H3889 • 2025

An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: Steven George Xiarhos
Last action: 2026-06-01
Official status: Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The candidate explanation includes details that are not explicitly stated in the provided official source material, such as specific percentages and timelines. The official digest does not provide detailed information about the content of the bill beyond its referral status.

Extending Veterans Benefits to Surviving Spouses

This act amends Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws to increase veterans' benefits and extend these benefits to surviving spouses after a veteran's death.

What This Bill Does

Increases financial assistance for eligible veterans by 25% over their current rate.
Requires annual review of cost-of-living changes to adjust benefit rates accordingly.
Allows surviving spouses to receive full benefits for one year after a veteran's death, then at 75% if they remain unmarried and meet eligibility criteria.
Establishes guidelines for transitioning benefits from veterans to their surviving spouses.

Who It Names or Affects

Veterans who are eligible for financial assistance under Chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Surviving spouses of eligible veterans.

Terms To Know

Eligibility criteria: The requirements that must be met to receive benefits from the Department of Veterans' Services.
Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA): An increase in benefit rates based on changes in the cost of living, ensuring benefits keep up with inflation.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much funding will be allocated for these increased benefits.
It is unclear when or if this act will become law as it remains under study order and has no effective date set.

Bill History

2026-06-01 House
Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
2025-06-17 Joint
Hearing rescheduled to 06/24/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
2025-06-12 Joint
Hearing scheduled for 06/24/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in 437
2025-02-27 House
Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
2025-02-27 Senate
Senate concurred
House
Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Official Summary Text

An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3889) of Steven George Xiarhos and Joseph D. McKenna relative to extending veterans benefits to surviving spouses. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Bill H.3889

SECTION 1. (a) Section 5 of chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as appearing in the most recent edition, is hereby amended by striking out the current rates of benefits provided to veterans and inserting in place thereof the following provisions:-

1. The amount of financial assistance provided to eligible veterans shall be increased by 25% over the current rate of benefits.

2. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall annually review the cost of living and adjust the benefit rates accordingly to ensure veterans' benefits keep pace with inflation.

(b) Section 5A of chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws is further amended by adding the following:-

(1) Upon the death of an eligible veteran, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive the same financial assistance benefits provided under Chapter 115 for a period of 12 months following the death of the veteran.

(2) After the initial 12-month period, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive financial assistance at 75% of the veteran’s benefit rate, provided the spouse remains unmarried and continues to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Department of Veterans' Services.

(3) In the event of remarriage, benefits shall cease at the time of remarriage.

(4) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall establish guidelines to ensure a seamless transition of benefits from the veteran to the surviving spouse, including application procedures and eligibility verification processes.

SECTION 2. (a) The Commonwealth shall allocate the necessary funds to the Executive Office of Veterans' Services to implement the increased benefits and to administer the extension of benefits to surviving spouses.

(b) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall work in coordination with local veterans’ agents to ensure eligible veterans and their surviving spouses are informed of the changes to Chapter 115 benefits and the process for applying for and receiving benefits.

SECTION 3. (a) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall submit a report to the General Court within 18 months of the enactment of this act, detailing the financial impact of the increased benefits and the extension of benefits to surviving spouses. The report shall include recommendations for any further legislative action needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the Chapter 115 benefits program.

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