Pappas, Steil Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans Survivors Benefits

Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) introduced the Survivor Benefits Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation would ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot demand families of beneficiaries pay back their monthly benefits in the event of a surviving spouse’s death. Under current law, if a deceased veteran’s spouse is receiving benefit checks and dies during the month they received a check, the VA is permitted to request the month’s payment back.

“If a veteran passes away, their spouse should not be forced to pay back VA benefits that have already been paid out to support the veteran and their family,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation would make an important change to VA rules to ensure that no mourning family is asked to pay back benefits. I’m honored to introduce this important bipartisan bill alongside Congressman Steil and will continue pushing for changes at VA to properly honor the service of all our veterans and their families.”

“Each of our veterans who have fought for and honorably served our country deserve the benefits they have earned,” said Congressman Steil. “There is an unfair law hurting our veterans, and we must fix it. I’m committed to getting this important piece of legislation across the finish line.”