mopdf.com

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServicePre-need Burial PlansA VA fiduciary may use a beneficiary’s VA funds to make deposits into orpurchase a pre-need burial plan or burial insurance if you determine that it is inthe best interest of the beneficiary to have such a plan or insurance. The preneed burial plan should be registered in the beneficiary’s name and madepayable to the service provider.Death of the BeneficiaryThe beneficiary is not entitled to VA benefits for the month in which he/shedies, even if the individual dies on the last day of the month. Therefore, unlessyou are the beneficiary’s spouse, you must return these funds immediately toVA.Any saved VA benefits belong to the beneficiary’s estate and must generally begiven to the legal representative of the beneficiary’s estate. You may contactthe probate court or an attorney for further information.If the beneficiary dies without a will or heirs, you must return any remaining VAfunds to VA. You may contact your fiduciary hub of jurisdiction for furtherinformation. (See page 31 for contact information.)2013 Version 1.011

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceFrequently Asked QuestionsHo w Can I Use the B e neficiary’s VA Funds?Your main responsibility is to manage the beneficiary’s VA funds to meet theneeds of the beneficiary. First, use VA funds to pay the expenses that meet thebasic needs of the beneficiary and his/her dependents, such as rent ormortgage payments, utilities, or groceries. You must make all payments eitherby check or electronic bill payment from the fiduciary account. ATMwithdrawals, counter withdrawals, and checks made payable to cash are notacceptable transactions.You may use any remaining VA funds to provide the beneficiary and his/herdependents the best possible standard of living that VA funds will reasonablyallow, such as new furniture, a new car, or a vacation.You cannot borrow or make loans from the beneficiary’s VA funds.What Is a Retroactive VA Payment?Approval of VA claims may take some time or VA may approve an effective dateof payment prior to the actual date of receipt of a claim for benefits. Thiscreates a retroactive payment of funds which is paid in a lump-sum.How Can I Use a Retroactive VA Payment?You must first use any retroactive VA funds to pay the expenses that meet thebasic needs of the beneficiary and his/her dependents, such as rent and food.You may use any remaining retroactive VA funds to pay for better health careor allow the beneficiary and his/her dependents to enjoy a standard of livinglike other people who have a similar amount of money.2013 Version 1.012

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceHo w Do I Maintain th e B eneficiary’s VA Funds?As a fiduciary, there are rules you have to follow when managing thebeneficiary’s VA funds: You must keep VA funds in an account in a federally insured bank orcredit union. You must have VA funds direct-deposited into the account. You must establish the account in the beneficiary’s name and your name,and identify the fiduciary relationship. The title of the account will showthe beneficiary has ownership of, but not access to, VA funds. Forexample:(Beneficiary’s Name), by (Your Name), Fiduciary(Your Name), Fiduciary for (Beneficiary’s Name)Your bank or credit union can answer any questions that you may haveabout this requirement. You must keep the beneficiary’s VA funds in an account separate fromyour funds or anyone else’s funds. However, the general rule aboutkeeping a separate account does not apply to the following fiduciaries:o Spouseso State or local government entitieso Institutions, such as public or private medical care facilities, nursinghomes, or other residential care facilities, when an accounting is notrequiredNote: In order to keep the funds secure, do not give the account number to thebeneficiary. You must also safeguard all passwords.2013 Version 1.013

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceHo w May I Invest t he B eneficiary’s VA Funds?An investment must be reasonable, safe, and in the best interest of thebeneficiary. As fiduciary, you are only allowed to invest the beneficiary’s VAfunds in interest or dividend-paying accounts that are insured under Federallaw or in U.S. Savings Bonds.A properly registered savings bond can only be cashed in with writtenauthorization from VA. U.S. Savings Bonds must be registered as follows:(Beneficiary’s Name), (Beneficiary’s Social Security Number), undercustodianship by designation of the Secretary of Veterans AffairsThe general rule about investment of VA funds does not apply to the followingfiduciaries: Spouses A fiduciary who is also appointed by a courtNote: VA funds paid to the chief officer of an institution in which thebeneficiary is being furnished hospital treatment or institutional, nursing, ordomiciliary care may not be invested.Ho w Do I Pro tect the B eneficiary’s VAFunds?If you manage more than 20,000 in VA funds for the beneficiary, VA mayrequire you to guard the beneficiary’s funds by purchasing and maintaining acorporate surety bond. The bond replaces the beneficiary’s funds if youcommit fraud or if you waste or misuse the beneficiary’s funds.Corporate Surety Bond RequirementsAn individual corporate surety bond provides the most secure protection of thebeneficiary’s funds. A surety bond company provides insurance that protectsthe beneficiary’s funds. As long as you are the fiduciary and continue to paythe bond premiums, the beneficiary’s funds are protected up to the face value2013 Version 1.014

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary Serviceof the bond. You are authorized to deduct the cost of a surety bond from thebeneficiary’s VA funds. VA personnel periodically contact the bondingcompany to make sure the surety bond is in effect and the information iscurrent. A surety bond must be made payable to:The Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the use and benefit of(Beneficiary’s Name).The surety bond must include the following information: The amount of the bond; The names of the fiduciary and beneficiary; The name of the surety bond company; and Affirmation from the surety bond company that they will pay the bond.The general rule about obtaining a corporate surety bond does not apply to thefollowing fiduciaries: Spouses A fiduciary that is also appointed by a court A fiduciary that is a trust company or a bank with trust powers organizedunder the laws of the U.S. or a state A fiduciary in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or any otherterritory of the U.S., or in the Republic of the Philippines, whose locationprecludes adequate bonding and has a restricted withdrawal agreementin lieu of a corporate surety bondNote: You will find a listing of surety bond companies and additionalinformation on surety bonds at http://www.fms.treas.gov/c570/c570.html.2013 Version 1.015

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceHow Do I Protect VA Funds From the Claims of Creditors?In addition to protecting the beneficiary’s VA funds from misuse, you must alsoprotect the funds from the claims of creditors. No one can make claims on VA funds except the Internal RevenueService. A fiduciary may pay a creditor if the beneficiary has VA funds to pay thecreditor, but VA funds should first go to pay for the beneficiary’s basicneeds. Consult with VA on any claim on the beneficiary’s VA funds.What Records Should I Keep?You are responsible for keeping accurate records of the beneficiary’s VA funds.You should keep detailed records of all payments. Keep the following types ofrecords: Bills – Rent/Mortgage statements, utilities, cable, credit card, medical,vehicle, insurance, etc. Receipts – Payments made on behalf of the beneficiary and his/herdependents for items such as groceries, clothing, appliances, vehiclerepairs, home repairs, etc. Financial Statements – Bank statements for the accounts into which VAfunds are deposited. VA Forms – Forms used for initial application or changes to fiduciary orbeneficiary status (example VA Form 21P-4703, Fiduciary Agreement). Correspondence from VA – Fiduciary appointment documents, approvedaccounting forms, dependency verification notices, requested paymentof debt letters, etc.2013 Version 1.016

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceNote: You may choose to scan the records and maintain them electronically.Also, many banks now offer electronic statements that can be saved oncomputers and printed, when needed.What Is an Accounting?You may have to submit an accounting to VA, in which you will provide detailsabout the VA funds you manage for the beneficiary. We may require you toaccount for the beneficiary’s VA funds at any time so it is important for you tokeep good records. Accounting DefinitionAn accounting is your written report about the funds you manage for thebeneficiary. The accounting covers a length of time set by VA, typicallyone year.An accounting consists of the following:o Beginning account balanceo Funds you manage for the beneficiaryo Expenses paid from the funds you manage for the beneficiaryo Ending account balance Accounting PeriodAccounting periods are generally scheduled at regular intervals, usuallyevery year. VA will let you know in writing about the accounting period,which is usually the anniversary date of your appointment as fiduciary forthe beneficiary.2013 Version 1.017

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary Service Accounting Due DateThe accounting is due within 30 days after the end of the accountingperiod. For example, if the accounting period is from June 1, 2013 toMay 31, 2014, the accounting is due no later than June 30, 2014. Thisallows you enough time to review receipts, prepare the accountingforms, and obtain all financial documents for the entire accountingperiod.If you do not submit a timely accounting, VA may:o Temporarily stop benefit paymentso Appoint a new fiduciaryo Investigate whether you have misused fundsIf there is a misuse investigation, you may have to answer questions andprovide evidence. A misuse investigation is unlikely if you submitaccurate accountings on time. Accounting FormsYou must submit a complete accounting for review. A completeaccounting includes the following documents:o VA Form 21P-4706b, Federal Fiduciary’s Account (see page 23 forsample form)o Original or unaltered copies of statements from the bank for theentire accounting periodYou must sign in ink and date VA Form 21P-4706b, Federal Fiduciary’sAccount. You must also sign and date any attachments to VA Form 21P4706b, Federal Fiduciary’s Account. VA will return the accounting asincomplete if it is not properly signed in ink. Only one VA Form 21P-2013 Version 1.018

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary Service4706b, Federal Fiduciary’s Account, should be completed for the entireaccounting period.Note: In certain cases, VA will accept accounting forms sanctioned by a court oran abbreviated accounting to show how you used any retroactive VA funds.You may contact your fiduciary hub of jurisdiction for further information. (Seepage 31 for contact information.)2013 Version 1.019

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceHow Do I Account for the B eneficiary’s VA Funds? Report FundsYou must report all funds you manage on behalf of the beneficiary inSection A on VA Form 21P-4706b, Federal Fiduciary’s Account. Youshould not report any funds you do not manage as the beneficiary’sfiduciary.Examples of types of funds you may manage for the beneficiary include:o VA fundso Social Security Administration (SSA) fundso Private retirement fundso Military retirement payo Rental property fundso Interest2013 Version 1.020

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary Service Report ExpensesYou must report all payments made from the funds managed on behalfof the beneficiary in Section B of VA Form 21P-4706b. Include paymentsfor rent, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, surety bond premiums,etc. Verify AssetsThe ending balance on VA Form 21P-4706b must be the same as thebalance on all bank statements as of the ending date of the accountingperiod (minus any outstanding transactions). Helpful Tipso You should report the funds and expenses that are shown on the bankstatements during the accounting period, as well as any outstandingtransactions. For example, the accounting period ends on May 2nd,and you paid the beneficiary’s rent on May 1st. This expense morethan likely will not have cleared the bank by May 2nd but you still needto report the transaction on the accounting form.o You can call VA and ask VA to change the ending date of theaccounting period. VA can give you verbal approval over the phone tochange the accounting period and you can request a confirmationletter to verify the change in writing. This will make it easier to matchreported funds and expenses with actual funds and expenses shownon bank statements. It will also make it easier to verify assets at theend of the accounting period. Accounting AssistanceYou will find an electronic version of VA Form 21P-4706b and anAccounting Tool to assist you in preparing the accounting 2013 Version 1.021

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceThe Accounting Tool is a Microsoft Word-based tool designed to walk afiduciary through the preparation of an accounting. The Accounting Toolprovides the following features:o Data automation – Reduces the need for duplicate/erroneousinformationo Automated calculations – Prevents erroneous manual calculations,which is anticipated to reduce the number of accountingsdisapproved due to miscalculationso Itemizations – Allows for more detailed accounting for month-tomonth expenseso Instructions – Provides instructions on each section of theaccounting, as well as provides FAQ pop-up screenso Coversheet – Provides a coversheet detailing what attachmentsmust be included with the accounting, as well as the address of thehub of jurisdictionYou may also contact your fiduciary hub of jurisdiction for personalassistance by calling toll-free at 1-888-407-0144.2013 Version 1.022

A Guide For VA Fiduciaries2013 Version 1.0Pension and Fiduciary Service23

A Guide For VA Fiduciaries2013 Version 1.0Pension and Fiduciary Service24

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceHow Do I Complete VA Form 21P-4706b, Fe deral Fi duci ary’s Account ? From – Enter your name and complete address. To – Enter the address of the fiduciary hub. It is on the letter youreceived from VA advising you of the need for an accounting. Name of Veteran – Enter the full name of the Veteran. Name of Beneficiary – Enter the full name of the beneficiary, if theperson entitled to VA funds is someone other than the Veteran. VA File Number – Enter the claim number or Social Security Number ofthe Veteran. You can find the number required in the top, right-handcorner on letters you receive from VA. Accounting Period “From” – The accounting period should be on thenotification letter you received from VA. Accounting Period “To” – The accounting period should be on thenotification letter you received from VA.1. MONEY RECEIVEDA. Total Estate at Beginning of Period – Enter 0, if this is the firstaccounting. If this is not your first accounting, enter the amount notedas the ending balance on your previous accounting.B. Amount Received from VA – Enter the number of months and themonthly amount of VA funds you managed on behalf of the beneficiaryduring the accounting period. Also, enter the amount of any retroactiveVA funds received during the accounting period. If the monthly amountsvaried more than twice, you may enter additional amounts received fromVA in lines 1E thru 1H. Additional space is also available in block 6, oryou may attach additional sheets to the accounting. You must sign anddate all sheets you attach to the accounting.2013 Version 1.025

A Guide For VA FiduciariesPension and Fiduciary ServiceC. Amount Received from Social Security – Enter the number of months andthe monthly amount of the SSA funds you managed on behalf of thebeneficiary during the accounting period. Only enter these funds if theSSA recognizes you as the representative payee on behalf of thebeneficiary.D. Interest Earned on Deposits – Enter the amount of interest receivedduring the entire accounting period for funds deposited in a bank.E-H. Amount Received from Other Sources (List Items in 1E thru 1H) – Enterthe amount of funds from other sources you managed on behalf of thebeneficiary during the accounting period. Only enter these funds if youare recognized as the fiduciary on behalf of the beneficiary for this othersource of funds.I. Total Received (Add Lines 1A thru 1H) – Enter the total of lines 1A thru1H to include any funds listed on additional sheets. This is the totalamount of funds you managed on behalf of the beneficiary during theaccounting period as fiduciary. Compare this fund information to thebank statements to ensure all funds were properly reported on VA Form21P-4706b.2. MONEY SPE

ensure VA benefit payments made to a fiduciary on behalf of a beneficiary are used for the well-being of the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s dependents. Our mission is to protect Veterans and beneficiaries who are unable to manage their financial affairs. Information in thi