US HB2055

Increases Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses from the fixed rate of $1,154 to 55% of the rate paid to veterans with 100% disability under section 1114(j)

Changes take effect six months after enactment, with special provisions ensuring survivors of veterans who died before January 1, 1993 receive whichever amount is greater under the old or new formula

Reduces the required period of continuous total disability rating before death from 10 years to 5 years for survivors to qualify for DIC benefits

Creates a prorated payment system for survivors when the veteran's total disability rating period was between 5 and 10 years, with benefits proportional to the rating duration

Introduced March 11, 2025 by Rep. Hayes with 51 cosponsors and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs