Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

Summary

The Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act addresses the payment of veteran's pensions after the veteran's death. Specifically, it ensures that pension payments awarded before a veteran's death, but paid after, are distributed to the veteran's spouse, children, dependent parents, or estate, in that order. The bill also extends certain limits on pension payments.

Expected Effects

This act will ensure that accrued pension benefits are paid to the veteran's family or estate. This provides financial support to the veteran's survivors. It also extends the deadline for certain pension payment limits, providing continued benefits.

Potential Benefits

  • Ensures accrued pension benefits are paid to the veteran's survivors, providing financial support.
  • Provides clarity and a defined order of precedence for benefit distribution.
  • Reduces potential legal disputes regarding unpaid pension benefits.
  • Extends the time limit for certain pension payments, ensuring continued support.
  • Simplifies the process for distributing benefits after a veteran's death.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The one-year application window might be insufficient for some families to navigate the process.
  • The bill does not address other types of veteran benefits, potentially creating inconsistencies.
  • The estate escheat clause could lead to complexities in certain cases.
  • The bill may create additional administrative burden for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • The bill does not address situations where the veteran has specific instructions for benefit distribution.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by providing for veterans and their families. It falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as veterans' benefits are considered part of the nation's obligation to those who served. There are no apparent conflicts with specific constitutional amendments or limitations on Congressional power.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).