New Jersey has announced the implementation phase of Unite New Jersey Veterans, the state’s digital platform designed to help providers of services to veterans quickly and securely refer military veterans in the state to the resources and services they need.
“As we recognize Veterans Day, our Administration reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting New Jersey’s heroic veterans,” said Acting Gov. Tahesha Way earlier this month. “Today, we announce the Unite New Jersey Veterans platform, which will launch on January 1, 2024 and connect service providers throughout New Jersey. Unite New Jersey Veterans will streamline the process for veterans and military families seeking access to the care and benefits they have earned.”
The state said the platform will modernize the way veterans will be connected to assistance with benefits, employment, education, housing, and mental health programs. Under the new platform, hospitals, social service agencies, and other case managers will be able to send and receive secure electronic referrals and records to help improve health outcomes and address the needs of veterans and their families through a shared technology platform.
The new platform will be implemented by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Currently, the department is beginning to on-board and train providers so that they can start using Unite New Jersey Veterans in January. Before the implementation phase, the department worked in coordination with the New Jersey Office of Information Technology and Department of the Treasury. Funding for the platform came from a $3 million state appropriation in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget Governor Phil Murphy signed earlier this year.
“We provided this support because we believe in our veterans and we want to ensure they receive the support and assistance they have earned,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, who sponsored the legislative resolution in the Senate that is providing $3 million to implement the Unite New Jersey Veterans digital platform. “This platform is a centralized source that allows veterans and their families to more easily obtain available resources for their benefits, including employment assistance, housing and mental health programs,” he said.
