H.R. 3123Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

What the bill would do

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service. Last updated Jan 15, 2026.

• BillFull text · congress.gov(opens in a new tab)
• Roll callclerk.house.gov vote #50(opens in a new tab)