HR 3123

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

Summary

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act This bill establishes procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a pension that was due but unpaid at the time of a veteran’s death. Specifically, if the VA issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran prior to the veteran’s death but issues the payment after the veteran dies, the pension must be paid to the first available recipient on the following list: (1) the veteran’s living spouse; (2) the veteran’s living children; (3) the veteran’s living dependent parents; or (4) the estate of the veteran, unless the estate will escheat (i.e., transfer to the state). To be eligible for such pension payments, a claimant of accrued benefits must file an application within one year after the veteran's death. If no application for accrued benefits is filed within one year following the death of the veteran, the pension must be paid to the veteran’s estate unless the estate will escheat.

Bill status

Status
Passed House
Sponsor
Rep. Elise M. Stefanik [R-NY-21]
Cosponsors
2
Policy area
Armed Forces and National Security
Introduced
2025-04-30
Latest action
2026-02-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Committee referrals

Recent actions

  • 2026-02-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • 2026-02-02: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • 2026-02-02: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931)
  • 2026-02-02: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931)
  • 2026-02-02: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)

Votes