Veterans Career Training

Posted March 19th, 2010 by Elder Law Solutions and filed in Veterans Benefits
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     The Military Order of the Purple Heart now offers job training to combat wounded and disabled Veterans through the Veterans Vocational Technical Institute (VVTI).  Candidates accepted into the program are trained for the virtual Purple Heart Call Center (PHCC) and help desk.  The Purple Heart Call Center is an international contact center / call center and help desk consulting firm.    The PHCC virtual (at-home) agents provide companies an on-demand approach to their specific needs.  Unlike many other call center / help desk centers, the PHCC agents are trained through an extensive course (12-15 weeks) ensuring that the agents as a whole are fully trained and motivated to succeed, resulting in a lower attrition rate.  Outside companies contract with Purple Heart Services to provide call center support and service.  By employing the PHCC via a contact, a company provides steady employment to combat wounded, disabled veterans, and their spouses. 

     This year VVTI is also offering contract specific training to spouses of active duty members in the armed forces.

     For more information, visit the following website:  http://www.vvti.org/

What a Veterans Fiduciary Cannot Do

Posted February 18th, 2010 by Elder Law Solutions and filed in Veterans Benefits
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A fiduciary is someone who has undertaken to act for and on behalf of another in  a relationship of trust and confidence.  A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom he owes the duty (the “principal”): he must not put his personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from his position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents.

The purpose of the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiduciary Program is to safeguard VA benefits received on behalf of minors and incompetent beneficiaries through effective supervision.  When a person does not have legal capacity to handle their own affairs and have been awarded Veterans Benefits, a fiduciary may be appointed.  This person may be court appointed or appointed by the VA.   The VA has specific rules on what a fiduciary can and cannot do.  As a fiduciary approved by the VA, you cannot:

  • Make cash disbursements or write checks payable to cash

  • Mix VA funds with your own personal funds

  • Make major purchases without VA approval

  • Make gifts without VA approval

  • Borrow or loan money from the beneficiary’s funds

  • Purchase a home, or other real estate, without first seeking VA approval and court appointment

Veterans Benefits – Who qualifies?

Posted January 16th, 2010 by Elder Law Solutions and filed in Veterans Benefits
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Most people think of veterans benefits as being only for servicemen and women who were wounded or disabled while serving in the armed forces.  By and large, that is true.  But we have learned that there are substantial benefits that may be available to wartime veterans who are now senior citizens and are facing the burden of long term care due to a host of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and many others.  In fact, the Veterans Administration estimates that millions of wartime veterans and their spouses may be eligible for Special Monthly Pension benefits, and not even be aware of it! 

Wartime veterans, or their surviving spouses, become eligible for the Special Monthly Pension benefit known as Aid and Attendance when they are over 65 years of age, are permanently disabled and unable to work, are homebound, or need the regular aid and attendance of another—whether at home, in assisted/supportive living, or in a nursing home.  The program is based on actual financial need for assistance, so there are income and asset limitations. 

For more information contact Christopher B. Kroll – Elder Law Solutions – 586-323-4001