I was told that her stimulus money cannot be gifted or donated to a charity. She has a lot left that needs to be spent down so she doesn't lose her Medicaid assistance in paying for her long term care. What can I do? I read that she could donate it to charity but am being told differntly. That would be a last measure. I just don't know what to spend it on for her. This needs to be spent down by April.
The nursing home is trying to shakedown you and your mother. They are so greedy and get away with it because no one ever dares to question their outrageous and often illegal thievery.
Look at the IRS website and them print out the statement about it being exempt from taxation and interference of benefits. Then show it to someone in administration at your mom's nursing home.
In general, a resident can spend the stimulus money as they wish, including gifts and charitable contributions. This is the resident’s money to spend on their wants and need"
This is from the Center of Law and Elder Rights. It cannot be used for the residents care by the NH. Its the same thing as their PNA. The NH may manage it but they are not entitled to it.
I just had a talk with a SW at a home a friend is at. I sent him a Christmas present of clothes. I had talked to his nurse ahead to see what size he was in because he had lost a lot of weight. I was told they had been giving him donated clothing. He has some mental challenge problems and when the 600 came out, I wondered if he knew he had it to spend. The SW, of course could not give me certain info but did say that the younger residents (he is 42) were aware they had the money and had spent it. If my friend knows about the money, he has spent it. So, that NH is aware of how that money can be spent. I would imagine that your Moms nursing home was made aware by the IRS how that money can be used too. Someone is misinformed.