Senate bill expands DIC benefits for ALS survivors
In committeeS. 749Latest action
Sponsor: Lisa Murkowski · Senator · AK
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Official title: Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Surviving spouses of ALS veterans can receive higher monthly payments regardless of how long the veteran had the disease before dying.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill removes a time requirement for ALS-related deaths when deciding if a surviving spouse qualifies for higher Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payments. All ALS deaths are treated the same, no matter how soon after diagnosis the veteran died. The change applies retroactively to veterans who died from ALS on or after October 1, 2022.
Who does it affect?
This affects surviving spouses of veterans who died from ALS. Some spouses who were previously denied benefits may become newly eligible under the retroactive date.
Why does it matter?
Under existing law, the higher payment is tied to how long a veteran had a qualifying condition, which could leave out spouses of veterans diagnosed shortly before death. Removing that requirement for ALS means the length of time a veteran lived with the disease no longer affects whether their spouse qualifies.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.