Monday, November 15, 2021

Legislation Would Increase Vets' Benefits

Veterans with service-connected injuries, and spouses of veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, may soon receive additional financial benefits from the State of New Jersey thanks to legislation sponsored by New Jersey State Senator Michael Testa and approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Testa that would provide additional financial benefits to veterans with service-connected injuries, and spouses of veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (©iStock)

“It is our duty to ensure the well-being of New Jersey’s veterans and their spouses,” said Testa (R-1). “These bills will offer some much needed financial relief and stability to our injured veterans, and their loved ones, during their time of need. And, for those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, this legislation will help ease the tax burden that surviving spouses face. These benefits are hard-earned and well-deserved for those who have sacrificed so much to protect our country.”

The first bill, S-3359, would provide a gross income tax deduction—up to $6,000 for each taxable year—to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while on active duty; was honorably discharged from active duty; or was released from active duty under honorable circumstances.

This second bill, S-2565, would increase the annual payment—from $750 to $1,800—made by the state to a veteran with certain specified service-connected injuries and the surviving spouse of that veteran.

Service-connected injuries include, but are not limited to, total loss of sight, paralysis, or amputation.

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