Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is thrilled to announce the introduction of S. 414, Caring for Survivors Act of 2023, introduced by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.)  This bipartisan legislation is a major step forward in providing Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) at a level equal to other federal survivor benefits.

DIC is an earned benefit that surviving spouses receive after the death of an active-duty service member, or a veteran who dies from an illness or injury connected to their service.  In addition, surviving spouses of veterans who are rated 100% disabled by VA for ten years or more are eligible for DIC. This bill would reduce the timeframe from the current 10 years down to 5 years, thereby expanding eligibility to a larger group of survivors.

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. thanks Senators Tester and Boozman for introducing this bill as it is a testament to the commitment of our legislators to ensure that survivors receive equal benefits for the sacrifice they have made for our country. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this bill would have on the lives of survivors across America.

Read press release.

Read bill.