Central Montana Times

U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Andy Kim have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the pension payment process for veteran families following the death of a beneficiary. The proposed legislation, named the "Next of Kin Collections Protection Act," seeks to address issues related to prorated benefits programs that may burden grieving families.

Senator Daines emphasized the importance of supporting military families, stating, "Our veterans have served our country bravely and were willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. The least we can do is ensure that their families are not burdened with prorated benefits programs in their time of grieving. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support our military families by improving the pension benefits payment process."

Senator Kim echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for peace of mind for families who have made sacrifices alongside their loved ones in uniform. He stated, "Our debt of gratitude to those who wear our country’s uniform must extend to their families and loved ones for their own service and sacrifice. With this legislation, we can give these families back some peace of mind and alleviate potential financial burdens they shouldn’t have to carry as they mourn their loved one."

The bill ensures that veterans receive their accrued pension benefit in cases where a month-of-death claim is involved or if payment for the month of death has already been issued. It stipulates that if a veteran with an existing pension rating or decision dies, compensation discontinuance will be effective from the last day of the month in which death occurs. This measure aims to prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from reclaiming pension benefits approved before but paid after death due to processing delays.

Daines and Kim had previously introduced this bill during the 118th Congress.