MOAA-supported legislation designed to benefit military survivors in the days after their loss could be added to the House version of the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as a floor amendment.

The Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act (H.R. 2214) would prevent the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) from immediately recouping any of a retiree’s final retirement check; instead, survivors would be able to pay back any amount owed over 12 months, and would have the ability to request debt forgiveness.

MOAA and The Military Coalition, a group of organizations collectively representing nearly 5.5 million members of the military community, have supported the legislation.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act]

Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) and Michael Turner (R-Ohio) introduced the bipartisan House legislation in March. A bipartisan Senate version was introduced in May by Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass).

The bill would prevent potentially disastrous financial penalties for survivors, some of which could face unexpected overdraft fees in the immediate aftermath of their loss. Forgetting to notify DFAS of a retirees’ death can trigger a large recoupment and potentially empty a bank account.

[RELATED: Surviving Spouse Resources From MOAA]

The House will begin its floor debate and amendment process the week of Sept. 20. Now is the time to bring this amendment to your lawmakers’ attention: Send a message in support of the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act today.