Update Dec.28 - 2009 All About "Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance" By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Improved VA Disability Pension Benefit With Aid and Attendance Entitlement

By Greg Cook

Attention WWII and Korean War Veterans - The VA will provide you financial assistance to help you or the widowed surviving spouse pay for long-term care.
This financial assistance provides needed money to help these elderly war-time veterans (and their widowed surviving spouse) receive in-home care or offset the costs of an assisted living facility.
And the best part, you don't need to use official VA care or facilities. This financial assistance can be used to pay independent home care agencies and non-government run assisted living facilities. Many families also can get this VA financial assistance to pay a family member to provide the care.
This little-known veterans' benefit is commonly called the "Aid and Attendance" benefit. It is officially called an "Improved Disability Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Entitlement" that provides a tax-free monthly amount up to $1,644 for a veteran or $1,949 for a veteran and spouse.
Widowed surviving spouses who have not re-married are eligible for this same benefit but by a different name. The official name of the surviving spouse benefit is "Improved Death Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Entitlement". This benefit also provides a tax-free benefit equal to $1,057 monthly.
This "improved" VA disability pension benefit can be used to pay for in-home care, assisted living facility costs or nursing home care. In addition other qualified uses include medical expenses, prescription drugs, incontinence supplies and more.
Five Steps of Qualification
1. To qualify for time of service, the WWII or Korean veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day of service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 for WWII or between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955 for the Korean War.
It does not matter if the veteran's active duty was stateside or overseas. Discharge from military service also must not have been under dishonorably conditions.
Note: Surviving spouses who remarried a non-eligible individual or whose marriage to the veteran ended in divorce are not eligible.
2. To qualify physically, the veteran (or eligible surviving spouse) must be age 65 or older (to not have to prove they can no longer work) and need help with basic activities of daily living tasks such as eating, dressing, grooming, proper hygiene, bathing or going to the bathroom.
Being blind or use of a wheelchair for mobility also physically qualifies the claimant. The claimant must also be no longer able to safely drive to be considered home-bound.
Physical qualifications should be documented by your private physician. You do not have to use or visit a VA doctor.
3. To qualify financially, the veteran (or eligible surviving spouse) must have limited assets (typically under $80,000) excluding the primary home and a single vehicle. Note: The claimant cannot be driving or they will be ineligible for the benefit.
The amount of benefit that the claimant can receive is based on a two-step calculation.
a. Add up all annual income from social security, retirement pensions, interest, dividends, annuities, etc.
b. Subtract from this income total the annual recurring out-of-pocket medical and prescription costs, the cost of private supplemental health care insurance, any long-term care insurance, and long-term care expenses from in-home care or an assisted living facility.
The resulting amount is called the "adjusted countable household income". This amount is then compared to the maximum VA disability pension benefit. The difference is the benefit amount you will receive - paid in 12 equal payments.
4. The maximum VA disability pension benefit for 2009 is as follows:
Single or widowed veteran = $19,736 paid $1,644 monthly
Veteran with a dependent (typically spouse) = $23,396 paid $1,949 monthly
Un-remarried widowed surviving spouse = $12,681 paid $1,057 monthly
Let's look at an example:

• Sam is an honorably discharged Korean War veteran who lost his wife 6 months ago.
• He suffers from dementia and can no longer drive or live alone. His family has moved him to the Great Home Assisted Living facility where many of his friends also now live.
• His adjusted countable household income is a negative $-1,000 (Social security and a small pension from his work at the Tool & Die Company less his qualified medical costs of assisted living, prescriptions and medical insurance premium).
• He has less than $10,000 in savings and after the reverse mortgage is paid off from the sale of his home he will net $50,000.

Since Sam's qualified medical costs exceeds his income he qualifies for the maximum VA disability pension benefit, or $1,644 per month.
This means that Sam now has $644 in income each month after paying his qualified expenses instead of having to take $1,000 from savings each month for his care.
5. How to Apply
To learn more or to understand how to successfully apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA, visit www dot VeteransCareAdvisors dot com. The Aid and Attendance Handbook will walk you through the process and help you better understand the paper work, required documentation and what to expect during the claim processing.

Today, hundreds of thousands of eligible individuals either don't know about this VA non-service connected disability pension benefit, or don't think they can qualify for it. Are you missing out on thousands of financial assistance from the VA?
Greg Cook is a consultant with extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies in the financial world and with major non-profit organizations. He has helped hundreds of senior citizens successfully navigate the long term care industry.
He is a senior advocate, geriatric care manager and a Certified Senior Advisor. To learn more about how to qualify for up to $1,843 per month in VA financial assistance, visit Mr. Cook's website; Veterans Care Advisors dot com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Cook

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Social Security, Retirement Benefits, and Divorce

By Justin Reckers

Social Security in the United States refers directly to a lesser known federal Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance program or OASDI. The program was originally rolled out in the 1930's in an attempt to limit what were seen as dangers to the American way of life such as increased life expectancy, poverty, and fatherless children. So the Social Security Act, signed in 1935, created social insurance programs to provide benefits to retirees, the unemployed, and as well as a lump sum benefit to the family at death. Many amendments have been made since the original Social Security Act of 1935. Most importantly; Medicare was added in 1965. The Social Security Act of 1965 also recognized for the first time that divorce was becoming a common cause for the end of marriages and added divorcees to the beneficiary list.
The largest component of benefits is retirement income. Throughout a person's working life the Social Security Administration keeps track of income and taxpayers fund the program via payroll taxes also known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes. The amount of the monthly benefit to which the worker is entitled depends upon the earnings record and upon the age at which the retiree chooses to begin receiving benefits. FICA taxes are 7.65% for employees and 15.3% for self employed individuals. The amount of taxes paid is not directly used to calculate an individual's benefit. The rate is broken down into two parts: Social Security and Medicare. The portion is 6.2% and is paid on a maximum of $106,800 of income for 2009. The income maximum is also known as a wage base. The Medicare portion is 1.45% on all earnings. These rates are set by law and haven't changed since 1990. The wage base for Social Security is indexed each year for inflation and Medicare has maintained an unlimited base since 1993.
Self employed person's pay double the amount of tax because the employer is responsible for the other half of an employee's liability. A self employed individual is both employer and employee. There are wages not subject to FICA taxes including some state and local government employees who participate in alternative programs such as CalSTRS and CalPERS. Each state and local government unit with a pension plan decides whether to elect Social Security and Medicare coverage. Civilian federal employees are covered by Medicare but usually not Social Security.
The earliest age at which reduced benefits are payable is 62. The age at which full retirement benefits are available is dependent upon the taxpayers age. An increase of regular retirement age was enacted to reduce the amount of benefits payable. For those currently over age 70 the normal age was 65. Anyone born after will fall somewhere on increasing scale which climbs incrementally to age 67 depending upon birth date. Anyone born after 1960 must reach age 67 for normal retirement benefits. Delaying receipt of benefits will increase a taxpayer's benefit until age 70.
Benefits are paid from taxes collected from other tax-payers. This makes it a pay as you go system and will eventually be directly responsible for the downfall of the program. At least as we know it today. In 2009, nearly 51 million Americans will receive $650 billion in Social Security Benefits. Economists project that payroll taxes will no longer be sufficient to fund benefits somewhere in the next 10 to 15 years. Once we can't cover the expense from cash flow, the program will begin drawing down the trust fund it has accumulated during times of surplus taxes. We can only speculate what happens when the trust fund runs out. This is the cause for concern often discussed in the news and other media. The fix for this problem is the subject of much political posturing including that witnessed in President Bush's 2005 State of the Union address.
The first reported Social Security payment was to Ernest Ackerman, who retired only one day after Social Security began. Five cents were withheld from his pay during that period, and he received a lump-sum payout of seventeen cents from Social Security. This might give you an indication of how Social Security handles business.
A current spouse is eligible to receive survivor benefits equal to 100% of the deceased worker's benefit if they have reached normal retirement age.
Divorced spouses are eligible for benefits equal to one half of the worker's benefit if they were married for 10 years have not remarried and are at least 62 years old. This is called a derivative benefit. A spousal applicant must wait until the worker has reached retirement age, 62, in order to apply for benefits. The worker is not required to have applied for benefits in order for the ex-spouse to apply for spousal benefits. They are not entitled to increases for benefits taken after normal retirement age. If a worker has died and the ex-spouse has reached full retirement age they can receive 100% of the worker's benefit as survivor benefits.
If an applicant is between age 62 and their normal retirement age; the application for benefits will be based on the applicant's earnings record. If one half of an ex-spouse's benefit is greater than the applicant's benefit on their own record; the applicant can choose to take whichever is greater. If you wait until your normal retirement age and file for spousal benefits you can continue to accrue benefits and enhancements for delaying your own retirement up until your age 70.
An ex-spouse's receipt of derivative benefits on the worker's record does not reduce the worker's benefits. It is even possible for more than one ex-spouse to collect on the worker's derivative benefits. This could lead to as much as 500% of the original benefit being claimed by the five ex-spouses.
Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset Provision
For those worker's who are covered by a pension based on their own earnings not covered by Social Security a different method of computing benefits applies. The alternative method is called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and was created to close a loophole that enabled worker's who earned benefits in covered and non-covered employment from being labeled a low-earning worker and receiving a disproportionately large Social Security benefit.
The formula is weighted in favor of low earners because such a person is more dependent on Social Security. If the WEP is applicable it reduces a worker's Social Security benefit by 50% of the worker's pension benefit up to a maximum of $380.50 in 2010.
If you earned a pension based on work where you did not pay Social Security taxes, your Social Security spousal or derivative benefits may be reduced. The Government Pension Offset Provision (GPO) was enacted to treat retired government employees who had not contributed to Social Security similarly to retirees who had. The GPO reduces derivative benefits by two-thirds of other government pensions received. This can reduce Social Security benefits to zero.
The truly important ramification of the WEP and GPO on Social Security retirement benefits comes into play during divorce proceedings. Federal Law makes Social Security benefits the separate property of the party that earned them.
They are not assignable or divisible in a family law court and not considered an asset of the community in California.
Government and other pensions, on the other hand, are considered community property in the state of California to the extent benefits were earned during marriage. Derivative benefits under the Social Security program for ex-spouses would seem, at first glance to remedy the problem. The non-worker spouse get's half of the worker's retirement benefit via derivative benefit payments. Getting to the true ramifications of the WEP and GPO during divorce proceedings requires sound financial planning.
Consider the following couple.
- Jim was a private employee covered by the Social Security system. He retired at age 66 with a monthly Social Security benefit of $2,014.
- Barbara has been employed as a teacher for 30 years covered by the California State Teacher's Retirement System. She retired this year at age 65 with 30 years of service under CalSTRS and a monthly benefit of $5,520 without having paid a single penny into Social Security.
- Barbara's CalSTRS benefits are considered community property in California having been earned entirely during marriage.
- Jim and Barbara are divorcing and her CalSTRS pension will be divided equally with each party receiving $2,760.
- Jim will continue to receive his $2,014 per month of Social Security.
- Barbara will be entitled to a derivative Social Security benefit equal to one half of Jim's benefit, $1,007, or the benefit she has earned on her own record. Barbara has not earned a benefit on her own record so she will choose to receive the derivative benefit on Jim's record.
- The Government Pension Offset will reduce Barbara's Social Security benefits by two thirds of her $2,760 pension benefit, or $1,839.82. The GPO leaves Barbara with $0 from the Social Security derivative benefit.
- Barbara will receive a total of $2,760 from her CalSTRS Pension and $0 from Jim's Social Security derivative benefit.
- Jim's Social Security benefits will not be affected by the GPO or WEP.
- Jim will receive $2,760 from Barbara's CalSTRS benefit and $2,014 from his Social Security retirement benefits for a total of $4,776.
What looks to the lay person to be an appropriately arranged method for completing an equal division of assets leads to a grossly in-equitable settlement that provides Jim with $4,776 per month and Barbara with $2,760 per month.
The California Federation of Teachers sponsored a rally on November 7th to urge Congress to pass SR 484 in the Senate and HR 235 in the House of Representatives to repeal the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. This has been attempted numerous times before without success. Social Security is a monster of finances, public policy and entitlement. Making changes is not easy or quick.
Consulting with a qualified financial planner experienced in the nuances of divorce finances and retaining their services as a neutral expert or advisor will help divorcing individuals work with and around in-equities caused by the system.

Pacific Divorce Management's mission is to help couples address the legal, emotional, and financial aspects of divorce in a civilized, equitable, and efficient manner by providing expert divorce financial planning advice.
While dissolving a marriage is never pleasant, it does not have to be an ongoing exercise in mutual misery. Pacific Divorce Management provides divorce financial planning services with a focus on the long term well being of all parties. The processes known as Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution that Pacific Divorce Management specializes in.
Justin A. Reckers CFP, CDFA AIF ™
858.509.2329
jreckers@pacdivorce.com
http://www.pacdivorce.com
Our firm does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own tax and legal advisors before taking any action that would have tax consequences. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable; but no representation or warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness.

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Update Dec. 08 - 2009 All About "Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance" By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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The Social Security Disability Determination Process Explained Step-by-Step

By Kenneth L. Hardison and J. Blair Biser

Initial Application
To be awarded disability benefits, you first have to assert your right to them. You assert your right by filing an application with the Social Security Administration.
You can make this application in several ways:
- In person at your local Social Security office;
- Over the phone toll-free at 1-800-772-1213; or
- On the internet at ssa.gov
Once you have filed an application, Social Security will turn your application over to your state's division of Disability Determination Services (DDS). This is an organization designed specifically for the purposes of determining whether or not a person is disabled for purposes of receiving government benefits.
You will go through a process of filling out questionnaires about your medical condition and how it affects you on a daily basis. DDS may send you to appointments with physicians and/or psychologists for further evaluation of your condition. They will also gather your medical records and may talk to your friends or family about your limitations.
Once they have gathered and evaluated all of this information, a decision will be made as to whether or not you are disabled. If you are approved, your benefits will be started. If you are denied you will be notified and you must appeal to continue your claim.
Reconsideration
If your initial application is denied, you must file an appeal with the Social Security Administration. This appeal is known as a Request for Reconsideration. You cannot skip this step and go directly to a hearing. You must go through this process in order to have your claim properly heard.
Once you file this appeal, your claim goes through the same evaluation process it went through during the initial application. However, a different set of evaluators makes the decision. Only about 10% of all disability applications at this level of appeal are actually approved. If you are denied you must file the next appeal.
Hearing
If your claim has been denied at the reconsideration stage, you now have the opportunity to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. The judge will evaluate all the medical evidence in your file and make a new decision in your case. You will have the opportunity to tell the judge in person about the limitations your condition causes and how these limitations affect you on a daily basis. The judge may ask expert medical and vocational witnesses to testify about your limitations.
You will also have the opportunity to have witnesses testify on your behalf if necessary. The judge will normally issue his decision in writing. Many cases that are denied in the earlier stages are approved at the hearing level.
Appeals Council and Beyond
If your claim is denied by the administrative law judge, your case is NOT over. You have the opportunity to appeal your case to the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council. Although you will not be entitled to a hearing, you can ask in writing that the Appeal's Council approve your case or give you a new hearing based on the fact that the administrative law judge made a legal or blatant mistake.
If the Appeals Council denies your case, you have the option to sue the Social Security Administration in federal court for a reversal of the denial or a new hearing. You may also have the option of filing a new claim while you await your appeal.

Kenneth L. Hardison has spent his whole legal career of 27 years representing the people of North Carolina. He is the Senior Partner at Hardison & Cochran d/b/a Hardison & Associates, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Being a believer in education of one's rights, Mr. Hardison authored the book 7 Costly Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Social Security Disability Claim and How to Avoid Making Them.
To receive the book free of charge, please click here
Hardison & Associates Website:
Kenneth L. Hardison's Bio

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9 Steps To Disability - Your Guide to Getting a Quick and Accurate Decision on Your SSDI & SSI Claim

By Loretta Crosby

Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA) available for persons who have medical disabilities which prevent them from working.
The disability can be a physical one or mental one or a combination of both, but it must be expected to last at least one year or be terminal.
Many who apply for Social Security disability benefits from the federal government are denied upon initial application and reconsideration appeals.
Here are 9 steps, in brief, that you can take that might assist you with getting more comfortable with the disability determination process, and might assist you in getting a faster, more accurate decision on your SSDI or SSI claim application.
1. Prepare yourself mentally for dealing with a governmental bureaucracy. Realize that the average wait time for a decision on your claim is 90 days. That means your claim could take even more time than that. Try not to think about the possibility that your claim might be denied because that only dissipates energy. Instead use the law of attraction to focus on seeing your first check coming through the mail or visualize seeing the amount listed on your bank statement.
2. When you describe your illness, focus on using words and phrases related to how you are no longer able to "function" on your old job. For instance, someone who used to be employed as a hotel maid might write:
"My job as a hotel maid involved being able to stand on my feet for 6-8 hours each day. I had to lift 15-20 lbs on a regular basis and had to sometimes move beds and other furniture weighing 50 lbs or more when it was out of place. Given my current heart disease and resultant bi-pass surgery, my doctor has advised me to lift no more than 5 to 10 lbs occasionally and says I should not return to this job."
You will note only a brief mention of the actual medical condition in the above description. Why? Because claims examiners only register your functional limitations, as your medical records will prove or disprove the rest.
3. You should periodically check the status of your disability claim. To do this you should contact your state Disability Determination Service or Disability Adjudication Services office approximately 30 days after they receive your claim. At that point, try to find out if all your medical records have been received by the examiner, and offer to assist in getting them if they have not. Other times to check the status of your claim are included in a great online article. (Please see below).
4. If your medical condition is a severe one, ask your claims examiner if you might qualify for expedited benefits while you await a decision on your claim. SSA offers a "Presumptive Disability" (PD) program available to claimants who apply for SSI or a combination of SSI and SSDI. Singular Social Security Disability Insurance claims are not eligible. To get these expedited benefit payments, your examiner must feel strongly, in advance, that your claim will be approved once all your medical information has been gathered. Even if your claim is later denied after all your medical records are received, you will not have to repay any monies your received under the PD program. Benefits are payable for up to 6 months while your disability claim is being processed.
5. Since medical records are the heart of your disability claim, you should do all that you can to ensure your claims examiner gets most if not all, of the records you have out there. This is true for all claims, but especially true for claimants alleging a mental disability where historical records might be crucial to proving your claim. Disability examiners -- and the medical consultants who they collaborate with - in issuing a decision on your claim require current medical records to establish any current functional limitations you might have. They also need a good description of all the jobs you have held in the past 15 years or so. Because their ultimate decision on your claim is whether you can or can not return to any past work or can adapt to any other type work, you should be very thorough in completing the questions on the work history form which you are asked to complete.
6. Try to determine if your medical condition is one that SSA will consider a severe impairment. This can be hard to do since you obviously think your medical condition keeps you from working or you would not have applied for disability or be thinking about applying. Still, some conditions may be severe but they may be expected to "resolve to non-severe" within a year's time. For instance, if you break an arm, or a leg, while it is true that you may not be able to do your job now with such a condition, it should not take you a year to heal, and therefore your claim will be denied. For those who have a medical background, you might try locating your particular condition in the online SSA Blue Book (www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook). The language is extremely technical, but it does list what things need to be present with your medical condition if you are to "meet a listing" to qualify for disability benefits. When you have an idea as to how SSA is viewing your impairment, it could cut down on the amount of anxiety you have regarding your upcoming claims decision.
7. Sometimes, while claimants await a decision on their disability application, money becomes an issue. They run low or run out, so they begin to think about whether they are allowed to work part or full time while they await a decision. Sort of like a trial work period. You should check with your claims examiner to find out what happens to your claim application if you start to work. The answer might shock you!
8. So you have received your "Notice of Decision" letter from SSA. You are approved. "YES!" You are denied. "Oh, no!" Whether you are approved or denied, you need to look for clues in the letter to determine how to proceed with your claim. For example, if you are approved, did SSA approve you from the date you claim your disability started, or have they set your disability start date at another date? If they have, did your approval letter include an explanation as to why? It should. And if you are denied, is it because they say you can do other work, or have they stated that you can go back to your same job? If it is determined that you can no longer do your present line of work, did you know that this is a much more favorable position to be in when you file for a reconsideration or appeal of your denial than if the letter says you can go back to your old job.
9. Finally, what do you do in the event that your claim is denied? After you have read all the clues in the denial letter, where do you turn for help if you decide to appeal? While you are deciding what to do, go ahead and request an appeal so that you do not run out of time. You can always change your mind later and withdraw your request for an appeal. The difference, financially, between filing a new application and filing an application for an appear or reconsideration of your denied claim, can literally mean thousands and thousands of more dollars in your pocket if your claim is subsequently approved. Always file your request for appeal timely to avoid potentially losing out on that $$$. You can even hire an attorney who will accept your claim at a discounted fee rate (in any state); you just need to know where to look :)-
Applying for and getting Social Security Disability or SSI when you can no longer work can be a laborious task, to say the least, but once gotten it can enable you to take care of yourself and your family and allow you to focus on other more immediate things, like figuring out the best way to deal with your debilitating impairment. Following the above nine steps will help you better manage your disability claim and might even assist you in getting approved for disability benefits that are rightfully due you.

Here's the link describing when and how to check your claim status: http://bit.ly/checkclaimstatus/
Good luck with your claim.
Loretta Crosby served as a Social Security Disability Claims Examiner for several years in 2 southeastern states. She was certified as a "Single Decision Maker" at the Disability Determination Services office, allowing her to decide certain physical disability claims without the input of a medical consultant. Crosby is the editor of Claims ESP, a monthly newsletter attached to her popular site, Social-Security-Disability-ESP.com (Examiner Speaks Plainly). For a more in depth look at the 9 steps to getting disability, visit http://9steps2disability.com/

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Update Nov. 20 - 2009 All About "Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance" By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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How State Benefits Work in California

By Rainier Policarpio

State benefits refer to any regular long-term payment from a government. This may be in the form of state pension, benefits for low income, children, careers, incapacity or sickness.
Almost all states provide state benefits to its citizen. This is given to provide assistance to disabled and less fortunate.
In California alone, an approximate of a thousand laws was enacted to provide state benefits to its citizen. The following are some of it:
California CalWORKs
This is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state. This is operated locally by county welfare departments. The family that applies and qualifies under this law receives on going assistance each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
Requirements under this Law
To qualify for this benefit program, you must be:

• Resident of the State of California

• Pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years old

• US national

• Citizen

• Legal alien

• Permanent resident

• Low or very low income

• Underemployed

• Unemployed or about to become unemployed

Needy families may apply for this benefit at any office located in any county where they live.
California Food Stamp Program
California Food Stamps is a federally funded program that helps people buys the food they need for good health. Food stamps are only part of their food budget; they must spend some of their own cash to buy food enough for a month.
Requirements to qualify under this Law
In order to qualify under this law you must be a resident of the state of California and must fall into one of these two groups:

• With current bank balance under $2,001

• With current bank balance under $3,001 who share their household with a person age 60 and over or with a person with disability.

California Head Start
This is a national program administered by the Head Start Bureau within the administration of Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, and Department of Health Human Services. This provides developmental comprehensive services to children from birth up to entry in the elementary school. This program is designed to address developmental goals for children, employment and self-sufficiency goals for adults, and support parents in their works and child caring roles.
Requirements for this Law
To qualify for this law, you must be:

• Resident citizen of the State of California

• A parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school

• Household annual income before taxes must not exceed $10,400 if you have one person in the household

California Healthy Families
This law is a low cost insurance for California children and teens. It provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance and do not qualify free Medi-cal.
Requirements under this Law
In order to qualify under this law, you must be:

• Resident of the State of California

• Under 19 years old

• Not covered by health insurance

• US national

• Citizen

• Legal alien

• Permanent resident

• With annual household income before taxes of less than $26,000

For further information about state benefits in California, log on to our website and schedule a consultation with our expert Los Angeles Social Security attorneys.
Rainier is currently among the proud members of the Mesriani Law Group that serves clients in Los Angeles, California. He was tasked to write articles and legal contents to further enhance the knowledge of the internet users regarding Personal Injury, Labor Law, Business Law and Social Security Disability.

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What Would a Truly Free Nation Look Like?

By Russell Longcore

One day soon, the United States Federal government is likely to collapse. The cause will probably be that the rest of the nations of the world will reject the dollar as the world's reserve currency, and adopt another currency, or a basket of currencies, as their new reserve. This currency move is not just a rumor, but is already happening on a small scale. Once the nations of the world have cast aside the dollar, its value will freefall against all other world currencies.
The US government bond market will collapse simultaneously, as bond values will be heading toward zero. Those holding US bonds will be stuck with something they cannot sell. Unfortunately, that means big institutional investors like banks, mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds will have instant liquidity problems.
This dollar crisis may also cause American banks to begin a tidal wave of defaults and bank "holidays." Banks, mortgage lenders and credit card companies would cease loaning money. That will likely mean that one day you might find that your credit cards and ATMs cards have stopped working.
This event could last for weeks or even months. After a few days (hours?), many of those without cash and food will start looting. Society could break down very quickly. Remember New Orleans just days after Hurricane Katrina. And when US Federal Reserve notes start rapidly losing value, you'll find many merchants that refuse to accept them for payment for goods and services.
Now do you see why I recommend holding gold and silver coins? Not as an investment, but as an alternative money supply. No one will reject gold or silver. Your gold and silver holdings could be the thing that keeps you alive during a catastrophe.
States may look to Washington for a solution, but Washington's solution will likely be to simply order the Federal Reserve to print more paper money. But folks will already know that paper money is becoming worthless, so won't want any more of it.
If the US federal government runs head-on into a currency collapse, it won't be in any better situation than the average citizen. Another problem they will have will be with the active duty military personnel. Soldiers aren't stupid. Will they obey orders and enforce American laws for Washington when they know they will get paid in shrinking dollars? Massive numbers of military personnel may go AWOL. This could make it easier for states to secede.
States will very shortly be forced to face inevitability. They will have two choices. Choice #1 is to stay with Washington like good little slaves. We all talk about secession a lot, but remember that most of the states of the United States were formed after the original thirteen colonies left Britain. So they have always been "owned" by Washington, so to speak. Other than the thirteen colonies of 1776, and the Confederate states of 1865, the rest save Texas and Hawaii are slave states.
Choice #2 is to secede from the Union and become sovereign nations.
The biggest challenge to state secession, in my never-humble opinion, is not Washington resistance. The biggest challenge to state secession will be from the state politicians already in office. Steeped in Washington-think, and addicted to Federal money, they may naturally default to crafting a new nation in the likeness of Washington. I hope I'm completely wrong, and that liberty lovers will prevail.
So, what would a truly free nation look like? What kind of laboratory of liberty would a state like Texas make?
I realize that many of the characteristics I'll list here are a far-away dream, but I like to dream big. I dream that all government serves the citizen, not the other way around. I dream that government will exist to protect human rights. I dream that all government would be organized upon the Zero-Aggression Principle, which says that no one has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force or fraud against another human being for any reason whatever; nor may a person advocate the initiation of force or fraud, or delegate it to anyone else.
The new Constitution should specifically outlaw any central bank. No national currency. Gold and silver will be the only money. Federal law allows private banks to issue currency based upon only 100% reserves. Fractional reserve banking specifically made illegal.
The Constitution would drive governance down to the county level. County courts, county law enforcement, county criminal law.
Unicameral legislature based upon population in counties. No need for a bicameral legislature, one house for the people and one for the states, since this is one nation. Legislative session restricted to 140 days per calendar year. That way, no one uses the legislature as a full-time job.
Constitutional convention can be called for if 50% plus one counties call for it.
Military: Constitution authorizes Navy, an Air Force and Marines. The militia is the Army. As the various branches would only function in defense, they would not need many people. No women in combat roles ever.
5 cabinet bureaucracies are State, Justice, Treasury, Interior and Defense. No other cabinets without a constitutional convention mandate. State is the diplomatic corps. Justice includes the Federal Court system, no lifetime appointments for judges. Treasury collects taxes and pays Federal bills. Interior manages Federal lands, infrastructure like Federal roads, and includes Bureau of Standards and agricultural regulations to keep the food supply safe. Defense manages full-time military, one military academy and militia officers.
Judicial has district courts, one court of appeals and one Supreme Court. Each county has a court. Jury nullification built into the law. Codify not just punishing an aggressor, but making the victim whole again.
No social programs. No Social Security, Welfare, food stamps, rent subsidies, college loans, government scholarships, mortgage guarantees, Medicaid, Medicare. All wealth transfer schemes unconstitutional.
Sales tax will be the only revenue for the government with a constitutionally pre-set limit of 10%. Sales tax collects revenue from all who do commerce, which includes those who do not reside in Texas. No property taxes. No Federal stamp on alcohol, tobacco, petroleum, etc. Counties and cities may assess sales tax to fund services, but must get voter approval. Tax rate increases must be passed in a general referendum with a quorum of voters and a 2/3 majority. No inheritance tax. Government that is not financed by sales tax can be financed by user fees.
No tariffs, excise tax or any other tax. Almost overnight, the Port of Houston would become the busiest port in North America and the prices of consumer goods would plummet.
Term limits on all national elected offices. Two terms maximum.
The legality of Gambling, Prostitution, Alcohol sales and Recreational Drugs to be determined by each county, not the Federal government. The War on Drugs failed with the American ratification of the 21st Amendment in 1933 which repealed the 13-year experiment with Prohibition. Texans have better sense than to keep fighting a failed war.
Traffic laws: No drivers licenses. No car tags and state vehicle registration. Drunk driving only prosecuted if there is an incident of loss and liability. Just driving with alcohol in one's body does not constitute a crime.
Abortion law decided county by county by citizen referendum.
Law enforcement: Texas Rangers are the only Federal law enforcement agency. All other law enforcement organized at the county level.
No public school: all public schools properties auctioned off to highest bidders. Education privatized. Parents are responsible for educating their own children. No compulsory attendance laws.
All colleges de-funded: If a college or university cannot maintain profitability through its own efforts, it must either downsize or go out of business. With today's technology, most higher education methods and traditions are outdated and need to change anyway. The free market would force innovation.
No government-run health care system. Force the insurance companies to underwrite without individual ratings for health insurance as well as no denials for pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies already have a long history of underwriting life, health and disability insurance on a group basis without consideration for pre-existing conditions. Allow the free market to determine costs.
Immigration: Except for the Gulf of Mexico, New Texas would be bordered on all sides by other nations. A truly free Texas would be a magnet for people yearning to breathe free. Sound money and liberty would cause a stampede of individuals and businesses to Texas. Happily those who are government handouts junkies would emigrate with lightning speed back into the USA and Mexico. Allowing the free market to regulate immigration would be the best solution. Then, all Texas would have to do is design an immigration procedure and let the market speak.
I cannot imagine a scenario in which the founding mothers and fathers of the New Texas get all of these characteristics into law. But just think of what life would be like if MOST of them happened.
There are two types of people in the world. One wants to live life and not dominate others. This person embraces individual liberty and property rights.
The other want to force people to live life by their dictates. This person wishes to control groups and is the greatest enemy to liberty and property rights.
Which type of person are you?
DumpDC. Six Letters That Can Change History.

Copyright 2009 by Russell D. Longcore
P.S. WARNING!! Do Not Buy Insurance, or Submit an Insurance Claim Without Visiting This Website!
check out: http://www.ClaimSecrets.com
My Book is NUMBER ONE at Amazon.com in its category! Buy it Today!
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Update Nov. 01 - 2009 All About "Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance" By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Social Security Disability Insurance Application Forms

By Joe Palladino

One of the most overwhelming aspects of the Social Security Disability Insurance application process is the Social Security Disability Forms that are involved in the process. Many people simply become so overwhelmed by the forms, the paperwork and the evidence that they have to provide to prove their case that they end up giving up on the entire process before they even attempt an application to the Social Security Administration.
It is important to understand that the SSA is not trying to overwhelm you with paperwork or stress you out during the application process - The Social Security Administration is simply trying to be completely thorough with the application process so that you can receive the benefits that you deserve.
When you fill out your paperwork thoroughly and provide all of the required information on the Social Security Disability Forms that are presented to you, the result is an application that is complete and thorough. With an application like this, the SSA is able to make a decision knowing that they have all of the information that they need.
What this translates into is a much faster decision. If you provide all of the necessary information and you fill out the disability forms properly, and the SSA denies your claim for social security benefits, then you still have all of the thorough paperwork on hand so that you can understand why you were denied and you can appeal your case and try again.
While the sheer amount of paperwork associated with an SSDI application may seem overwhelming at first, you have to look at it from a sense of thoroughness. The more thorough that you are allowed to be when applying for disability insurance benefits, the more likely the SSA will be to give you the benefits that you are looking for. What it really all comes down to is whether or not you are able to provide the necessary information when applying for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. If you want to win your application, then having paperwork that isn't asking the right questions is not going to do you any good.
When it comes to applying for benefits from the SSA, do not be afraid of the required forms or paperwork. Just work with a Social Security lawyer or a disability insurance advocate that can help you fill the forms out to the best of your ability so that you can finally apply for the social security benefits that you need once and for all. Working with someone that has your best interest at heart and the knowledge to help you with your application is the right move if you want to utilize the forms for a good answer from the SSA.
While it may seem natural to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of Social Security Disability Forms that you have to fill out in order to apply for benefits, there's a better way to think about it: Will more thorough paperwork help or harm your case when you have someone knowledgeable on your side to help you with your application?

Freedom Disability provides education and representation services to individuals interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits in the United States. For additional information please contact Freedom Disability.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Palladino

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Does Social Security Disability Insurance Cover All Disabling Incidents?

By Joseph Palladino

Nobody ever wants to think that they are eventually going to experience a disability that is major enough to prevent them from working, and yet many people choose to purchase life insurance that is designed to protect their families when they die.
While preparing with life insurance is definitely a solid option, having a level of disability insurance protection is definitely a solid idea that will prove to be significantly more important to you.
Studies are showing that as many as one third of all Americans between the age of 35 and 65 are likely to eventually become disabled, and people from all age groups are much more likely to become disabled than deceased.
Many people believe that having worker's compensation coverage is going to take care of a disabled status, or that Social Security will be able to cover any care that is needed when dealing with an unforeseen accident. The truth is, however, that worker's compensation is only going to take care of the costs if the impairment comes from job related sources.
If you become disabled in a serious auto accident or as a result of a debilitating disease, worker's compensation will not protect you.
While Social Security may be able to cover people that are considered to be severely disabled, your ability to meet these criteria could actually be challenging as well as time consuming.
Additionally, many people find that upon having qualified for Social Security payout benefits, the amount of money that they receive is not actually enough money to allow for them to meet their medical and living expenses.
While it is easy to act as an optimist when you are feeling healthy or strong, statistics are showing that the healthiest possible thing that you can do in preparation of a disabled status is to purchase disability insurance for yourself.
Before you purchase long term coverage, you should sit down and really take the time to explore and investigate the different options and opportunities that are available to you. When you know what is available to you, you will have an easier chance of selecting the plan that is going support you and your family in the best possible way.
The first place for you to look for this type of insurance is the current place where you are working. They may offer you a type of long term coverage that will use a fraction of your pay to deal with an extended period of time where you are disabled.
You should also make sure to check pricing elsewhere to find out what types of long term insurance options are provided for this purpose. You are also going to want to find out if social security payments are currently being factored into the insurance plan that is being offered to you. If this is so, then your long term care is going to pay you less if you happen to be receiving social security. Make sure that you weigh your options when it comes to this type of insurance coverage as it can really come in handy.

Freedom Disability has helped thousands of people across the country receive Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits. Over 90% of the people who complete the SSDI process were awarded benefits through SSA and Freedom Disability is rated "A+" by the Better Business Bureau.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Palladino

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Update Oct. 13 , 2009 All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Disability Covered by Government Pension Plan
By Kyle J Norton

As we mentioned in the previous article, most working people are covered under government insurance plan. In this article, we will discuss how government pension plan covers in case of disability of working people. These plans provide death benefits, income for surviving spouses and dependent children as well as disability income benefits for qualified member.
In order to receive the disability income from government pension plan, working people must
1.Be disabled, according to the definition of disability contained in the Government pension legislation.
2. Have contributed to government either
a) In two of the last three years or
b) Five of the last 10 years
3. Be under 65 years old
4. Not have received a government retirement pension for longer than 12 months.
The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is both severe and prolonged:
Severe means the inability to pursue any substantially gainful employment and prolonged means that such disability is likely to be of indefinite duration or is likely to result in death.
Benefits begin after a three-month waiting period. They consist of a flat amount plus an earnings related amount, which equals 75% of the contributor's retirement pension. Also an addition flat amount is paid for each dependent child. Disability benefits are payable monthly and the amounts are indexed to go up each year according to increases in the Consumer Price Index.
This is payable only until age 65 or prior death or recovery. At age 65 the disability pension is replaced by the retirement pension.
I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:

Kyle J. Norton
http://lifeanddisabitityinsuranceunderwriter.blogspot.com/ or
http://disabilityinsurance01.blogspot.com/ All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact. I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_J_Norton
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Long Term Care And The Tricky New Medicaid Rules
By Carson D Danfield

The new law makes it much more difficult to protect a family's wealth while having the government pay long-term nursing home costs for a family member through Medicaid. What you need to know...
THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDICARE
Surveys show that most people greatly underestimate their risk of needing nursing home care someday. The cost of such care already is extremely high, close to or exceeding $100,000 per year in many parts of the country and rising steadily. Over a period of years, it can consume a family's lifetime of savings and leave it deeply in debt.
Big mistake: Thinking that after the age of 65, Medicare pays for nursing home care.
Reality: Medicare pays the full cost for only 20 days of "rehabilitative" nursing home care, which must occur after a hospital stay. After that, it covers another 80 days with the patient paying the first $124 (in 2007) of daily costs (about $3,700 per month). After these 100 days, coverage ends.
WILL MEDICAID PAY?
Long-term nursing home care could be covered by Medicaid, a government program that provides health care to low-income, low-wealth individuals.
To be eligible: One must own few assets (usually less than $2,000 worth, with some exceptions noted below) and have only nominal annual income. The amount depends on where you reside - for instance, in New York you can retain income of only $692 per month. If the care recipient is married, his/her spouse generally can't have assets exceeding approximately $99,000, and can have only a modest income, with exact amounts varying by state.
Until recently, many seniors had planned to use Medicaid to cover their long-term care by transferring their personal wealth to other family members. They made gifts of assets to other family members and/or paid expenses (such as college tuition costs) for them.
Snag: The new rules make this strategy much more difficult.
TOUGH NEW RULES
To restrict the rapid growth in Medicaid costs, Congress enacted tough new eligibility rules effective in 2006, with the exact date varying by state. Rule changes...
*Tougher "look-back" computation. The look-back period has now been increased from three years to five years.
Plus, the ineligibility period that results from transfers made during the look-back period now begins only when the individual would become eligible for Medicaid benefits but for the transfers - that is, after his assets would have been exhausted - instead of on the earlier date when the transfers were made.
Situation: An older individual gives wealth preserving gifts totaling $320,000 to several of his family members. Two-and-a-half years later, he needs long-term nursing home care. The cost of care in his area is $8,000 per month.
Under old law, if the individual had retained $48,000, he could use it to pay for his own care for six months. This period added to the time since the gifts were made equals three years, so he would then be eligible for Medicaid and his $320,000 of gifts would be secured.
Under new law, the five-year look-back period "catches" the $320,000 of gifts. This makes the individual ineligible for Medicaid benefits for 40 months ($320,000 divided by $8,000 per month equals 40 months).
Worse, this ineligibility period now starts only after the individual has spent down on his own care whatever wealth he's kept. He then is left with the need to finance 40 months of nursing home care on his own, while having no wealth to pay for it!
Other family members may be called on to return gifts received from the individual to pay for his care. If they have spent the funds (such as on college costs), this may not be an option.
Recommended: Know the law in your state. Medicaid laws vary greatly by state and are very complex, with many special rules and exceptions. Examine the laws of your state with a legal expert to find special rules that may help in your situation.
MORE CHANGES
Other restrictions in the new law...
*Home ownership. Persons with more than $500,000 of equity in a home now are ineligible for Medicaid benefits. (Individual states may increase this limit to $750,000.)
Thankfully, individuals who have a spouse, children under age 21 or adult children with disabilities living in the home are exempt from this ruling. Previously, there was no such restriction (although states might try to recover the cost of care later through a lien placed on a home or a claim made against it in probate).
*Annuities. When an individual, who is receiving Medicaid benefits, or the spouse of such an individual, owns an annuity, the state must be the remainder beneficiary of the annuity. In this manner, the state's cost of Medicaid benefits (up to the amount provided) is repaid.
*Spouses not receiving care. When the spouse who receives most of a couple's income (such as from a pension) is institutionalized, applying all of that income toward Medicaid costs can result in great hardship to the other spouse (the "community spouse").
As a result, some states have enacted rules that allow shifting of assets to the community spouse free of Medicaid claims.
The new law sharply restricts such actions, increasing hardship on many community spouses in such states.
SELF-DEFENSE
To protect wealth now...
*Purchase long-term-care insurance. This will pay for future nursing home care. It is the safest way of providing for future care needs while protecting family wealth.
If you don't already own long-term-care insurance, consider buying it now. The earlier in life you buy, the lower the cost of the premium.
Beware of an early disability. During working years, you are more likely to be disabled, potentially requiring long-term care, than to die.
Check whether your employer provides long-term-care insurance - if it does not, purchase your own.
*Make wealth-shifting gifts early. For gifts to other family members to be effective at protecting family wealth, they now must be made a full five years before a need for Medicaid assistance arises.
*Purchase items exempt from the wealth test. Items not counted among assets when qualifying for Medicaid include clothing, jewelry, books and an auto needed for work or to travel to obtain medical care. Reduce cash balances by buying things that retain value, such as rare books and fine jewelry.
*Purchase a single-life annuity. This can reduce wealth by converting it to income that ends with your life (and so does not have the state as a secondary beneficiary).
*Take out a home-equity loan. Reduce the equity in your home to below the $500,000 (or $750,000) limit. Borrowing can be used for living expenses, to fund gifts, buy exempt assets or buy a single-life income annuity.
*Take out a reverse mortgage. This, too, can be used to decrease home equity - but fees are higher than the home-equity loan, and a reverse mortgage generally provides less flexibility than home-equity borrowing. Only use this strategy as a last resort.
*Deed a home to children while retaining a life estate in it. This gives you the right to use the home while you live while removing its value from your assets.
Snags: You expose the home to children's creditors ... if future conflicts arise between you and your children, this arrangement could become uncomfortable.
*Set up an irrevocable "Medicaid trust". By irrevocably transferring your assets to the trust, you reduce your wealth to qualify for Medicaid. The trust administers the assets for your family as you direct, and pays you a set amount of income for life at an amount that preserves Medicaid eligibility.
Snag: The income you receive is fixed, so you must be sure it will be sufficient.

Carson Danfield is an "Under the Radar" Internet Entrepreneur who's been quietly selling various products for the last 8 years. Although you've probably never heard of him there's a good chance you've visited his websites in the past and even purchased some of his products.
Want to learn more about long term care and the tricky new Medicaid Rules? Be sure to see what Carson Danfield reveals at http://info5000.com/INSURANCE/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carson_D_Danfield
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The Baby Boomer and Long Term Care Insurance
By Obinna Heche

Not quite long ago, a new research by the American association of Life Insurers (ACLI) has revealed that baby boomers require to pay attention to the very genuine option they may possibly require long-term care. The logic being the increasing long-term care costs, Long-Term Care Insurance or Medicaid. Who will reimburse for Baby Boomers Long-Term Care? Sounds the alarm on a impending national long-term care crisis. More crucial, it is a call to action for persons to include long-term care in their retirement planning.
The research shows that a one-year stay in a nursing home averages almost $75,000 for a exclusive room or more than $62,000 for a semi-private room. By the year 2030, the same stay in a semi-private room will cost an estimated $195,000, more than tripling over the next 25 years. Majority of Americans cannot save a sufficient amount to cover these astronomical costs on their own. Americans are living longer than ever before. That is a pleasant news, but it has several risks. One of those risks is that many upcoming retirees will be facing enormous long-term care costs.
Indeed, this matter is of particular relevance to women because, generally, they tend to live longer than men. A 65 year-old woman has a 50 percent probability of wanting nursing home care in her lifetime, a cost that might potentially wipe out her retirement savings. The question now is what can be done? Life insurers suggest long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance is a fundamental element of a sound financial strategy for retirement. It helps individuals maintain self-sufficiency in retirement if they require long-term care services.
On the other hand, long-term care policy holders do not have to depend mostly on government programs or their household to pay for care. Moreover, the product has evolved over the years. It now offers a broad range of services in a variety of settings. Some well recognized policies may include reimbursement for respite care, medical equipment, care coordination services and also home modification. Long-term care insurance provides retirement security to millions of Americans.
But the reality is that plenty of people deserve the protection it offers. With long-term care insurance as part of a retirement plan, majority of Americans are at this point better equipped to safeguard their life-long savings and maintain their standard of living. This is without doubt, a good development and a good news for everybody.

Obina Heche is an expert in his field in the present day, he has put up his residence at California USA. For more information on long term care insurance and how to obtain a policy, visit Long Term Care Insurance

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Obinna_Heche

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Sept. 24 , 2009 All About Government Pension Long Term Disability Insurance By Insurance Experts

If you become disabled through injury, sickness, or other circumstances and have not been able to work for a year (long term disability), then you may be eligible for social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. If your application is approved, you can collect the social security disablity insurance benefit until age 65 when is the time the benefit is transfered to the pension program.

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Improved VA Disability Pension Benefit With Aid and Attendance Entitlement
By Greg Cook

Attention WWII and Korean War Veterans - The VA will provide you financial assistance to help you or the widowed surviving spouse pay for long-term care.
This financial assistance provides needed money to help these elderly war-time veterans (and their widowed surviving spouse) receive in-home care or offset the costs of an assisted living facility.
And the best part, you don't need to use official VA care or facilities. This financial assistance can be used to pay independent home care agencies and non-government run assisted living facilities. Many families also can get this VA financial assistance to pay a family member to provide the care.
This little-known veterans' benefit is commonly called the "Aid and Attendance" benefit. It is officially called an "Improved Disability Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Entitlement" that provides a tax-free monthly amount up to $1,644 for a veteran or $1,949 for a veteran and spouse.
Widowed surviving spouses who have not re-married are eligible for this same benefit but by a different name. The official name of the surviving spouse benefit is "Improved Death Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance Entitlement". This benefit also provides a tax-free benefit equal to $1,057 monthly.
This "improved" VA disability pension benefit can be used to pay for in-home care, assisted living facility costs or nursing home care. In addition other qualified uses include medical expenses, prescription drugs, incontinence supplies and more.
Five Steps of Qualification
1. To qualify for time of service, the WWII or Korean veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day of service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 for WWII or between June 27, 1950 and January 31, 1955 for the Korean War.
It does not matter if the veteran's active duty was stateside or overseas. Discharge from military service also must not have been under dishonorably conditions.
Note: Surviving spouses who remarried a non-eligible individual or whose marriage to the veteran ended in divorce are not eligible.
2. To qualify physically, the veteran (or eligible surviving spouse) must be age 65 or older (to not have to prove they can no longer work) and need help with basic activities of daily living tasks such as eating, dressing, grooming, proper hygiene, bathing or going to the bathroom.
Being blind or use of a wheelchair for mobility also physically qualifies the claimant. The claimant must also be no longer able to safely drive to be considered home-bound.
Physical qualifications should be documented by your private physician. You do not have to use or visit a VA doctor.
3. To qualify financially, the veteran (or eligible surviving spouse) must have limited assets (typically under $80,000) excluding the primary home and a single vehicle. Note: The claimant cannot be driving or they will be ineligible for the benefit.
The amount of benefit that the claimant can receive is based on a two-step calculation.
a. Add up all annual income from social security, retirement pensions, interest, dividends, annuities, etc.
b. Subtract from this income total the annual recurring out-of-pocket medical and prescription costs, the cost of private supplemental health care insurance, any long-term care insurance, and long-term care expenses from in-home care or an assisted living facility.
The resulting amount is called the "adjusted countable household income". This amount is then compared to the maximum VA disability pension benefit. The difference is the benefit amount you will receive - paid in 12 equal payments.
4. The maximum VA disability pension benefit for 2009 is as follows:
Single or widowed veteran = $19,736 paid $1,644 monthly
Veteran with a dependent (typically spouse) = $23,396 paid $1,949 monthly
Un-remarried widowed surviving spouse = $12,681 paid $1,057 monthly
Let's look at an example:

• Sam is an honorably discharged Korean War veteran who lost his wife 6 months ago.
• He suffers from dementia and can no longer drive or live alone. His family has moved him to the Great Home Assisted Living facility where many of his friends also now live.
• His adjusted countable household income is a negative $-1,000 (Social security and a small pension from his work at the Tool & Die Company less his qualified medical costs of assisted living, prescriptions and medical insurance premium).
• He has less than $10,000 in savings and after the reverse mortgage is paid off from the sale of his home he will net $50,000.

Since Sam's qualified medical costs exceeds his income he qualifies for the maximum VA disability pension benefit, or $1,644 per month.
This means that Sam now has $644 in income each month after paying his qualified expenses instead of having to take $1,000 from savings each month for his care.
5. How to Apply
To learn more or to understand how to successfully apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit from the VA, visit www dot VeteransCareAdvisors dot com. The Aid and Attendance Handbook will walk you through the process and help you better understand the paper work, required documentation and what to expect during the claim processing.

Today, hundreds of thousands of eligible individuals either don't know about this VA non-service connected disability pension benefit, or don't think they can qualify for it. Are you missing out on thousands of financial assistance from the VA?
Greg Cook is a consultant with extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies in the financial world and with major non-profit organizations. He has helped hundreds of senior citizens successfully navigate the long term care industry.
He is a senior advocate, geriatric care manager and a Certified Senior Advisor. To learn more about how to qualify for up to $1,843 per month in VA financial assistance, visit Mr. Cook's website; Veterans Care Advisors dot com.

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What to Look For When Comparing Disability Insurance Company Ratings
By David Wilkenson

Rating disability insurance companies is important to ensure that you are only investing in the best policies that can back you up financially. There are certain points to follow in order for you to assess and compare the reliability and performance of the insurance company.
When you are bombarded with a variety of benefit options, business insurance promises, and lifetime pension opportunities, use these features to eliminate other companies that do not serve the best of your financial and professional interests.
Disability is a boon, especially to starting business owners and beginning employees. Your presence is virtually the most important factor in keeping the business running and making a living; and without good and qualified disability insurance, your chances of returning to work may be slim. Some features will be helpful in rating disability insurance companies, in order for you to choose only the best, in accordance to your needs and preferences, during periods of disability.
Most companies are primarily rated on their financial strength, which pertains to the funding that allows compensation to policyholders. Financial strength is the foundation of the policy, so you need to know how much funds are allocated for certain disability benefits and quote preferences. You would not want to keep paying for a premium if you know financial security is compromised or jeopardized because of the company's lack of funding.
Health insurance rating analysts are available to help you determine exactly the financial strength of your chosen insurance company. Analysts also have independent companies; and all you need to do is write a letter and pay a certain fee and the rating company will deliver an insurance rating system that depicts essential information about your disability insurance company, to help you know its strengths and weaknesses.
Policy benefits are also included in most insurance rating systems and these show you the current options you have with your existing disability insurance company and rate it against other companies, which, in turn, will leave you only with the best offers to avail of. Provisions governing the whole insurance policy are also indicated, which states updates and better options and preferences in benefits and waiting periods, tax exclusions and advantages, and many more.
There are guidelines on how to rate disability insurance companies, based on financial strengths, insurance benefits, policy specifications, and time periods. Some companies may claim to have scored high in every feature but, the truth is, you always get what you pay for in insurance.
You may have paid a lesser premium with more benefits without knowing. Benefit periods may have been prolonged or that benefits were made taxable, so make sure that you have checked every feature as you plan your disability quote.
Most top-rated disability insurance companies are excellent when it comes to financial strengths and provide immediate reimbursements. They rank high in their ability to pay under insurance policies and agreements.
Other special features are their excellent skills in handling senior policies, investment strategies, business ventures and operations, and underwriting commitments. Services should be very satisfactory and they all should simply have the resources to deal with the most severe economic conditions with less risks overall. These added features are determinant in guiding you in boosting your disability insurance company ratings.

David Wilkenson is a disability insurance specialist and contributes to WealthProtector.NET, a website that offers information on getting the best long term disability insurance quote.

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Treatment of Sickness and Injury Benefits on Your Tax Return
By Chintamani Abhyankar

The following guidelines will help you in deciding the tax treatment on sickness and injury benefits:
You are entitled to a tax credit if you are permanently and totally disabled at the time of your retirement.
If you receive money for personal injury or sickness because of an accident on a health plan paid by your employer, you need to report such income on your tax return. However, if you and your employer pay for the plan jointly, only the amount received by you on the basis of contribution from your employer will be treated as your income. If you receive any money by way of a reimbursement for medical expenses incurred by you after the plan was established, that money is not included in your income.
If you paid the entire cost of such an insurance plan, the amounts received by you under such plan are not to be included on your tax return.
Cafeteria plans -if you are covered by a cafeteria plan, and the amount of insurance premium was not included in your income, IRS assumes that you have not paid for the premiums and so you have to include the benefits you receive out of such plan in your income. However if the amount of premiums was already included in your income, you are assumed to have paid the premiums and consequently the benefits are not taxable.
If you receive money from a retirement or profit sharing plan, which is not providing for a disability retirement, it cannot be treated as disability pension. Such payment must be reported as annuity or pension. It has to be included in your income in the year of its receipt.
If you retire on disability, any payment which you receive towards accrued annual leave is regarded as a salary payment and not a disability payment.
When you retire on disability, the disability pension you receive under a plan which is paid by your employer is treated as your salary Up to the time you reach minimum retirement age. Once you reach minimum retirement age, the payments received are taxable as a pension on annuity.
Various military and government disability pensions are not taxable. The payments relating to service connected disability are excluded from your income. If you receive a disability pension on the basis of years of service, that has to be included in your income. However if it is a service connected disability, it is not to be included in income. Similarly, disability benefits received from the VA are not to be included in your income.
A claim for the refund or credit must be filed within three years from the date return was filed. However, if you are in receipt of a retroactive service connected disability rating determination, the limitation is extended by one more year from the date of determination. So if you retired in 2004 and continue to receive a pension which was based on your years of service and later on July 10, 2008 you receive determination retroactive to 2004, you can claim a refund for the taxes paid on your pension for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. For this extended period of one year applies to all the claims for refund filed after June 17, 2008.
If you are in receipt of any payment for injuries resulting directly from a terrorist or a military action, such payments are not included in your income.
Amounts received from long term care insurance contracts are not included on your tax return as your income. You must file form 8853 with your return to claim such exclusion.
The money received as workers' compensation under the workers' compensation act is fully excluded on your tax return. However if you return to work later, the payments you receive by way of salary will be taxable.

There are all sorts of financial decisions you take in your life. You make gifts to your children; you make investments and acquire real estate. Do you really know the tax implications of these decisions, which can save you thousands of dollars?
Stop donating your money to IRS is an e-book on these little known tax secrets. It is written by Chintamani Abhyankar, a tax professional for last 25 years. Get the expert advice.

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