Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3123
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-05T04:23:16Z
Official Summary
Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act
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.
If no application for accrued benefits is filed within one year following the death of the veteran, the pension must be paid to the veteran’s estate unless the estate will escheat.
Sponsor
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-02-02: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-02: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931) (Roll call 50)
- 2026-02-02: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 1 (Roll no. 50). (text: CR H1930-1931) (Roll call 50)
- 2026-02-02: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)
- 2026-02-02: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-02-02: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123.
- 2026-02-02: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932)
- 2026-02-02: Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-10-08: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
- 2025-10-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339.
- 2025-10-08: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. H. Rept. 119-339.
- 2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-07-23: Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Discharged
Bill Versions
- Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act — issued 2026-02-02 — PDF (6 pages)
- Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)
- Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (4 pages)
- Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (6 pages)