Alright, fellow procrastinators. It’s time to stop delaying the inevitable and apply for public benefits. The number one reason we don’t apply? We already assume we won’t qualify. Like with most things in life, the more you know, the less you have to fear. Also, having a knowledgeable Public Benefits Attorney review your case can be an invaluable resource.
Public benefits, such as Medicaid and Veteran’s benefits, are available for those who apply and qualify. The process takes time and gathering the required information in advance helps make the process more efficient. Ready to apply for public benefits? Let’s take a closer look at how to prepare.
What are Public Benefits in Florida?
Public benefits in Florida can include food assistance, temporary cash assistance, unemployment, and Medicaid. For veterans and their spouses, it can also include veteran’s benefits. Each program has its own eligibility rules and requires an application process. Don’t know what’s available in your area? Try the Benefits Check-Up from the National Council on Aging.
Florida Public Benefit Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicare Savings Programs
Medicaid
Medicare Part D Low Income
Public benefits help millions of older adults and people with disabilities obtain services at home such as health care, medicine, food, and utilities. Each program requires an application with the agency administering the program. Some may even offer an online application.
Which Public Benefits Help Pay for Senior Care?
Medicaid and VA Aid & Attendance are public benefits that help pay for senior care. Both programs have eligibility and application requirements. Often these benefits are best obtained with the help of an Elder Law Attorney. The application itself typically isn’t the challenge, rather, it is understanding the complex laws surrounding eligibility.
Medicaid planning can be started long before the need for the benefit arises. It is important to have a plan in place to protect your assets, such as a trust. The sooner you begin planning, the more options you will have should the time come that you need to access the benefits.
Application for VA Aid & Attendance is needed once the eligible veteran begins receiving assistance in the home or moves to a senior living facility. This benefit is a monthly allowance that helps the veteran and their family pay for ongoing expenses such as home care, medical care, or an assisted living facility. Verification of the services you are receiving through in-home care, assisted living, or skilled nursing will be required as part of the medical certification for benefits.
What Documents Should I Expect to Gather?
The documents you will need to gather for a visit to a Public Benefits Attorney help them assess your income, assets, and medical expenses. The list may be lengthy, but you will need to provide an accurate representation of your financial status for them to be able to help. If you are married, each document will need to be provided by both spouses, if applicable. Your Elder Law Attorney will provide you with a list of necessary documents which includes:
General Documents Needed for Application
Birth Certificate
Drivers License or Photo ID
Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree
Insurance Cards
Death Certificate (if applicable)
DD214 (for VA benefits)
Important Note on Expired Driver’s Licenses
It is important to note that if your aging parent or spouse no longer drives, their driver’s license may have expired. To notarize any documents, a notary must see a valid and active identification card. For a senior no longer driving, an ID card can be easily obtained with a quick visit to the closest Florida driver’s license service center.
For those applying for VA Aid & Attendance, there is good news on the ID front! The DoD began issuing Uniformed Service Identification cards with indefinite expiration dates to eligible individuals at the age of 65. If you are a dependent spouse or veteran with a USID card, you don’t have to worry about an expired card.
Public Benefits are Income-based
Public benefits are income-based, so verifying sources of income is important in the application process. Both the spouse and the individual applying for benefits will need to produce written verification of income from all sources. These sources include, but are not limited to:
Income Sources
Social Security
Veterans Benefits
Pensions
Annuity Income
Alimony
Depending on the age of the applicant, it is possible to still have employment income. All areas of income must be considered, including tax returns and 1099 employment in the past tax year.
Are Assets Considered on a Medicaid Application?
All applicants for Medicaid in Florida must pass an incredibly restrictive Asset Test. Countable assets are counted towards the income limit and include all types of assets including cash, stocks, bonds, and investments, among others. Obtaining Medicaid can be a challenge even for those with few assets, as the test considers all nonexempt assets of the applicant and their spouse if he or she is married.
Included in an Asset Verification
Retirement Accounts
Life Insurance Policies
Long Term Care Insurance
Deeds for ownership of land or buildings
This is not an exhaustive list. Approval for public benefits takes into consideration all forms of assets – automobiles, college savings plans, and prepaid burials – even timeshare deeds and homeowner’s insurance. Additionally, the last 6 months of your financial statements will be considered. It’s a very thorough financial evaluation to be confident the applicant is eligible for benefits.
Look-Back Periods for Public Benefits
Your Elder Law Attorney will walk you through the specific questions that apply to a look-back period for both Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance benefits. Medicaid will look back through 5 years of income and assets while the VA will look at 3 years. Before approval, each benefit wants to ensure that applicants haven’t moved assets, gifted large sums of money, or sold property for under-market value, for example.
A qualified, knowledgeable Public Benefits Attorney understands the laws of Florida and how to access benefits on your behalf using proper financial planning. Helping you protect your assets and preserve your legacy for your family is of utmost importance. Second only to securing the care you need at the time you need it.
Maximizing your resources and properly addressing your long-term care needs through public benefits are two reasons Elder Law Attorneys are a Resource We Love. Learn more about Public Benefits and the advantages of having an attorney on your side in the Legal and Financial Section of our Blog.