If so, how did you apply? Did you use an attorney? Did you buy a book to help with the process? I want to apply, but an attorney wanted to charge $10,000 to help. Another attorney told me that in insane and that he wouldn't help me apply because I can buy books on the application process and do it myself because attorneys charge to much for this help. I know if you don't get the application perfect then you have to start the process all over. I know the process takes 6 - 12 months even if you get it right, let alone get it wrong and have to start over. I need input, advice, maybe people in Texas to contact to consult with. Any help will be taken.
A website mentioned earlier in this string, vetangels.org, helps free of charge and says that the "net worth cannot be excessive," each case is decided individually, and that consideration is given to life expectancy, available income, cost of unreimbursed medical and care.
An article about the book "Checks for Vets," which is referenced on this website (agingcare.com), says pretty much the same as the vetangels.org website and that is there is no net worth limit, but not excessive depending on individual cases. Though this article/book says that the $80K does not include a home and car of no maximum value. I think Medicaid has a max value of $500K on the house, but no max on a car.
Several sources (I can't remember which ones), other than the VA, said that that the VA does not do a "look back" like Medicaid. Though Medicaid, at least in our state, allows spend down on home maintenance in their 5 year look back. So, my take away from this is that if you are going to spend down, do home improvements to boost its value, and possibly a newer more dependable car. However, on the Medicaid side you'd want to make sure the title of the home protects the surviving spouse's interest, if Medicaid tries to recoup from the estate. I have not been able to determine if the VA tries to recoup from the estate.
the va is probably stalling out hoping john mcsame will die. lol..
we applied for a and a thru an agency called aging avenues. no charge, they handled the va s usual stall-ery and we would have gotten our first check 4 months into the process. mom died a month before we became eligible. you definately want an advocate because they anticipate va demands and provide crucial evidence before the va can use it to stall you with.
www.veteranaid.org