WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), has cosponsored bipartisan legislation to strengthen financial support for military families who lost loved ones in service to our country. The Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 will adjust monthly benefits for these families, bringing the payments in line with other federal programs.

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)—the rate of compensation paid to survivors of servicemembers who die in the line of duty or veterans who die from service-related injuries or diseases—has been minimally adjusted since its establishment in 1993, shortchanging families of fallen servicemembers and veterans. The Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 will increase payments for all DIC recipients, which currently lag behind other federal program payments by nearly 12 percent, to 55% of a 100% disabled rate even if that service member or veteran had a less than 100% disability rating.

“Our military families have sacrificed enough in service to our country; they should not have to sacrifice their earned financial support as well,” said Senator King. “This bipartisan bill will fix outdated policies and bring them in line with other federal program payments. This is a commonsense step to ensure that our military families receive every deserved penny for their loss and continued support of our Armed Forces.”

"On behalf of our 17 veteran service organization in the Mid-Coast Council, We support the act and its inclusion of all survivors," said Richard Mears, Director of the Mid-Coast Veterans Council.

Under current law, DIC restricts benefits for survivors if the veteran was disabled for less than ten years before his or her death. The Caring for Survivors Act would reduce the timeframe a veteran needs to be rated totally disabled from ten to five years—broadening eligibility to more survivors.

Joining Senator King on this legislation are Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.).