Caring for Survivors Act of 2025
Key claim: The Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 would increase monthly VA dependency and indemnity compensation rates for surviving spouses and reduce the required totally-disabled service period from 10 to 5 years to qualify for survivor benefits.
Abstract
(S611 · 119th Congress) Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors (i.e., spouses, parents, or children) of (1) certain veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed while on active military duty or active or inactive duty for training; or (3) veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period of time. The bill also (1) reduces, from 10 years to 5 years, the period of time that certain veterans must have been rated totally disabled due to a service-connected disability in order for a survivor to qualify for benefits; and (2) specifies the amount that is payable to survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death. Latest action (2025-03-11): Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-35.
Why this matters
The Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 would increase monthly VA dependency and indemnity compensation rates for surviving spouses and reduce the required totally-disabled service period from 10 to 5 years to qualify for survivor benefits.