A bipartisan House bill would remove a statute of limitations on claiming some survivor benefits, ensuring next of kin receive what they’re owed after losing a loved one.

The Supporting our Surviving Spouses Act (H.R. 3509) would exempt survivor benefits for post-9/11 servicemembers from the current six-year time limit. That limit could prevent surviving spouses from receiving these earned benefits if they are unaware of their eligibility or unable to complete the application process within that timeframe.

Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), who cosponsored the legislation alongside Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), became aware of the issue when DoD denied a constituent’s application for survivor benefits made more than a decade after her husband’s death on active duty in 2012.

“This is a serious problem that’s hurting people who’ve already lost so much,” Golden said in a press release announcing the bill’s introduction. “Getting them the resources they’re entitled to is a basic responsibility of our government, and I’m glad to work across the aisle to remove barriers that prevent it from happening.”

[UPDATED MONTHLY: MOAA’s Surviving Spouse Corner]

Spouses can request a waiver to the existing time limit, but few requests are successful, according to the press release.

The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Disabled American Veterans joined MOAA in supporting the bipartisan bill.

“Our commitment to Gold Star families shouldn’t expire on a timeline, especially when some families don’t even know they’re eligible until it’s too late,” Luttrell said in the release.

Find more surviving spouse resources from MOAA at this link, and learn more about additional MOAA-supported legislation, including how you can add your voice by contacting your legislators, at MOAA’s Legislative Action Center.