You qualify for Social Security benefits by earning credits when you work in a job, or are self-employed, and pay Social Security payroll taxes. In 2014, you receive one credit for each $1,200 of earnings, up to the maximum...

I have a friend who suffered a fall two years ago. While the cause is still somewhat inconclusive, his subsequent rehab and overall health has put him on the sidelines from work. No income, divorced, with two...

The Veterans Administration provides financial benefits in the form of tax-free compensation, and lifetime pensions, to eligible Veterans - in some cases, including surviving spouses. In previous posts, we have reviewed the characteristics, coverage components, and rating structure...

Veterans who are injured or disabled during military service are eligible to be financially "compensated" by the Veterans Administration. The "degree" of disability is defined by the VA, and used to reach a financial benefit determination. Benefit Scale for...

Navigating and understanding the range and breadth of benefits and benefit programs available through the Veterans Administration can be extremely difficult, if not mind-numbing. Over the next several weeks, I will attempt to provide an overview and definition...

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services, referred to as "Independence Plus" can cover a wide range of goods and services, but there are limitations. For example, the following are not covered through "Independence Plus"... -- Any service duplication....

The Veterans Administration offers a broad range of benefits to its veteran constituents, such as the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services ("Independence Plus") program -- which is a unique benefit designed to allow veterans who are potential...

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services programs will pay for a very wide range of services and goods. Generally, any product or service that is required for the participant’s care, health maintenance, and/or improves the participant’s ability...

The Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services program is designed to allow veterans who are potential candidates for nursing home placement to receive a comparable level of care in their own homes. This program ("Independence Plus") enables veterans...

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services programs are not appropriate for everyone. There is a substantial effort required of the veteran, and/or their family, to determine care requirements, selection of care providers, and ongoing management oversight of...