Consumer Corner: Programs For Veterans

Provided by the Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection:

Q. My father is a proud, Korean War veteran who, due to his recently failing health, needed to be placed in an adult personal care facility. Because of the financial strain our family has been experiencing with paying for his care, I decided to attend a veteran’s benefits seminar, being held at a local nursing home, to learn what benefits he would qualify for.

The individual conducting the seminar did not work for the Veteran’s Administration but claimed to have been trained in the area of pensions of which could assist our family concerning our father’s high medical expenses and care.

The presenter informed us that we could receive up to $1,700 per month to offset the cost of care. He talked about the ability to have someone move assets, if needed, to fit the eligibility requirements for benefits, with only a small fee incurred by us.

This seemed like the solution that we were looking for. We decided to complete the application right then and leave it with the instructor.

Now I am second guessing our decision. Is this the best way to get financial assistance for our father’s care?

A. We here at Consumer Protection, and on the advice of the staff at Bucks County Veteran’s Affairs, would have to say “no”, this is not the safest way to apply for veterans benefits. It is never advised to share your personal and financial information with anyone before confirming their credentials are valid. The following are some important things that you need to know.

A Veteran, nor his representative, should ever be required to pay a fee in order to apply for Veteran’s benefits.  Individuals legitimately working in the area of military affairs, including those who work for Bucks County Veteran Affairs, have acquired both state and federal accreditations in the filing of pension claims with the Veterans Administration and can assist you in doing so for your father at no cost.

In addition, it is never a good idea to move financial assets under duress or at the request of a stranger before you have had the opportunity to check out their credentials.

We would instead advise seeking the guidance of a financial planner who can better assist you in making the decision regarding long term care for your father.

For further information on pensions – please call Bucks County Veteran Affairs:

Doylestown – Dan Fraley, Director – 215-345-3307

Betty Carleo, Veteran’s Assistant – 215-345-3885

Levittown –     Lynn Hanes, Veteran’s Assistant – 267-580-3560

Quakertown – Wednesday 9:00- Noon – Betty Carleo – 2150-345-3885