We're Moving!
I have some exciting news--we are moving our office in December to 924 N. Elm! It has been quite an adventure getting the old house we purchased ready to be a law office. Our moving date is still up in the air, because we are having work done on the house, and it all has to be coordinated. We are either moving the last Friday in November or the first Friday in December. I am learning to be flexible, as construction is truly a test of patience. I don't know how people make it through the stress of building an entire house.
Top 12 Estate Planning Mistakes - #4 Failure to Plan for Medicaid and Veteran's Benefits
One of the more popular speeches that I give is on the Top 12 Estate Planning Mistakes—How to Detect and Avoid Them. In this series of articles, I am going to cover one mistake per newsletter.
A married veteran can qualify for up to $2019 in aid and attendance benefits. A single Veteran can qualify for up to $1703 and a widow of a veteran can qualify for up to $1094. The veteran must have served at least 90 days and at least one of those days needs to be during a defined period of war. The veteran must have a medical need and must need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.). There are income criteria, but medical expenses are deducted from the income, which can include the cost of home health care, assisted living and nursing home. Net worth is considered excessive beginning at $20,000. Between $20,000 and $80,000 of net worth, the VA conducts an administrative review. Over $80,000 the assets must be spent down.