06-16-2022, 12:51 PM
Bill numbers: H.R. 3402 | S. 976
Status as of June 7: 64 House co-sponsors, 12 Senate co-sponsors
Legislative Action Center link: Act Now to Improve Survivors' Benefits via
https://moaa.quorum.us/campaign/36953
This important legislation would raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to the
same levels as other federal survivor programs. It would boost DIC to 55% of the compensation
of a 100% disabled veteran, up from the current 43%; correcting this injustice is long overdue.
The bill would also reform the so-called “10-year rule,” which prohibits survivors from receiving
DIC benefits if a 100% disabled servicemember dies of a non-service connected injury less than
10 years after receiving that disability rating. This bill would allow beneficiaries to receive a
portion of DIC beginning at five years, with that amount gradually rising until reaching full
compensation at the 10-year mark.
Unfortunately, the unofficial cost estimate for the Caring for Survivors Act gives lawmakers
sticker shock at roughly $20 billion over 10 years. This means MOAA needs your dedicated,
long-term advocacy to help build co-sponsors in both chambers for this legislation.
Sending multiple emails, writing letters, and making phone calls to your representative and both
of your senators has an iterative effect. They get tired of saying no. Share the links and the toll-free
number listed above with your extended network of family and friends. They do not need to
be MOAA members to support these important advocacy initiatives. Be sure to use your own
words and experiences when speaking with staffers and asking for their support. [Source: MOAA
Newsletter | Mark Belinsky | June 09, 2022 ++]
Status as of June 7: 64 House co-sponsors, 12 Senate co-sponsors
Legislative Action Center link: Act Now to Improve Survivors' Benefits via
https://moaa.quorum.us/campaign/36953
This important legislation would raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) to the
same levels as other federal survivor programs. It would boost DIC to 55% of the compensation
of a 100% disabled veteran, up from the current 43%; correcting this injustice is long overdue.
The bill would also reform the so-called “10-year rule,” which prohibits survivors from receiving
DIC benefits if a 100% disabled servicemember dies of a non-service connected injury less than
10 years after receiving that disability rating. This bill would allow beneficiaries to receive a
portion of DIC beginning at five years, with that amount gradually rising until reaching full
compensation at the 10-year mark.
Unfortunately, the unofficial cost estimate for the Caring for Survivors Act gives lawmakers
sticker shock at roughly $20 billion over 10 years. This means MOAA needs your dedicated,
long-term advocacy to help build co-sponsors in both chambers for this legislation.
Sending multiple emails, writing letters, and making phone calls to your representative and both
of your senators has an iterative effect. They get tired of saying no. Share the links and the toll-free
number listed above with your extended network of family and friends. They do not need to
be MOAA members to support these important advocacy initiatives. Be sure to use your own
words and experiences when speaking with staffers and asking for their support. [Source: MOAA
Newsletter | Mark Belinsky | June 09, 2022 ++]