Accrued Benefits After My Time Is Up

[donews]

I have to consider these things in my condition so I want to ask about this Accrued Benefits I keep hearing people discuss.

If I have active claims when I leave this world, who is eligible to apply for those funds?

Unfortunately my wife passed from cancer in 99, she was 48.

All I have left is my two sons, one is 39 the other is 34, and there kids.

Is it possible for them to collect any Accrued Benefits that are determined to be payable to me?

I assume if I pass from a Service Connected condition, that since my wife has passed, no one can receive any kind of death type benefits besides any life insurance I might have.

Edited March 11, 2008 by donews

[cowgirl]

Manitou, just curious since I have seen some discussion about competency here on the forum. I've often wondered how the VA looks at benefits if a veteran is a 'dependent' or 'soley dependent' on his or her adult children and or VA for care? or they are fiduciary for VA monies? or SS income distribution?

With private clubs, veterans organizations or credit unions (I belong to three!), other life insurance the such, its rather clear for the executer of the will or the rights of survivership (2 people on same account). If I read it correctly, with the VA, the monies or unresolved issues look like they have to be accrued or active at that time. But how and what form does anyone other than a widow'widower of the surviving estate use to get whats due? (either a new awarded amount, a month or even half month of benefits?) Hm. cg

Hi Don,

Re: "I assume if I pass from a Service Connected condition, that since my wife has passed, no one can receive any kind of death type benefits besides any life insurance I might have."

I have somewhat of a similar situation. I now have only my adult son. He will receive nothing from VA

when I pass. With regard to the other part of your question, I don't know.

I saw your earlier post where you just had a couple of words; I knew your would be back.

Ron

Edited March 11, 2008 by cowgirl

[Ron II]

Hi Cowgirl,

This is just off the cuff like many of my comments. I'll see if I can find something more authorative.

I learned from my mother several decades ago to always request and obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate. I know that when my mother passed, my brother and I needed them for insurance and several other issues. I've left written instructions to my son which include obtaining at least six copies of my death certificate in 2050 ;) .

I suspect that a letter along with a certified copy of the death certificate would be adequate to obtain the insurance and other entitlements. I'll check around.

Cheers!

Ron

[Ron II]

Hi Cowgirl and Don,

It seems the application is made on VA FORM NUMBER 21-534.

The title includes "...Application for Accrued Benefits..."

General instructions are at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-534.pdf

Also important: http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/PDF/Fast%20Lett...etter_07-07.pdf

Ron

Edited March 11, 2008 by Manitou Sprgs

[cowgirl]

Thanks Ron AND Don for discussing this important information. We added this to my "Survivorship File' for the family. CG

Note: Regards getting copies of the death certificate, recent family experience has taught us to have several sets of eyes look at the orginal before ordering the extra copies (they $$ cost so!!). Between my husbands family and mine, we have seen incorrect death certificates more than half the time.

Having to correct a death certificate just adds to the paperwork frustration and needlessly extends the immediate greiving process.

Corrections to look out for include EVERYTHING every line that could be filled in by a hospital, official, funeral home, etc..., Middle Initials, Jr. Sr. addresses, birthdate, death date, spouse, cause of death, place, service history, county, social security #, etc. YOU may ask what service history? Example, my dads service information lists his birthdate as same day entering WWII. Again, review again and again before accepting the form. JMHO.

Edited March 12, 2008 by cowgirl

[free_spirit_etc]

I am thinking that dependent parents are also eligible. And dependent adult children WHO ARE DISABLED and were disabled PRIOR to age (hmm 18 or 21 - gotta check).

Grandchildren are not dependents (unless adopted)even if they actually were dependent on the vet.

But most of it is about who was dependent on the vet, rather than who the vet was dependent on.

Accrued benefits can also be paid to whomever paid the expenses of the vet's last illness - and / or burial. I am not sure what they consider the "last illness." That would need some checking into. And I am not sure what expenses count (only medical? or living expenses too?") Oddly enough - if a child PAYS for someone to take care of their parent - they would most likely be reimbursed from accrued benefits - but if they give up working to take care of the parent themselves. I am not so sure.

I have just read a little bit on it - in the BVA cases - and family who weren't considered dependents could only get acrrued benefits to the extent that they paid certain expenses for the vet.

Free

Manitou, just curious since I have seen some discussion about competency here on the forum. I've often wondered how the VA looks at benefits if a veteran is a 'dependent' or 'soley dependent' on his or her adult children and or VA for care? or they are fiduciary for VA monies? or SS income distribution?

With private clubs, veterans organizations or credit unions (I belong to three!), other life insurance the such, its rather clear for the executer of the will or the rights of survivership (2 people on same account). If I read it correctly, with the VA, the monies or unresolved issues look like they have to be accrued or active at that time. But how and what form does anyone other than a widow'widower of the surviving estate use to get whats due? (either a new awarded amount, a month or even half month of benefits?) Hm. cg

[free_spirit_etc]

Tell them to watch what forms the VA has them sign too.

My husband was eligible for the $600 burial allowance ($300 plot and $300 funeral expenses).

He will be eligible for $2000 if they service connect his death.

My husband's father paid for his burial plot (he wanted him buried where his mother and brother are). I paid for the funeral.

So he was putting in for the $300 plot allowance - and I was putting in for the $300 funeral allowance.

We still haven't got paid.

I filled in his claim - checked the appropraite Boxes that said his was for PLOT ALLOWANCE ONLY.

On my form I filled out the part that CLEARLY SAYS - "If someone else will be claiming the plot allowance..." and asks for their name and address.

The way the form is set up - you know the VA is fully aware that the expenses are often split.

BUT - they sent ME a waiver to SIGN for HIM to be paid.

But the waiver has nothing to do with the situation. The waiver is meant for someone who is a CREDITOR (like a funeral home or something) because the VA won't pay the family unless all the creditors have been paid in full.

They have the reciepts that show everything has been paid in full - and a letter from me that we are claiming the separate allowances. ($300 and $300).

They sent me another dang form.

I am sorry. I wouldn't sign it. It sayds that I certify that the amounts in PArt 2 are correct (but they didn't send me Part 2 - they said I didn't need it) and I would sign that I am waiving MY right to claim ANY burial benefits.

I wrote all over the form - and I sent them a letter also - telling them WHAT I am waving.

I wrote that I am unwilling to sign a form CERTIFYING that any information is true - UNLESS they give me the information I am supposed to be certifying.

I also told them that I am CLAIMING funeral benefits - and WAIVING plot allowance - and that the plot allowance should be paid to his father.

Not sure what they will do with that - but I wasn't signing the form that had nothing to do with what is true.

Free

Hi Cowgirl and Don,

It seems the application is made on VA FORM NUMBER 21-534.

The title includes "...Application for Accrued Benefits..."

General instructions are at: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/21-534.pdf

Also important: http://www.tvc.state.tx.us/PDF/Fast%20Lett...etter_07-07.pdf

Ron