Veterans' Affairs Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-917
AN ACT EXEMPTING VETERANS' FEDERAL PENSION BENEFITS FROM
Title: INCOME ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/23/2021
File No.: 250
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Veterans' Affairs Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill requires the Department of Social Services to exclude all federal veterans' pension
benefits from income when determining eligibility for public assistance programs. Currently,
veterans who receive federal pension benefits administered by the US Department of
Veterans Affairs are at risk of losing access to public assistance programs if those pension
benefits push them above the income threshold, placing veterans in a precarious position
regarding vital services.
***Proposed Substitute Language: In lines 6, 39, 54, 80, 119, 159 and 174, after "benefits"
insert "administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs". This additional
language clarifies the source of the federal pension benefits being referenced in this bill.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
David Seifel, Legislative & Regulations Analysis, Department of Social Services: In submitted
testimony, DSS expressed opposition to this proposal, as it would result in increased
eligibility, increased caseloads, and an increase in expenditures. While the Department
appreciates the intent of this bill, the required funds for such increases are not in place nor
are they included in the Governors proposed budget.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Sen. Kevin Kelly, Senate Republican Leader and Sen. Paul Formica, Deputy Senate
Republican Leader Pro Tempore. Senators Kelly and Formica offered written testimony and
Senator Kelly spoke in support of this bill. In their testimony, they referred to building on the
bipartisan progress made two years ago when three bills were passed with the intention of
expanding the ability of veterans to reintegrate successful into civilian life. Passing SB 917
will help vulnerable veterans and their families in getting the vital assistance and care they
need.
Cecelia Sullivan, Care Partner & Family Advocate. Ms. Sullivan submitted written testimony
in support of the bill. She stated that Connecticut is the only state that does not exempt
veterans' federal pension benefits from income eligibility for public assistance programs, and
shared that in her view, a pension, which is an earned benefit to provide for their care, should
not be considered income.
Rep. Kathleen McCarty, 38th Dist. Representative McCarty offered written testimony in
support of this bill, noting that DSS' practice of counting these benefits as income is
detrimental to the ability of veterans to access all services available. She closed by stating
that "veterans who have given so much of themselves and who have served their country and
community selflessly should be entitled to receive all veterans' benefits both federal and
statewide without the fear of losing the highest quality of healthcare and personal choice."
Eileen DeGaetano RN, Retired Geriatric Care Manager. Ms. DeGaetano offered written
testimony in support of this bill, sharing the story of her father, a veteran whose state benefits
were lost due to receiving federal veterans benefits. She further noted the potential savings to
the overall system due to reducing elder abuse and neglect related to caregiver burnout and
the economic loss to employers due to absenteeism. Finally, she stated that this bill "creates
the opportunity to reduce the administrative burden, conflict and confusion that currently
exists for Veterans as they seek help between State and Veterans systems."
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Erica Byrne, Clerk Date: March 25, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-917


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
VA Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 250: