This is my job at the VA, all answers given you are partially correct
Broncovet, hardships apply only to medical visits, you are correct about a mt. If the SS is less than $12256 and he is single, then a copay test is appropriate. $16xxx I forget the exact for spouse and each dependent, is the copay limit for married. If a sc vet, that income must be declared. Over 50% does not pay copays as it was said earlier. If you miss a year you become required to pay all medical and prescriptions as missing shows you decline to give income data. You can ask for a back date to last exemption if you have extenuating circumstances to miss mt date for 6 months only
If sc, everyone should call the HRC at the 866 # listed under your name on the statement and ask for a sc audit back to your combined or rating date
The 5655 has to be completely filled out and each expense must be clearly broken out. Lumping together expenses will earn a denial for reporting inconsistencies. A detailed 4138 listing and explaining your hardship should accompany the 5655 or it will be return denied as incomplete, we in the Ohio or VIsn 10 admin team will except a letter on a piece of paper
All income, including retirement, 401k, annuity, cash in bank and al assets except your home and contents must be listed. A new car will show ability to pay copayment. Paying credit cards and store cards also show ability to pay. If there are outside medical bills, they also should be add to copay or MT, and the out of pocket will reduce income but the VA has a right to be paid as well.
Waivers are not a right, so don't expect an automatic approval. More than one waiver, changes the the copay threshold for each vet.
IMPORTANT......waivers only cover 180 days from signature date. All other debt must be cleared on a RPP. Anything less than $50 or more than one year requires special terms and they can only be extended to 36 months
You are the recipient of my last post on this board because my post for help got over 120 views and one answer, you post and have several responses the same day