: Expanding outreach after a covered individual’s death may improve awareness and utilization of benefits, potentially reducing delays in filing claims and improving burial and survivor benefit uptake.- Costs and staffing: The requirement for new call-center staff and expanded outreach activities will incur Administrative costs and require budgetary allocations.- Policy coordination: The approach relies on collaboration with multiple VA offices and external groups, potentially increasing interdepartmental coordination and procedural complexity.Covered survivor: a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran.Covered individual: a veteran or an individual who served in the uniformed services.Underserved demographics: groups designated by VA as not adequately served in relation to the specified benefits, to be identified through the new data collection.Eligible dependent: a dependent of a covered individual who may seek VA benefits, including minor dependents represented by a guardian.

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