Starting the process

[LaurieG]

Hi - My mother is in the independent living portion of an ALF.  She is blind and uses a walker, but requires no medication or bathing assistance.  She is still able to navigate to the dining room for her meals.

Since she is in the independent living section of the ALF, would she qualify for Housebound only, or could she qualify for the highest level of A&A?

Also, I need to apply for a certified copy of my stepfather's discharge papers.  He is deceased.  On one website, it seemed to indicate that only the next of kin could sign the paperwork to obtain the certified copy.  Reading further into the website, it seemed to indicate that one didn't need to be next of kin to start the process. 

I don't even know where to start.

I am in Texas, and my mother is in Florida.  There is no way I can get to Florida to get everything started (full time job, husband unemployed, autistic child).

Could someone please answer me?

Also, our local VA office won't help me because they say I need to do everything through Florida.  I can't travel to Florida.  Any other local organizations that could possibly help me?

Please, someone answer this email.

Thank you.

[KarenO]

What county does your Mom live in.  I have a very good contact at the local VA office who helped me file on behalf of my mother. 

[Fit2009]

Hi Laurie G,
You are going to file through Philly, so you don't need to go to Florida - you will need to get the paperwork to your mother in the end and have her sign it, but you can make a copy and send it to her through the mail - the only "original" the VA requires is the discharge paper.
Follow the guidance on this site to fill out the forms.
Good Luck!

[LaurieG]

Thank you for the advice.  My mother lives in Pasco County.  I thought I had to file through the regional office in St. Petersburg, rather than Philly. 

So the only "original" I need is the discharge papers?  Can the death certificate, marriage license, etc be ordinary copies?

TIA  -

Laurie

[pologal1979]

for a dd214 - you need to submit a certified or original copy of this document. this proves the claimant was a veteran - obviously the first requirement to get VA benefits.

as for marriage cert, divorce docs, birth certs - copies are acceptable.

[LaurieG]

So my next step is to fill out the paperwork for the certified copy of the discharge papers, send to my mother, have her find someone who will help her sign them?

Once I get the certified copy of the discharge papers, can I take care of everything else if I fill out the 21-22a and hopefully my mother can find someone to help her sign it?

My mother is very competent mentally, but is almost totally blind.

TIA -

Laurie

[pologal1979]

yes. does she have a caregiver? a friend that reads her mail for her? that may help.  also go over everything with your mom. by phone if possible.  before you submit it.