TRENTON – Aiming to further honor the sacrifice of veterans and support their family members, Senator Troy Singleton introduced legislation to establish the “New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program” to provide annual annuity payments of $600 to the surviving Gold Star family members of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard who died while on active duty.

“We have a commitment to honor the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans. That means treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve, providing them with the care and benefits they need when their service is over, and supporting the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “The establishment of an annuity program for Gold Star families will further demonstrate our unwavering commitment by assisting the families who lost a loved one while on active duty.”

The bill would establish within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs the “New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program.” The program would provide annual annuity payments of $600 that would be disbursed on January 1st of each year to surviving Gold Star family members. The bill would define the term “Gold Star family member” as an individual who is a New Jersey resident and is the surviving spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, brother, sister, child, legal guardian, or other legal custodian, whether of whole blood or half blood or by adoption, of a member of the Armed Forces or the National Guard who died while on active duty for the United States.

“As a veteran and Past State Commander, I fully support the New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program. This legislation is a meaningful step in honoring the sacrifice of our fallen heroes by providing lasting recognition and tangible support to the families they left behind. No amount can replace their loss, but this program ensures that New Jersey stands with them—today and always,” said Luddie H. Austin, Past State Commander and National Council Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“As a Gold Star Family member who lost my son in 2011 while he was proudly serving our country, I deeply appreciate this legislation and what it represents. The ‘New Jersey Gold Star Family Annuity Program’ is more than financial assistance — it is a recognition of the enduring sacrifice our families live with every day. This program reminds us that our loved ones’ service and memory will never be forgotten, and that our state stands beside those who have borne the cost of freedom,” said Amy Moore, American Gold Star mother who proposed the idea to Senator Singleton.

"The Gold Star Families Annuity Program represents more than financial assistance, it is a symbol of recognition, gratitude and ongoing commitment from the country our sons and daughters served. It says to every parent, husband, wife and child left behind that our loved one's sacrifice mattered and they will not be forgotten. Many Gold Star families suffered not only emotional heartache, but also financial challenges that come with the loss of a service member. This legislation helps ensure that those who have given so much are not left to struggle alone. It honors our fallen heroes by caring for those they loved the most,” said Patricia Bye, President of American Gold Star Mothers, Department of New Jersey.

In order to receive the annuity payments established under the bill Gold Star family members would be required to apply to the Adjutant General. The application would be required to prove the applicant’s relationship to the deceased service member, confirm that the service member died while on active duty to the United States, and provide proof of New Jersey residency. Starting two years after the effective date, the amount of the annual annuity would be permitted to increase by an amount equal to the increase for compensation and pension benefits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the previous year, though any adjustment would not be permitted to be less than one percent nor more than four percent.

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