HD 1319 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to annuities for widows and surviving relatives of veterans

This bill (HD 1319) changes how annuity benefits are handled for families of veterans in Massachusetts. It makes applications for annuities valid until the veteran's death (preventing expiration during the veteran's lifetime), requires parents and surviving spouses to reapply annually after the first year (but grants full benefits for the first year post-death), and provides a 90-day retroactive window for those who missed prior applications. It directly affects eligible veterans' surviving spouses, parents, and other surviving relatives seeking financial support. The key change is simplifying ongoing eligibility and expanding access to past-due benefits for qualifying families.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor