Michigan Lawyer Blog
If you are a veteran receiving non-service connected pension benefits and/or aid and attendance, the federal government has more good news for you following the announced increase in benefits that we earlier reported.
As must of you know, once you receive non-service connected benefits you must complete the annual report to the VA known as the Expense Verification Report or EVR. If you have ever completed this form you know, firsthand, that it is cumbersome and confusing. Fortunately, due to an administrative change with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, this form may no longer be required to continue your benefits.
The VA has sent out a release that the EVR will no longer be required; instead, they will compare information obtained through cross-checking records from the IRS and other federal agencies.
Even better news, the VA reports that it will allocate its resources normally used to review EVRs will be re-deployed on the growing backlog of new applications for benefits. Hopefully, this means that applicants will receive faster determinations and approvals for benefits.
Although this is welcome news, please be aware that new methods used to verify continued eligiblity, namely reviewing IRS information, may lead to increased examination of eligible veterans already receiving benefits.As a result, it will be highly important to ensure that you are fully eligible to receive benefits at the time you apply.
If you have further questions regarding this post, or any other post, please feel free to call our office at:
Greater Metropolitan Detroit (586) 264-3756 West Michigan (616) 931-3670
Related Posts: VA Benefits 2016 Cost of Living Adjustment, Michigan Elder Law and Long Term Care Planning, VA Rule Changes, Still Time to Help Veterans