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MISSISSIPPI DIVISION OF MEDICAID Eligibility Policy and Procedures Manual CHAPTER 200A – Income: ABD Categories Page |49 Effective Month: July 2025 needed to establish claims for dependency, disability or survivors’ benefits for any veterans who are residents of Mississippi or their claimants. • Chancery Clerks must record, without cost, all certificates of service of any and all members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. Certified copies must be furnished without cost to the service member or veteran, his/her authorized representative or his/her dependents. VA and the Referral for Benefits An applicant or recipient, who is potentially eligible for VA pension or compensation benefits should be advised in writing to apply for those benefits. If it will result in a new or increased benefit that will count as income,information should be provided with the effect the receipt of the benefit will have on eligibility. When making a referral to file an application for VA benefits, observe the following rules: • Pension payments are only paid to or on behalf of veterans (living or deceased) with eligible wartime service. Refer to policy for “VA Pension Payments” below. Do not refer veterans or surviving spouses or children of veterans to apply for pension benefits if the veteran served outside of an eligible wartime period. Accept the veteran or surviving spouse’s statement regarding dates of service. • For at-home COE’s, if a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran who served during a wartime period has never applied for a pension, refer the individual to apply through the VA or the County Veterans Service Officer. The VA uses various income limits to determine pension benefits, based on family size and income. • If an application for pension or compensation benefits has previously been filed and denied, accept a verbal attestation by applicant that such benefits are not payable. • If a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran is in a nursing facility and is subject to the reduced pension, as described in policy below, refer the individual to apply for the reduced pension as a courtesy only. Application is not required as a condition of eligibility.