Makes annual compensation paid to surviving spouses of certain blind or disabled veterans payable from date of veteran's death.
Impact
If enacted, A746 would directly influence the statutes pertaining to veterans' benefits in New Jersey. Eligible surviving spouses, mainly those of blinded or disabled veterans from various conflicts, would receive compensation retroactively to the date of the veteran's death. This change would address potential grief-related delays that might hinder surviving spouses from applying for benefits in a timely manner. As a result, the law will likely increase the support available to these families during a difficult transition period following the death of a loved one.
Summary
Bill A746 seeks to amend existing laws concerning annual compensation for the surviving spouses of certain blind or disabled veterans. The bill proposes that the annual compensation of $750 should begin from the date of the veteran's death, irrespective of when the surviving spouse files their application for benefits. Currently, under New Jersey regulations, benefits are issued based on the date of application, which can often lead to delays in the disbursement of these funds. The main objective of the bill is to ensure that surviving spouses receive timely and appropriate financial support linked directly to the date of their veteran spouse's death.
Contention
While the bill primarily serves to offer equitable financial assistance to grieving spouses, some concerns may arise during legislative discussions. Critics could argue that changes in payment timing may lead to an increased financial burden on the state budget, given the potential for higher volume payments owed to surviving spouses. Furthermore, there could be debates around ensuring that similar measures of support are extended uniformly across all veterans’ families, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive veteran care policies.