Bill Overview
Title: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
Description: This bill makes certain benefits that are payable to the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran payable to the veteran's children or dependent parents if the veteran does not have a surviving spouse.
Sponsors: Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Target Audience
Population: Children and dependent parents of deceased veterans without a surviving spouse
Estimated Size: 50000
- This legislation modifies the distribution of accrued veterans' benefits, which is a concern for families of deceased veterans.
- The primary beneficiaries are the children and dependent parents of deceased veterans who would be eligible to receive benefits if there is no surviving spouse.
- The bill impacts the policy of benefit distribution, focusing directly on familial relations and dependency.
- Considering the number of veterans who pass away without a surviving spouse but with surviving children or dependent parents would give an indication of the global impact.
Reasoning
- This policy primarily affects children and dependent parents of deceased veterans without a surviving spouse. Many families rely on veterans' benefits for financial security, and this bill could provide necessary support where it previously was not available.
- Given the budget constraints, not all eligible families might receive benefits. The distribution will likely be prioritized based on need and the availability of program resources.
- The target population is estimated to be about 50,000 Americans, with a larger global estimate considering all potential progeny of deceased veterans.
- Children and dependent parents might see a direct impact on their wellbeing, alleviating financial burdens. However, families not eligible, such as those already receiving benefits through a surviving spouse, will not experience this change.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy makes a big difference for me. After my mother passed, I struggled on my own.
- With these benefits, I can afford better childcare and focus on my teaching career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
High School Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 17 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand these benefits could really help with my future college plans.
- It feels like the government cares about families like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already receive some veteran benefits, so this change doesn't affect me much.
- It's still good to hear they're supporting other families in need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
College Student (Detroit, MI)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really help me focus on my education and caring for my siblings without constant financial stress.
- I appreciate the support structure for families like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
Software Engineer (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m financially stable, so this policy doesn’t directly impact me.
- Supporting those in need is a positive development and preferable to unclaimed benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Mechanic (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These benefits would give my family some much-needed financial stability, especially during unemployment.
- The policy seems well-targeted at families who lost support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Nurse (Denver, CO)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not financially dependent on benefits, so this doesn't change much for me.
- More critical for younger families who are struggling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing benefits are available if I face financial issues is comforting.
- A supportive policy for people who often slip through the cracks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't really relate to my situation as a brother.
- However, helping dependent parents or children is a good initiative.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran Affairs Counselor (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Professionally, I see this policy as filling a gap in the current benefits system.
- It's a fair approach to address families of veterans in genuine need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $255000000 (Low: $205000000, High: $305000000)
Year 3: $260500000 (Low: $210500000, High: $310500000)
Year 5: $271678750 (Low: $218478750, High: $324878750)
Year 10: $298865481 (Low: $240865481, High: $356865481)
Year 100: $860490000 (Low: $690490000, High: $1030490000)
Key Considerations
- Critical factor includes the accurate identification of eligible children and dependent parents.
- Ensuring VA systems can handle new claims promptly without administrative backlog.
- Potential legal implications if the interpretation of dependents is challenged.