Bill Would Benefit Surviving Children

Senators Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Richard Durbin, D-Ill., have introduced a bill that would provide a $25,000 death benefit to children under 18 whose service member parent died on active duty. The bill also would extend Tricare Prime to each dependent child of a deceased service member at no cost until the age of 21, or 23 if the dependent attends college. In addition, the legislation would increase dependency and indemnity compensation for a spouse to $1500 per month, as well as $750 per month for each child. Furthermore, the bill would eliminate the current 45 month cap on benefit payments under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, and establish an $80,000 lump sum that can be used for any educational expense. Co-sponsors are Senators Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.; George Allen, R-Va.; Norm Coleman, R-Minn.; Tim Johnson, D-S.D.; Barack Obama, D-Ill.; and Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.