Vets Corner: VA helps those unable to help themselves with benefits

Vets Corner: VA helps those unable to help themselves with benefits

The VA Fiduciary Program provides oversight of VA’s most vulnerable beneficiaries who are unable to manage their VA benefits because of injury, disease, advanced age, or are under 18 years of age. A fiduciary is an individual or entity who has been appointed by VA to receive VA benefits on behalf of a beneficiary for the use and benefit of the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s dependents.

VA appoints fiduciaries who manage VA benefits for these beneficiaries and conducts oversight to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the beneficiaries they serve. 

It is VA’s policy that every beneficiary has the right to manage his or her VA benefits. However, in cases where medical evidence indicates that the beneficiary cannot manage their VA benefits, VA may decide that the beneficiary needs the assistance of a fiduciary. This determination may also be made based upon notice that a court has appointed a guardian for the beneficiary. VA’s decision that a beneficiary needs a fiduciary may be appealed to the Board of Veterans Appeals.

In deciding who should act as fiduciary for a beneficiary, VA will always select the most effective and least restrictive fiduciary arrangement. This means that VA will first consider whether the beneficiary can manage their VA benefits with limited VA supervision under supervised direct pay. VA will consider the choice of the beneficiary, then the beneficiary’s spouse, family members, friends, or caregivers who are qualified and willing to provide fiduciary services for the beneficiary without a fee or, a temporary fiduciary, if necessary. As a last resort, VA will consider appointment of a paid fiduciary.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office issues Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Joe Wright if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email.    There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com.
Joe Wright, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call 852-2669; or e-mail joe.wright@co.kings.ca.us.

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