H.R. 2278: Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025, focuses on enhancing the support for survivors of veterans and improving the outreach and access to benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Collection of Demographic Data

The bill requires the VA to collect demographic information about certain survivors of veterans who receive benefits, including:

• Disability and indemnity compensation
• Pension benefits
• Burial benefits

This data collection aims to identify and address the needs of underserved demographics among these survivors.

2. Designation of Underserved Demographic

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will designate specific demographics as "underserved" based on the collected data. This designation will be reviewed every two years to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant.

3. Reporting Requirements

The VA must include information concerning the demographic data collected in its annual benefits reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.

4. Outreach and Education Strategy

The bill mandates the development of a strategy to raise awareness about available benefits specifically targeting underserved demographics. This strategy must be submitted to relevant congressional committees within one year after the designation of underserved demographics.

5. Outreach for Burial Benefits

An outreach plan must be created to inform veterans and beneficiaries belonging to underserved demographics about their eligibility for burial in national cemeteries. This plan requires development within 180 days of the initial demographic designation.

6. Assessment of Resources

The Secretary must conduct an assessment of the Office of Survivors Assistance in the VA to ensure resources are adequate for providing necessary support and services to survivors.

7. Improvements to Outreach Services

The bill expands the outreach services by requiring the VA to provide ongoing communication to the eligible dependents of deceased covered individuals until they file a claim for benefits. This includes:

• Information about the Office of Survivors Assistance
• Support for filing claims
• Contact information for recognized veteran service organizations

The outreach will occur via multiple channels, including mail and email, ensuring that dependents receive information consistently.

8. Staffing for Outreach Initiatives

The bill requires the establishment of full-time positions at VA call centers focused on carrying out the specified outreach efforts.

Deadlines and Implementation

Several deadlines are outlined for the VA to develop the data collection method, designate underserved demographics, and implement outreach strategies. The initial data collection must begin within 180 days of the bill's enactment, with demographic designations to follow within one year. Annual reports on outreach efforts are required for five years after initial designations.

Relevant Companies

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