Full Benefits For NJ Service Members Under New Bill

The full New Jersey Assembly has approved a measure that would provide supplemental unemployment benefits to ex-service members in an amount such that the total benefits they receive between their federally-funded benefits for ex-service members and the supplemental benefits equals 26 times their weekly benefit amount.

The bill is sponsored by Assembly members Dan Benson, Wayne DeAngelo, Tim Eustace, Troy Singleton, Annette Quijano and Connie Wagner.

"A service member may be honorably discharged before completion of their required service, whether for medical reasons, a family emergency, or other uncontrollable circumstance," says Benson. "In the event of an early honorable discharge, the ex-service member may not qualify for the full 26 weeks of their federally-funded unemployment benefits. This legislation would ensure that they would receive their full 26 weeks of eligibility, it's unquestionably the right thing to do."

The supplemental benefits under the legislation will not be paid until the federal benefits are exhausted and will not be charged against any employer. The bill would become effective immediately.

"Our service members sacrifice a lot for our nation," says DeAngelo. "This bill ensures that even in the event of unforeseen but honorable circumstances, we ensure we treat those who defend our freedom the right way."

The bill was approved 78-0 by the Assembly and now awaits further consideration by the Senate.