available assests and being approved for A&A

[hlsjmc1]

I was told by one of those firms offering to apply for A&A for my father for 1000.00 that the VA does not have a "look back" clause like the IRS does, so if the vet has over 80k in available assets we should transfer these fund out of the vets name to ensure/speed the approval process.

my father is 69 and has had a stroke and will need to be an assisted living facility for the rest of his life.  he has over 80K in his 401k but not much.  assisted living is very expensive and he will need to begin tapping into it very soon.

does anyone have any knowledge about the VA's look back clause?

thanks
JC

[vetadmin]

JC,

There is NO circumstance where ANYONE can justify charging $1,000 to fill out this paperwork!!  I would be suspect of anyone who would attempt to explain the rationale for this fee.  There are plenty of sources via a VA service officer, DAV, VFW etc that can assist for free.  There are also 3rd parties that do charge a fee which usually ranges in the $600 ballpark.  Whoever this "firm" is, they are taking gross advantage of folks.  The VA prohibits anyone charging for doing this paperwork.  Generally you will find that this is done for free in consideration of "other" services such as financial planners.

They are correct in telling you that the VA has no "look back" as some other agencies do.  The VA looks only at the assets from the date of application.

Don't overlook backing out all allowed expenses to bring that income level down.  If you have not done so, visit www.vetassist.org for some examples of how this works.

We wish you the best, and hope you find the right avenue to meet your dad's needs.

[Patty]

The VA does not have a look back clause - but medicaid does, so be prepared to give them every penny you move if your dad needs a nursing home in less than 5 years.  Take a look at my site www.masselderresource.com and if you want my help through the process i don't charge.  I can't help everyone, but the $1,000 charge really annoys me so feel free to call.
all the best,
Patty