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I filled out the application, received a letter stating paperwork needed. Letter came 6/20 and was told they needed all the information by 6/25. I turned everything in by 6/27 after speaking to the social worker who told me to take a couple of weeks to get it in. I received a in the mail on Saturday stating they needed an extension because of all the paperwork I turned in. When I called the social worker she stated they don't make a decision on MA until mom is actually in the Assisted Living facility. Now I am totally confused. Can someone fill me in?

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I think in most cases the VA only pays for the extra services. However, it's often best (I've learned the hard way) to get a veterans advocate on your side just in case there's a chance that they will pay more. Here, again, you need to make certain that this is the local rep or a reputable advocate because there are horrible people out there willing to take your money without providing the services. Tread carefully, but do investigate. Local reps vary in how much they will go to bat for a veteran, but you want to try all avenues. Good luck,
Carol
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Yes, as Carol mentioned, be leery of calls from solicitors wanting to help you. They want money, are on a commission and you should never have to pay a penny to anyone for help!
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It took 6 months to get approval for my mom and she was already in AL. They do not pay the full amount. My mom was approved for $1150/month. And you do have to show that she is already paying for care.
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Applying for VA assistance isn't easy. It's frustrating and time consuming and, yes, as you said - confusing.as well. I filed on behalf of my mother three years ago. I waited and waited, month after month and it took a year before receiving benefits. The good thing is that if approved, benefits are retroactive back to about the month you submitted the application. Also...periodically, write them a letter asking about status of application as a reminder just so you know you haven't fallen through the cracks, which I doubt will happen. They always responded back. Good luck, hang in there!
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you need to get an advocate who knows how the system works. Go to your local VA services branch. NOT where they provide the medical or healthcare services. I don't remember the name of these offices, but if you get a good one, you'll be in good hands.
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The confusion may be that VA doesn't pay for the rent of the assisted living place. They just provide services that help the person while they are there.
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I paid for an advocate to do the paper work. My brother was paying for 2 people to take care of mom while he was living with her. They were paid from her bank account so he could prove what was being paid. Once she was approved, we setup auto deposits. The checks can only go towards her care. We eventually put her in a home and every penny goes toward her care. The va is very particular about the type of bank account to setup. They may ask for an audit of her expenses to prove the money is going toward her care only. Best of Luck.
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We need a little clarification from you, please, in order to answer your question more correctly. You indicate in your opening remark that you are applying for Veterans' benefits, but then mention that a decision on "MA" won't be made until your mother is in the AL facility. In my state "MA" stands for Medical Assistance (Medicaid in other states). I may have interpreted this as a typo but the process you describe with a social worker and a need for an extension sounds more like a MA application process than a VA application process. The confusion is understandable, especially if you may be applying for BOTH VA and Medicaid benefits, which is possible. If you are awaiting VA approval in order to afford an assisted living facility and there are no "red flags" on the application (e.g. a divorce or a question on hidden assets), then the AL facility may be willing to accept a reduced payment while the application is being processed, with the understanding that a lump sum payment for the balance will be made when the application is approved. (The first check from the VA will be a retroactive payment dating to the date of the application. For this reason it is wise to send the application by certified mail, so you receive a receipt.) Some facilities will be willing to do this, especially if the facility's beds are not fully occupied. I hope this has helped rather than added confusion.
May God bless.
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I agree, u won't get help until she is actually there. The complete cost of the AL will not be paid if Aid and Assistance. Only maybe 1200.
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Doesn't VA assistance have a means test? We haven't bothered to apply for Mom (she was a WAC during WWII) because we doubt she would qualify due to assets and income from our deceased father's trust (Dad was a WWII vet as well). Am I missing something?
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