Central Montana Times

U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Andy Kim have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) from retroactively collecting pre-approved pension benefits from the families of deceased veterans. This legislative effort seeks to address concerns related to VA collections following the death of a beneficiary.

"Our veterans have served our country at the highest level and deserve our full support," stated Senator Daines. "Their families should not be concerned about VA collections calls in their time of grieving because of the VA’s bureaucracy. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve the pension benefits payments process and ensure that our veteran families are not encumbered with prorated benefits programs."

Senator Kim expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the nation's responsibility towards veterans' families. "Our nation’s promise to have veterans’ backs must extend to their families, who for their own service and sacrifices, deserve the full support of a grateful nation," he said. "I am proud to bring this legislation forward as my first bill introduced as a U.S. Senator to reaffirm our support for our military community and make sure no other military family has to carry these financial burdens while mourning their loved one."

The proposed bill aims to ensure that veterans receive their accrued pension benefit in cases involving a month-of-death claim or if payment for the month of death has already been issued. It specifies that if a veteran dies while receiving a pension under an existing rating or decision, compensation discontinuance will take effect on the last day of that month. This measure is intended to prevent collection efforts by the VA due to processing delays at its Pension Management Center.