We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

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VA Benefits Planning

Are you potentially eligible for veterans pension benefits?

If you are an older (age 65 and up) or disabled war-time veteran, or you are widowed from a war-time veteran, and you have ongoing out-of-pocket medical or care expenses, you are potentially eligible for veterans pension benefits. If you are the married spouse of a veteran, you cannot apply directly for benefits, but your medical and care expenses (as well as your income) will be considered when your spouse applies. As a result, there are instances in which a veteran age 65 or over who does not personally need care can qualify based on his spouse’s care expenses.

However, qualification is not automatic, even for veterans and widowed spouses of veterans with significant care needs. There are limits on the amount and type of assets an applicant can own. Because the VA, like Medicaid, now has a “look-back” rule that penalizes gifts and other transfers of assets made within three years prior to application, advance planning is greatly favored and legal assistance with the process of establishing and demonstrating eligibility can prove to be greatly beneficial. We can apply our legal skills and familiarity with VA law and regulations to help you to establish eligibility, protecting as much of your life savings as possible in the process.

Give us a call today, or contact us, to start your Special Needs plan today.

Veterans Benefits O'Fallon ILFor Immediate Help

If you or a loved one needs immediate help with a planning matter or legal issue, please contact us, and we will get back to you promptly.

774 Sunset Blvd Suite 200
O'Fallon, IL 62269
IL: (618) 632-7000
MO: (314) 567-9292

1901 South Fourth Street,
Suite 211, Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 330-5500

Fax: (618) 632-7333

Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 12:00 pm

We are available to meet with clients in Shelbyville & Urbana-Champaign, IL by appointment.

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Book A Speaker

 

Free WorkshopsIf you have reached age 65, there's about a 45% chance that you will eventually need long-term care.

Our attorneys are available to speak to professional and social groups on a variety of elder law and estate planning topics without charge.

To book a speaker, please call our offices and ask for Karie Wines.

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