Page 16 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - June 2020 - 27-06

Page 16 Senior Times - June 2020 Serving Our
VETERANS
Aaron D. Edlefson, Special to Senior Times
VA FIDUCIARY PROGRAM
Supporting Healthy Aging
NOTICE
Senior Health Partners programs will soon be reopening with in-person and on-line options. Your safety is important. In-person classes will be limited to fewer than 10 participants. Masks and personal distancing will be required for all in-person activities. Office visits will be by appointment only. Watch for updates on Facebook and by email.
What’s even more sad is when people try to take advantage of vul- nerable individuals. Thankfully, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a program that is intended to protect the finances of individuals who are receiv- ing financial benefits from the VA (beneficiaries) and are vulnerable due to injury, disease, or age. It is named the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiduciary Program. It’s important to note that the VA Fiduciary Program applies only to the finances provided by the VA.
The VA will also conduct a field examination with the beneficiary
in which a representative from a
VA Fiduciary Hub (the Indianapolis Fiduciary Hub for those who live in Michigan) will gather information
on recurring expenses, assets, current medication, as well as primary doctor, and next-of-kin contact information. Following the establishment of a fiduciary, the VA does conduct reviews to ensure that the fiduciary is properly managing the benefits of the benefi- ciary.
Unfortunately, we live in a world in which some people try to take advan- tage of others. It seems like every day the news is informing us about another method that is being used to defraud people or telling us how many millions of dollars have been lost because of a scam. It’s difficult to keep track of and exhausting to be vigilant. It really is sad.
The VA will conduct an assessment of the prospective fiduciary that can include a credit report review, crimi- nal background check, and interviews with people who know the individual. Fiduciaries have many responsibilities that include (but are not limited to) ensuring that VA funds are used to meet the daily needs of the beneficiary, reporting any changes that may occur with the beneficiary or their finances, keeping accurate records and receipts, and reporting any situations that might change the fiduciary’s ability to act as a fiduciary.
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If the beneficiary of a VA bene-
fit is found by the VA to be unable
to manage their financial matters, through medical documentation or court order, the VA can appoint an individual (a fiduciary) to watch over the finances of the Veteran.
Normally, the beneficiary choos- es whom they would like the VA to appoint. Often the person selected to be a fiduciary is a spouse or family member but can also be professional fiduciary.
For more information specific to the Fiduciary Program, the Indianapolis Fiduciary Hub can be contacted by calling (888) 407-0144. When prompt- ed, say Indianapolis or press 2. If you have questions related to benefits for Veterans or their families, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Calhoun County Veterans Affairs can be reached at (269) 969-6734. If you would prefer to reach us by e-mail, you can do so at va@calhouncountymi.gov.
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