Requires periodic increases in personal needs allowance and prepaid burial allowance for residents of New Jersey veterans' memorial homes.
Impact
The proposed adjustments are significant as the personal needs allowance has not seen an increase in over 20 years, and the burial fund allowance has not been raised since 2008. By addressing these long-standing static amounts, the bill seeks to enhance the quality of life for veterans residing in state-operated facilities. Ensuring that these financial supports keep pace with inflation is critical for maintaining the purchasing power of these allowances, particularly for vulnerable veterans who rely heavily on them for their basic needs and funeral arrangements.
Summary
Assembly Bill A339 aims to provide financial assistance to residents of New Jersey veterans' memorial homes by increasing the personal needs allowance and the prepaid burial fund allowance. Specifically, the bill proposes to raise the monthly personal needs allowance from $50 to $90 for residents who have no other source of income. Furthermore, it sets the prepaid burial fund allowance at $15,000, increasing it from the previous limit of $12,000. The bill also mandates that these allowances be adjusted every four years to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, which is intended to prevent erosion of the allowances due to inflation.
Contention
While the bill generally receives support due to its intent to benefit veterans, there may be some discussions regarding the implications of periodic adjustments. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the financial impacts on the state budget with required increases based on the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, there could be broader conversations about the adequacy of such measures in truly meeting the financial needs of veterans in the context of rising costs of living and healthcare in today's economy.
Increases personal needs allowance to $50 for recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income who are veterans or spouses of veterans and provides for annual cost-of-living increase in allowance.
Increases personal needs allowance to $50 for recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income who are veterans or spouses of veterans and provides for annual cost-of-living increase in allowance.
Increases personal needs allowance to $50 for recipients of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income who are veterans or spouses of veterans and provides for annual cost-of-living increase in allowance.