In the conclusion of our Veterans Pension Benefits series, Wes Coulson discusses family member caregivers and VA benefits. If done correctly, payments to family member caregivers are taken into consideration by the VA when establishing benefits.
Family member caregivers and VA benefits
Transcript:
Hi, I’m Wes Coulson with your Elder Law Minute, concluding our series on Veterans Pension Benefits with a discussion on whether payments to family-member caregivers will be considered by the VA in determining eligibility. The answer I’m happy to tell you is yes, but that’s only the case if it’s done correctly. The VA needs to see some independent indication of the need for care. We send people to get an assessment by a geriatric care manager. The VA needs to see that what is being paid is reasonable, relative to the care needs. Big thing with the VA – no cash payments under the table. They’re not going to pay out benefits to somebody so that they can evade federal income taxes. So, good thing to look into for a veteran who needs home care, but you really need to see a lawyer to make sure it’s done correctly.
For the complete Veterans Pension Benefits series, visit these articles:
- Levels of Veterans Pension Benefits
- Service Connected Disability and Veterans Pension Benefits
- Military Service requirement for establishing eligibility
- Will the VA approve a Look-Back rule?
- Protecting your residence while establishing VA benefits
- Understanding the VA asset limit
- How the VA determines monthly benefits
- Types of care covered by VA benefits
- State Veterans Homes: Are they a good option?
Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (877)995-6876 or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
