Bill · H.R. 2278· House(119-HR-2278)
Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 3/21/2025
- Last activity
- 4/4/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Mark Takano
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve access to benefits and outreach for service members and their dependents. The bill requires the collection of demographic data to identify underserved populations receiving various benefits. The Secretary must also create outreach and education strategies for these underserved groups. Additionally, the bill expands outreach services to include "covered individuals" who served in the uniformed services. It mandates quarterly outreach to eligible dependents following the death of a covered individual. Finally, the act requires an assessment of the Office of Survivors Assistance and the creation of specific call center positions.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+7
The bill improves benefit accessibility and outreach for those who served.
Does this help veterans get medical care?+7
The bill improves access to benefits and outreach for veterans and their survivors through improved data collection and proactive assistance.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+7
The bill enhances the delivery and outreach of veteran benefits to survivors and underserved demographics.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved access through data identification: The Secretary is required to collect demographic data—including race, ethnicity, tribal affiliation, LGBTQIA+ status, and geographic location—to designate "undersered demographics" for certain benefits (Section 2(b)). This allows the Department to identify which groups may be missing out on benefits like disability compensation, pensions, or burial benefits.
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Targeted outreach and awareness: The bill mandates the development of an outreach and education strategy for underserved demographics (Section 2(c)(1)). It also requires a specific strategy to raise awareness about eligibility for burial in a national cemetery among veterans and beneficiaries (Section 2(c)(2)(A)).
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Proactive support for dependents: Upon notification of a death, the Secretary must provide outreach services via mail, email, and telephone to eligible dependents at least once per quarter until a claim is filed (Section 3(b)(1)(A)). This includes providing contact information for the Office of Survivors Assistance and help finding assistance through service organizations or legal entities (Section 3(b)(1)(2)).
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Resource assessment for assistance: The Secretary must conduct an assessment of the Office of Survivors Assistance and develop a strategy to ensure it has the necessary resources to function (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential for unwanted communication: Under the new outreach mandates, eligible dependents or legal guardians may receive frequent contact. However, the bill provides an option for these individuals to elect to receive no outreach or fewer outreach services, with the Secretary required to notify them of this option at least once a year (Section 3(b)(1)(D)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+7Good For African Americans+5Good For Asian Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For L G B T Q Community+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Women+5Good For Children+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5Improves L G B T Q Rights+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Veterans Healthcare+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 4/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 3/21/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House