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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3921 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3889
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Steven George Xiarhos
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Steven George Xiarhos5th Barnstable1/17/2025Joseph D. McKenna18th Worcester2/11/2025 1 of 2
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3921 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3889
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.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act relative to extending Veterans benefits to surviving spouses.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 SECTION 1. (a) Section 5 of chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as
2appearing in the most recent edition, is hereby amended by striking out the current rates of
3benefits provided to veterans and inserting in place thereof the following provisions:-
4 1. The amount of financial assistance provided to eligible veterans shall be increased by
525% over the current rate of benefits.
6 2. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall annually review the
7cost of living and adjust the benefit rates accordingly to ensure veterans' benefits keep pace with
8inflation.
9 (b) Section 5A of chapter 115 of the Massachusetts General Laws is further amended by
10adding the following:- 2 of 2
11 (1) Upon the death of an eligible veteran, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive
12the same financial assistance benefits provided under Chapter 115 for a period of 12 months
13following the death of the veteran.
14 (2) After the initial 12-month period, the surviving spouse shall continue to receive
15financial assistance at 75% of the veteran’s benefit rate, provided the spouse remains unmarried
16and continues to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Department of Veterans' Services.
17 (3) In the event of remarriage, benefits shall cease at the time of remarriage.
18 (4) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall establish guidelines to ensure a
19seamless transition of benefits from the veteran to the surviving spouse, including application
20procedures and eligibility verification processes.
21 SECTION 2. (a) The Commonwealth shall allocate the necessary funds to the Executive
22Office of Veterans' Services to implement the increased benefits and to administer the extension
23of benefits to surviving spouses.
24 (b) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall work in coordination with local
25veterans’ agents to ensure eligible veterans and their surviving spouses are informed of the
26changes to Chapter 115 benefits and the process for applying for and receiving benefits.
27 SECTION 3. (a) The Executive Office of Veterans' Services shall submit a report to the
28General Court within 18 months of the enactment of this act, detailing the financial impact of the
29increased benefits and the extension of benefits to surviving spouses. The report shall include
30recommendations for any further legislative action needed to ensure the sustainability and
31effectiveness of the Chapter 115 benefits program.