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H 3889

An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe McKenna and 3 co-sponsors

Extends MA veterans' benefits: 12 months of full survivor benefits after a veteran's death, then 75% of the veteran rate if unmarried, with remarriage ending the benefits.

Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 3889

Summary of H.3889: An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses

Purpose

To broaden Massachusetts Veterans’ benefits under Chapter 115 by increasing base benefit levels and extending survivor benefits to surviving spouses. The bill aims to ensure benefits keep pace with inflation and to provide a defined transition of benefits from the veteran to the surviving spouse after the veteran’s death.

Key Provisions

  • Increased veteran benefits (Section 5, Ch. 115):

    • The amount of financial assistance for eligible veterans would be increased by 25% over the current rate.
    • The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans' Services (EOVS) would conduct an annual cost-of-living review and adjust benefit rates accordingly to keep pace with inflation.

  • Survivor benefits (Section 5A, Ch. 115):

    • Upon the veteran’s death, the surviving spouse receives the same financial assistance benefits for 12 months.
    • After the initial 12 months, the surviving spouse would receive 75% of the veteran’s benefit rate, provided the spouse remains unmarried and continues to meet eligibility criteria set by the Department of Veterans’ Services.
    • If the surviving spouse remarries, benefits cease.
    • The EOVS must establish guidelines for a seamless transition, including application procedures and eligibility verification.

  • Funding and administration (Section 2):

    • The Commonwealth would allocate funds to the EOVS to implement the increased benefits and to administer the survivor-benefit extension.
    • EOVS would collaborate with local veterans’ agents to inform eligible veterans and surviving spouses about changes and the application process.

  • Reporting and review (Section 3):

    • The EOVS must submit a report to the General Court within 18 months of enactment detailing the financial impact of both the increased benefits and the survivor-benefit extension, with recommendations for further legislative action to ensure sustainability.

Beneficiaries and Eligibility

  • Eligible veterans under Chapter 115 would see higher base benefits.
  • Surviving spouses of eligible veterans would qualify for the 12-month full benefit, then 75% of the veteran rate if unmarried and eligible, with remarriage terminating benefits.

Implementation and Timeline

  • The bill authorizes funding for implementation and coordination with local agents.
  • Provides a structured transition framework from veteran to surviving spouse.
  • Requires a formal impact report within 18 months of enactment.

Status and Related Actions

  • Hearing: Scheduled (and rescheduled) for June 24, 2025.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to Veterans and Federal Affairs; Senate concurred; Related bill HD 3921 replaces this measure.
  • The summary reflects the version text associated with House Docket No. 3921 (H.3889).

Note: This is a summary of the bill’s substantive provisions. Actual enacted text may differ.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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