MANCHESTER – Claim sharks are lurking, waiting to bite veterans, and local officials taught vets how to protect themselves.
Phil Zimmerman, who heads the Veterans Affairs Office in Ocean County, warned of these claim sharks – those firms and individuals who charge a veteran to secure benefits for them. This is an illegal practice. While appeal cases can include a fee, initial applications of determination of benefits do not.
Zimmerman discussed veterans who may have developed health issues, as he has, from exposure to materials during their military service and who are entitled to special benefits. He referenced, “Camp Lejeune, where there was toxic water. Our forces who served in the Middle East have a number of problems.”
These service members don’t need to go through sharks. They should go through official channels, he said.
“It really is important that there are advocates out there. Our main office is in Toms River. We have satellite offices in Manahawkin and in Whiting which just had its one-year anniversary. If you can’t get to us, we have to get to you,” Zimmerman said.
He explained this at a presentation made at Crestwood Village VI at a forum hosted by Judy Noonan, the mayor’s confidential aide and senior services representative at the Residents Club house.
Other guest speakers included Consumer Affairs Officer Paul Wnek, Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, Senator Carmen Amato Jr. (R-9th), Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9th), and Manchester Mayor Robert Arace. Residents Club President Kathleen Casper and members of the club served some refreshments during the morning event.
Commissioner Quinn remarked, “Phil Zimmerman heads the Veterans Affairs Office in Ocean County and when I came in three years ago the office wasn’t really running to the level of importance that I felt it should in representing each and every one of you and with all the things you are offered from the federal and state government in benefits that you should be aware of. I brought Phil on board three years ago and he has brought a tremendous amount of change in the department. He brought on new staffing and he and his staff goes out there each and every day working doing what’s best to try and help all of you.”
The commissioner noted that “there are a lot of scams going on right now in Ocean County these days. We represent you in government and whether it be the state level, municipal level or county level we all work together on the same team representing you. Phil has brought thousands of dollars in on veteran claims and while you might not think there is something out there you are entitled to, there actually is a lot that you are entitled to for all the service you provided to this country.”
Assemblyman Rumpf who serves on the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee noted during the forum that he, Senator Amato and fellow Assemblyman Gregory Myhre requested to be added as co-sponsors to legislation that proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the veterans’ property tax deduction from the current $250 to $2,500 over a span of four years.
The legislation SCR-81 and ACR-58 has been introduced by Senator Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, respectively. The 9th District legislators issued a joint statement regarding its unified support of the veterans’ initiative:
“Unquestionably, veterans deserve an increase in the property tax deduction that was established in recognition of their service and sacrifice to our great nation,” Rumpf said. “An even greater need to advance this legislation is the fact that the veterans’ property tax deduction has not been increased since 2003.”
Senator Amato voted yes on SCR-81 as a member of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. The bill is awaiting consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee while ACR-58 is awaiting initial consideration by the Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
As the legislation proposes to amend the State Constitution the bills must first be approved by the State Legislature and then voters must approve a ballot question to allow for the tax deduction to be increased.
“We need to do more as a state for veterans not only on issues of transportation but on quality-of-life issues and matters effecting your pocketbook,” Rumpf said.
Senator Amato said, “Berkeley Township, Manchester Township, Ocean County have the biggest number of veterans in New Jersey. On the state level we want to make sure we are there for our veterans and seniors who are our most vulnerable.”
Mayor Arace remarked, “two years ago while on the campaign trail we embarked on a journey providing better veteran services in Whiting as it has been very difficult for veterans especially in Whiting to go all the way to Toms River for their benefits. I heard repeatedly that they would like a location somewhere in Whiting to go to. Last year with Judy’s help and Commissioner Quinn and Director Zimmerman we were able to create a satellite office in Whiting that provides services for veterans and survivors so they don’t have to go so far.”
