What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
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.
Vote Breakdown · How Congress voted on HR.3123
House
405-1
PASSED
Independents
405 yea
1 nay
⚠️ 1 member broke with party on this vote
Action Timeline
2026-02-03
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
2026-02-02
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3123.
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)
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
Mr. Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-02-02
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1930-1932)
2026-02-02
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1937-1938)
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)
2025-10-08
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 291.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.3123 pass?
HR.3123 is still alive. Current stage: PASSED_ONE. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.3123 do?
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 …
Who sponsored HR.3123?
HR.3123 was sponsored by Elise M. Stefanik (R-New York).
Who voted against HR.3123?
1 members broke with their party on this vote.
Full Bill Text
119 HR 3123 EH: Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3123 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to laws relating to the payment of certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are affected by death, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act . 2. Payment by Secretary of Veterans Affairs of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a) In general Chapter 51 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 5121A, the following new section: 5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), if the Secretary issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran before the death of such veteran, and the Secretary issues payment of such pension after the veteran dies, such pension that was due and unpaid at the time of the veteran’s death shall be paid to the first living person or entity listed below: (1) The veteran’s spouse. (2) The veteran’s children (in equal shares). (3) The veteran’s dependent parents (in equal shares). (4) The estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat. (b) Limitation In a case described in subsection (a), if no application is filed under section 5121 of this title during the one-year period following the death of the veteran, the pension described in such subsection shall be paid to the estate of the deceased veteran unless the estate will escheat. . (b) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Conforming amendment Section 5121(a) of such title is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting section 5121B of this title, or before sections 3329 and 3330 . (2) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting, after the item relating to section 5121A, the following new item: 5121B. Payment of pension after death of a veteran in certain circumstances. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to the death of a veteran that occurs on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 3. Extension of certain limits on payments of pension Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking January 31, 2033 and inserting February 28, 2033 . Passed the House of Representatives February 2, 2026. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
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