NJ S1553

Surviving spouses of blind or severely disabled wartime veterans would receive $750 annual compensation starting from the veteran's date of death rather than the date of application for benefits

For veterans who died before April 9, 1985 (when surviving spouse eligibility began), payments would be retroactive to that date; for deaths on or after April 9, 1985, payments would be retroactive to the date of death

Accrued back payments must be paid in one lump sum within 90 days of the bill's effective date

The Division of Veterans Programs must notify all currently certified surviving spouses receiving compensation about the new provisions

Applies to surviving spouses of veterans who lost their sight in wartime service or suffered severe disabilities including paraplegia, hemiplegia, amputation of both hands/feet, or loss of use of both legs due to multiple sclerosis from military service