|
TJ
|
 |
« on: December 31, 2009, 07:19:48 PM » |
|
My Dad's application was just recently submitted, and I want to make sure that my paying for the A & A out of my savings while we hopefully await some help will not jeopardize a possible award. He has no funds to pay for assistance. He entered an assisted-living facility December 3, which I paid for with my credit card. Now he is at his home, getting assistance from an agency (I will need to pay for that too, by check from my account). The understanding between my Dad and I is that my payments are essentially loans, to be paid back from the sale (possibly years from now) of his home. So I have two questions:
1) Is the fact that I am paying in such a manner a problem in terms of a possible award?
2) He really needs more A & A than he is currently getting at home, but I cannot afford it, let alone him. I'm sure the VA will ask for a copy of the contract with the agency, which does not reflect the level of care that we would contract for if we had the money. Suggestions on dealing with that issue?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
jpez
|
|
« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2010, 02:00:17 AM » |
|
You misunderstand how the Pension is awarded.
THe Non-service related disability Pension (that is what it is, yeah it's a stupid name but....) is given to qualified Vets how have a Net Income below the amount to be awarded. The money IS NOT given to pay bills. THe bills have already been paid by the VET.
1. YOU CAN NOT pay and expect him to get the Pension.
2. He has 'some income"....he has to.
Here is an example:
Dad is single and can't drive and needs A&A.
Max eligibility for 2009 is $1640
dad has $924 of Social security.
HE HAS TO PAY FOR HIS OWN CARE AND MEDICAL.
Dad has $1200 of home care.
He pays $924 and you can pay $376
Now is now eligible for the full benifit of $1640
Now I hear everyone saying what about......rent .......food etc etc etc.
DON'T CARE....more importantly, the VA doesn't care.
YOu can argue all you want, but to get awarded the pension you WILL do it the VA way.
YOU can pay for those other items. BUT if you want the VA to reduce his income to ZERO, HE HAS TO WRITE THE CHECK. Don't try to reinvent it.
You can increase the care when the check comes
you need a written agreement that you will be paid back from the house sale.( for your own not va)
good luck
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
KarenO
|
|
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2010, 04:40:13 PM » |
|
His expenses are his expenses. Just because you're footing the bill doesn't mean they don't count towards his expenses.
My mother's ALF is $2,600/month. Her income is $1,237. I am paying for the rest of the bill until A&A comes through. But her expenses are still $2,600 regardless.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Fit2009
|
|
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2010, 10:11:16 AM » |
|
Unfortunately KarenO, that is not the case with the VA, you need to make sure all of her income is paid out in medical expenses and you make up the difference. If you get lazy and pay the ALF out of your account and use her funds for something non medical you risk an issue if you are selected for audit.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
KarenO
|
|
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2010, 09:21:29 PM » |
|
Fit, you misunderstood. I'm not talking about accounting for the benefit after they receive it. I believe the original post questioned about applying for the benefit and whether they could including qualifying expenses the caretaker is currently paying since the applicant doesn't have the funds. I am currently paying for 1/2 of the cost of the ALF out of pocket and yes, my mother can put the total on the application. And I am not lazy, thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Fit2009
|
|
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2010, 05:01:57 PM » |
|
My goodness - all I'm saying is unfortuantely, the VA only counts those medical expenses paid by the applicant. If a child loans them money or pays for them on the parents behalf, they need to do the paperwork to show it as a loan or be very careful not to co-mingle and pay the full ALF fee out of the child's account. Perhaps this isn't the forum for me...
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
vetadmin
|
|
« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2010, 11:11:01 PM » |
|
Fit,
This is the forum for you. Your contributions are inmeasurable and are vital to those seeking answers to complicated matters. I'm sure this was not intended for anyone to feel insulted. We all know that anyone here is not lazy and doing everything they can for their loved one.
It is critical to keep a full accounting of every penny spent, and having agreements in place where a family member is paying/loaning monies.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
