Spouses of Veterans to Inherit Honorary Allowances and Medical Support Under Proposed Amendment

A proposed amendment to the law has been introduced to allow the spouses of veterans to continue receiving honorary allowances and medical support even after the veteran's death.

On August 18, Han Kiho, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee from the People Power Party, announced that he had submitted a proposed partial amendment to the "Act on the Honorable Treatment and Organization of Veterans," which includes these provisions.

On the 1st, at the National Defense Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly, Chairman Han Kiho is striking the gavel. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

According to Han, the current law provides honorary allowances and medical support to veterans aged 65 and older in recognition of their service, and stipulates that the government is responsible for projects that honor the veterans' achievements.

However, there have been ongoing concerns that these allowances and medical support are limited to the veterans themselves, leaving elderly spouses vulnerable to financial insecurity and gaps in medical care when the veteran passes away. Additionally, although the law requires the government to make efforts to honor veterans, there is a lack of specific legal grounds and procedural regulations to support such projects, making it difficult to carry out practical initiatives such as the creation of memorials.

In response, the proposed amendment aims to allow the spouse to inherit the veteran's honorary allowance and medical support upon the veteran's death, and to establish a legal basis for the installation of memorials to honor and commemorate veterans' contributions. Han's office explained that the purpose of the amendment is to provide more comprehensive recognition and support for both veterans and their families.

Han stated, "The noble sacrifice of veterans is built upon the sacrifices of their families," and added, "I hope this amendment will strengthen practical recognition for bereaved families and further solidify the state's responsibility."