H3889 — An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses

Summary

An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses

Bill Text

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The bill increases veterans' benefits by 25%, establishes continuing financial assistance for surviving spouses, and mandates annual cost of living adjustments.

• Chapter 115, Section 5

  the current rates of benefits provided to veterans → increased by 25% over the current rate of benefits

  This change raises the financial assistance to veterans by 25%.

• Chapter 115, Section 5

  The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall annually review the cost of living and adjust the benefit rates accordingly to ensure veterans' benefits keep pace with inflation.

  This introduces a requirement to adjust benefits based on inflation.

• Chapter 115, Section 5A

  Upon the death of an eligible veteran, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive the same financial assistance benefits provided under Chapter 115 for a period of 12 months following the death of the veteran.

  This establishes a 12-month continuation of benefits for surviving spouses.

• Chapter 115, Section 5A

  After the initial 12-month period, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive financial assistance at 75% of the veteran’s benefit rate, provided the spouse remains unmarried and continues to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Department of Veterans' Services.

  This allows surviving spouses to receive 75% of benefits after the first year, under certain conditions.

• Chapter 115, Section 5A

  In the event of remarriage, benefits shall cease at the time of remarriage.

  This specifies that benefits for surviving spouses stop if they remarry.

• Chapter 115, Section 5A

  The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall establish guidelines to ensure a seamless transition of benefits from the veteran to the surviving spouse, including application procedures and eligibility verification processes.

  This requires the establishment of guidelines for transitioning benefits to surviving spouses.

• Section 2

  The Commonwealth shall allocate the necessary funds to the Executive Office of Veterans' Services to implement the increased benefits and to administer the extension of benefits to surviving spouses.

  This commits state funding for the implementation of new benefits.

• Section 2

  The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall work in coordination with local veterans’ agents to ensure eligible veterans and their surviving spouses are informed of the changes to Chapter 115 benefits and the process for applying for and receiving benefits.

  This requires coordination with local agents to inform veterans and spouses about the benefit changes.

• Section 3

  The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall submit a report to the General Court within 18 months of the enactment of this act, detailing the financial impact of the increased benefits and the extension of benefits to surviving spouses.

  This mandates a report on the financial impact of the changes to be submitted to the legislature.

• Section 3

  The report shall include recommendations for any further legislative action needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Chapter 115 benefits program.

  This ensures that the report will also address future legislative needs regarding the benefits program.

Sponsors

• Steven George Xiarhos · Primary

Subjects