Veterans’ Burial Benefits Protected by Congress

On Monday evening, December 16, 2024, the United States Congress passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 141), which now heads to President Biden for his signature, which is expected. This legislation guarantees that families of veterans who die while receiving Veterans Administration (VA) hospice care—whether at home or in a VA facility—receive their full earned burial benefits.

The provision, inspired by Gerald’s Law, honors Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, a U.S. Army Veteran whose family was denied burial benefits because he passed away at home while in receipt of VA hospice care. This bipartisan effort addresses a critical inequity, ensuring all Veterans’ families receive the support they deserve and can make decisions for their loved ones based on comfort, not cost.

The Alliance and its members have been strong advocates for this legislation over the past year and are thrilled to see it take one step closer to becoming law.