My mother has been receiving VA benefits for her care at home. The assistance check is written in her name, however, it was distributed in-care-of me, her daughter. I am her legal POA paying for her needs (shelter, bills, etc) out of the check. Since transferring funds to a family member is not allowed, will she be disqualified for nursing care? Also can she have a joint account with my name on it?
All of her money will need to be used for her care, don't commingle funds.
Contact your local Medicaid and get an application to see what the requirements are. It will be well worth the money to hire a certified elder law attorney to help with the application and help you understand how it all works.