Apply now BEFORE Dad comes home?

[mlreed]

My dad is currently in a nursing home and will be for another few weeks. Before his recent hospitalization, he lived at home and cared for himself--though he was already unsafe doing so. He lives alone, is extremely frail, and will need daily assistance when he returns home.

His current nursing home stay is covered by Medicare, so he doesn't yet have many unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses. However, he will have a lot of expenses immediately upon his return home.

Question...can I begin the application process now by estimating the expected home care expenses or do we need to already have incurred the expenses before applying?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[vetadmin]

Absolutley and it is highly recommended that you do so.

[mlreed]

Thanks for the info...that helps!

The form asks for a date when each expense is paid. Should I list future dates for anticipated expenses (e.g. monthly or weekly) or list them as if they were incurred over the past year? The online form won't let you enter a future date.

Also, do you know if Meals-on-Wheels is a countable expense? I can't find it listed anywhere, but he'll either need that or help preparing meals.

[vetadmin]

First - DO NOT apply on-line!  The on-line system is set up to AUTOMATICALLY process as a Disabiltiy Compensation associated with a service related injury.  You will be months into the process before you figure out they incorrectly processed for the wrong benefit.

Take the average of what the monthly cost will be for his care and no, the Meals On Wheels is not a countable expense.

Look at this link to see what to claim.
www.vetassist.org/eligibility.htm

[mlreed]

Thank you VERY much!! I will proceed with the paper application.

You've been a huge help!