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Redesignates paragraphs (1) through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4) and inserts a new paragraph (1) defining the term 'covered individual' to mean a veteran or an individual who served in the uniformed services (as defined in section 1965(6)).
Strikes each place it appears and inserts 'covered individuals'.
Amends multiple subsections to replace references to 'eligible veterans' or 'veterans' with 'covered individuals' or 'covered individual or eligible dependent' as specified (subsections (a), (c)(1)(A), (c)(2), and (d)).
In subsection (a), replaces 'eligible veteran' with 'covered individual'. In subsection (b), replaces 'opportunities for veterans' with 'opportunities for covered individuals' and 'eligible veterans' with 'covered individuals'.
Adds new subsection (c) establishing outreach services for surviving eligible dependents: quarterly outreach after notification of death until a claim is filed; outreach to legal guardian for minor children; requirement to make reasonable efforts to obtain contact information; option for dependents/guardians to opt out or receive fewer outreach services with an annual notification of that option; required content of outreach (contact info for Office of Survivors Assistance; information on assistance from veterans service organizations recognized under section 5902 or attorneys/agents recognized under section 5904; and how to find such entities near the dependent's residence); and consultation requirements when developing outreach materials with specified advisory committees and organizations.
Adds a new section 5322 to chapter 53 of title 38, United States Code, requiring the Secretary to develop and implement a method to collect demographic data of covered survivors receiving specified VA benefits, consult specified advisory entities, designate underserved demographics and review those designations biennially, include collected demographic data in Veterans Benefits Administration annual benefits reports, and define terms related to covered survivors and demographic data.
Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to collect demographic data on survivors receiving VA benefits and on recipients of burial benefits, use the data to identify underserved groups, and include findings and outreach plans in annual reports. It also requires the VA to assess resources for the Office of Survivors Assistance and meet set deadlines for data collection, designations, and reporting. Expands proactive outreach to survivors and dependents when a veteran or other covered service member dies. The VA must regularly contact eligible dependents (including a minor’s legal guardian) by mail, email, or phone, provide specified benefit information, consult with advisory bodies and veteran service organizations on materials, and add 5–10 call‑center staff to support the effort.
Short title: This section may be cited as the "Survivor Benefits Data Collection Act of 2025."
Add a new 38 U.S.C. §5322 (Demographic data of certain beneficiaries) requiring the Secretary, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a method to collect demographic data and to collect that data for covered survivors receiving disability and indemnity compensation, pension, increased pension/additional compensation or allowances based on need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound, and for each person who receives burial benefits under chapter 23.
Consultation requirement: The Secretary must consult the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (sec. 544), the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (sec. 542), the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee (or successor), and veterans service organizations when developing the data collection method.
Designation of underserved demographics: The Secretary shall designate any demographic determined to be underserved with respect to the specified benefits, based on the collected demographic data, and must review and update those designations at least every two years (biennially).
Inclusion in annual reports: For each Veterans Benefits Administration annual benefits report, the Secretary must include information about the demographic data collected under §5322(a) for the fiscal year covered by the report.
Surviving spouses, children, and other dependents should receive clearer, earlier, and more consistent information about available VA benefits and how to access them. Legal guardians of minor dependents will be directly contacted and guided through benefits processes. Underserved groups—identified through new demographic data—should see more tailored outreach aimed at closing gaps in awareness and access. The VA will assume new responsibilities to collect and analyze data, publish findings, design and execute targeted outreach, and staff call‑center capacity (5–10 FTEs). Advisory bodies and veterans service organizations will be engaged to ensure outreach is accurate and responsive to survivor needs. Overall, the changes aim to improve benefits uptake, reduce confusion during a difficult time, and strengthen support for survivors across diverse communities.
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Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced March 21, 2025 by Mark Takano · Last progress March 21, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House