Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
Introduced Apr 30, 2025 by Rep. Elise M. Stefanik
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
- Feb 3, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Feb 2, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Feb 2, 2026On 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)
- Feb 2, 2026Passed/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)
- Feb 2, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)
- Feb 2, 2026At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- Feb 2, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123.
- Feb 2, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932)
- Feb 2, 2026Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Oct 8, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
- Oct 8, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339.
- Jul 23, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Jul 23, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Jul 23, 2025Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
- Jun 24, 2025Subcommittee Hearings Held
- May 15, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
- Apr 30, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Apr 30, 2025Introduced in House