Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025
Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would change how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles pension payments when a veteran or pensioner dies. Currently, the VA may reduce or stop pension payments on different dates depending on the circumstances.
The bill would standardize this process so that any reduction or cancellation of VA pension benefits would take effect on the last day of the month in which the person dies—essentially allowing the full month's payment to go to the veteran's estate or next of kin, even if death occurs early in the month. **Who It Affects** This legislation primarily affects the families and estates of deceased veterans and other VA pension recipients. It could also impact the VA's administrative processes for handling these transitions. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025This bill modifies the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a Department of Veterans Affairs pension under an existing rating or decision in cases where the payee has died. Specifically, the bill provides that the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a pension that is under an existing rating or decision must be the last day of the month in which the death of the payee occurs.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.