VA News: More Survivors of Veterans Eligible for PACT Act Benefits
Representative Phillips Press Release: Ahead of Memorial Day, Phillips Introduces Bill to Support Surviving Family of Deceased Military Servicemembers
Senator Blumenthal Press Release: Blumenthal & Warren Announce Legislation to Extend Crucial Health Benefits for Surviving Families of National Guard & Reservists
Washington Examiner Opinion: This Memorial Day, Let's Protect Benefits for Military Spouses
NPR Morning Edition: For Military Widows and Widowers, Getting Married Again Can Be Costly
Blog Article: Widow’s Tax Now Completely Eliminated
Blog Article: TAPS Celebrates the Passage of The Historic Pact Act
Press Release: TAPS Celebrates the Signing of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act
August 30, 2022 Webinar: TAPS Policy & Legislative Advocacy Update

TAPS Advocates for All Military Survivors

The mission of TAPS is to offer comfort and support for surviving families of military loss regardless of the location or manner of their death. Part of that commitment includes advocating for improvements in programs and services provided by the Federal government through the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Education (DoED), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as State and local governments. TAPS also works to advance policy and legislation to strengthen the families of America’s fallen military heroes.

Suicide Prevention Event on the Hill

For more information on TAPS Military Survivor Advocacy, contact us at policy@taps.org.

Legislative Priorities
what we are working on

Accomplishments
wins for survivors

Statements
for the record

Current Legislative Priorities

Pass Comprehensive Remarriage Bill

A top priority for TAPS is to secure the right for surviving spouses to remarry at any age and and not forfeit loss of financial benefits such as education, medical care, commissary and exchange benefits.

Widow Tax Legislation House get together

Improve Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

TAPS is working with Congress to pass the Caring for Survivors Act, to bring Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments in line with benefits for surviving spouses of federal employees.

Ensure Implementation of the PACT Act

TAPS is the leading voice for the families of those who died as a result of toxic exposure illnesses, is co-chair of the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Coalition, and is working to ensure proper implementation for veterans and survivors.

Expand Mental Health Services for Survivors

TAPS has been on the front lines of suicide postvention efforts to support military families grieving deaths by suicide, and supports prioritizing mental health care as an essential element to overall wellness and readiness.

Honor All Gold Star Families

The Gold Star Families Day Act will create a federal holiday as a national day of remembrance for all those who have lost a loved one to military service, regardless of the manner, place, or time of death including non-combat deaths.

Strengthen the Death Gratuity

TAPS supports a minimum of 50% of the Death Gratuity for eligible surviving spouses and to change the name to more accurately reflect the intended purpose of the payment and sensitivity towards newly bereaved survivors.

Provide Tricare and Champva Young Adult Coverage in Parity With The Affordable Care Act

TAPS supports the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act which would allow TRICARE young adults to remain on their parents' policy up to age 26.

Create One Gi Bill for All Veterans, Survivors and Families

TAPS long-term goal is to bring all survivors into the Fry Scholarship and phase out the Vietnam Era Dependents Education Assistance (Chapter 35).

Protect And Preserve Commissary and Exchange Benefits

TAPS urges Congress to preserve Commissary benefits, maintain funding for Exchanges and allow surviving spouses who remarry under 55 to retain their benefits.