Bill · H.R. 4637· House(119-HR-4637)
Veterans’ Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 12/19/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Julia Brownley
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Veterans' Surviving Spouse Equity Act of 2025'', seeks to amend title 38 of the United States Code. The primary goal is to expand eligibility for certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, it targets benefits for surviving spouses of veterans who were rated totally disabled at the time of their death. The amendment broadens the definition of a surviving spouse to include those who lived with the veteran for at least one year before their death.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The bill expands eligibility for benefits to include surviving spouses who lived with the veteran for at least one year but were not formally married.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+4
The bill ensures that the survivors of veterans who were totally disabled can access benefits through expanded spouse definitions.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+3
The bill provides more financial security for the survivors of veterans, who are often older individuals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Benefit Eligibility: The bill adds new criteria for who qualifies as a surviving spouse under section 1318 (Section 2). This means certain individuals who were in long-term relationships with veterans may now access benefits they were previously ineligible for.
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Recognition of Non-Legal Marriages: Under the new paragraph (3)(B) of section 1318, a person can qualify if they lived with the veteran in the same household for at least one year immediately preceding the death and held themselves out as a spouse. This provides a benefit to those who may not have had a formal legal marriage but maintained a shared household and public relationship with the veteran.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any provisions that would result in a loss of benefits or create a burden for any specific group of people.
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+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 12/19/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House