Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
Planning for long-term care and Medicaid eligibility is a careful, practical process that affects your financial security and quality of life. In Dunlap and surrounding areas of Tennessee, families face complex rules, strict look-back periods, and timing decisions that can determine whether assets remain protected. Our goal is to help you understand the choices available and to create a plan tailored to your circumstances. We focus on clear, realistic steps to protect resources, provide for care, and help families preserve dignity while meeting legal requirements and deadlines under state and federal Medicaid rules.
When families begin discussing long-term care, emotions and uncertainty are common. This service page outlines practical strategies for protecting assets, preparing paperwork, and navigating application procedures for Medicaid long-term care benefits in Tennessee. We provide straightforward explanations of legal options, potential consequences of transfers, and the timing that affects eligibility. Our approach is to present realistic pathways that align with your goals for care, residence, and legacy. You will receive guidance on planning alternatives and how those options can affect eligibility and monthly income calculations over time.
Why Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning Matters
Early and thoughtful planning for long-term care can significantly affect the financial well-being of an individual and their family members. Proper planning helps preserve a portion of your estate, reduces delays in applying for benefits, and can minimize stress during a health crisis. It also creates a clear record of intentions and financial arrangements so relatives understand options and next steps. For many households, careful planning avoids unnecessary depletion of resources and provides a practical path to qualifying for Medicaid coverage of nursing home and home-based care when those services become necessary.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach in Tennessee
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves families across Hendersonville and nearby Tennessee communities, offering estate planning and probate legal services with a strong focus on practical problem solving. We assist clients in creating durable documents, preparing Medicaid plans, and coordinating care decisions with legal and financial considerations in mind. Our attorney-driven approach emphasizes clear communication and hands-on support throughout application processes and appeals when needed. The firm works to tailor solutions that align with clients’ family goals and financial realities while complying with Tennessee and federal Medicaid regulations.
Understanding Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
Medicaid long-term care planning involves assessing assets, income, and care needs to determine eligibility for benefits that help cover nursing home and certain home-based care costs. The process examines countable resources, allowable income deductions, and how transfers of assets may impact eligibility. Planning often includes creating appropriate estate planning documents, considering trusts when appropriate, and structuring transfers with attention to look-back periods. It is important to understand time frames, reporting obligations, and how different options affect both immediate needs and legacy goals for heirs and loved ones.
A practical planning approach begins with a comprehensive financial review and a clear discussion of care preferences. This includes projecting likely care costs, estimating how household income will be treated for purposes of Medicaid eligibility, and identifying strategies that preserve funds while complying with program rules. Families may consider ways to pay privately while pursuing benefit eligibility, how spousal resource allowances apply, and how to document essential transfers. The objective is to reduce surprises, avoid common pitfalls, and put in place a manageable plan that supports care goals and legal compliance.
What Medicaid Long-Term Care Planning Means
Medicaid long-term care planning refers to legally arranging finances and documents so that an individual who needs nursing home or home health care can qualify for Medicaid assistance without entirely exhausting their assets. Planning addresses which resources are countable, permissible transfers, and how income is allocated under state rules. It often includes drafting powers of attorney, advance directives, and recommending sheltering techniques that comply with the law. The process is focused on practical steps to gain access to benefits while maintaining dignity, ensuring continuity of care, and protecting what remains for family members whenever possible.
Key Elements of a Medicaid Planning Process
An effective planning process typically starts with an asset and income inventory followed by an assessment of care needs and timing. Documentation and accurate applications are essential, along with careful attention to look-back periods that review past transfers. Planners may recommend creating legal documents such as durable powers of attorney and advance directives to ensure decisions can be made if capacity declines. Communication with care providers, banks, and family members helps prevent misunderstandings. Ultimately, the process is a sequence of practical steps to secure benefits and arrange finances in a way that aligns with family priorities.
Key Terms and Glossary for Medicaid Planning
Understanding the terms used in Medicaid planning helps families make informed decisions. This glossary explains the phrases that frequently appear in eligibility determinations, transfer reviews, and asset protection techniques. Clear definitions reduce confusion and make it easier to follow the timing, reporting, and documentation requirements. Grasping these concepts allows families to evaluate options and anticipate how different arrangements will affect qualification for benefits. The terms are presented in straightforward language to make them accessible to those unfamiliar with Medicaid program rules.
Look-Back Period
The look-back period refers to a timeframe during which Medicaid reviews past asset transfers to determine whether any transfers were made to qualify for benefits improperly. If transfers are found, a penalty period may be imposed that delays eligibility for long-term care coverage. Understanding the start and duration of this period, and what constitutes a questionable transfer, is vital when considering timing for assistance and planning for care. Proper documentation and thoughtful timing can reduce the risk of penalties and ensure applications proceed smoothly.
Spousal Resource Allowance
A spousal resource allowance protects a portion of a married couple’s assets when one spouse requires long-term care and seeks Medicaid benefits. This allowance ensures the community spouse has sufficient resources to maintain a reasonable standard of living and avoids leaving the well spouse destitute. The allowance is calculated under state rules and impacts how much the institutionalized spouse can retain. Planning must take this allocation into account when structuring transfers or allocating income, allowing couples to arrange finances while meeting program requirements.
Countable Resources
Countable resources are assets that Medicaid uses to determine eligibility for long-term care benefits. These may include certain bank accounts, investments, and property that do not fall under exempt categories. Exemptions can apply to items like a primary residence under certain conditions, personal effects, and specific retirement accounts, depending on the rules. Knowing which assets are countable and which are exempt helps families plan effectively, as it directly affects the ability to qualify for Medicaid assistance without unnecessarily depleting resources.
Penalty Period
A penalty period is the amount of time Medicaid will not cover long-term care costs due to unpaid transfers of assets during the look-back period. The duration of the penalty is calculated based on the value of transfers and the state’s cost-of-care divisor. During this period, the individual must pay privately for care until eligibility resumes. Awareness of how penalties are assessed is important for planning, since it influences the timing of asset transfers and choices families make when arranging finances to obtain benefits.
Comparing Legal Options for Care Financing
Choosing the right legal option depends on current finances, long-term goals, and timing of needed care. Options range from straightforward asset protection measures and careful spending down to more complex arrangements that shift resources within legal boundaries. Each approach carries trade-offs in terms of access to benefits, control over assets, and potential impacts on heirs. A thoughtful comparison considers how each option affects eligibility timelines, immediate ability to pay for care, and the client’s preference for remaining in their home versus institutional settings.
When a Limited Planning Approach May Be Adequate:
Limited Planning for Short-Term or Minor Needs
A limited planning approach can be suitable when care needs are expected to be temporary or when the assets involved are modest and can be managed without complex arrangements. This may include organizing paperwork, ensuring necessary powers of attorney are in place, and assisting with accurate Medicaid applications when the financial picture is straightforward. In these situations, minimal legal intervention can reduce immediate worry and speed access to benefits without altering long-term family plans, so long as decisions are made with full awareness of eligibility rules.
Using Simple Asset Adjustments
Families with assets primarily in exempt categories or those who can reasonably spend down resources to meet eligibility may find a limited approach effective. Actions might include arranging permissible payments for care, legally transferring small, allowable amounts, and ensuring income is documented properly. Such steps can allow access to benefits without creating more enduring legal structures. It remains important to document decisions and understand the look-back period, as even modest transfers can have consequences if not handled with care.
When a Comprehensive Planning Approach Is Preferable:
Complex Financial Situations and Preservation Goals
A comprehensive approach becomes necessary when assets are substantial, multiple properties are involved, or when preserving wealth for a surviving spouse and heirs is a priority. In these circumstances, careful structuring of documents, potential trust arrangements that comply with the law, and strategic timing of transfers can be beneficial. A full review helps align care planning with legacy goals while following Medicaid rules. This path is designed to minimize risk of penalties and to protect both a person’s care needs and family continuity.
Planning for Long-Term Care and Family Continuity
Comprehensive planning covers detailed coordination among legal, financial, and family decisions over the long term. It may involve creating durable powers of attorney, advanced health directives, and trust arrangements that manage resources in accordance with eligibility rules. This approach also anticipates future changes in capacity and care needs, ensuring decisions are clear and enforceable. By examining the entire financial picture, families can pursue options that support a stable standard of living for the well spouse and create predictable outcomes for heirs.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Long-Term Care Plan
A comprehensive plan reduces uncertainty during stressful times by addressing multiple aspects of future care, including financial protection, documentation, and coordination with healthcare providers. It often shortens the time required to secure benefits by ensuring that applications are complete and accurate. By taking a full view of personal, family, and financial goals, the plan can balance present needs with legacy intentions. This kind of planning helps families navigate program rules with a steady, informed approach that promotes long-term stability and predictability.
Another advantage of comprehensive planning is that it creates a clear roadmap for decision-makers who may act on behalf of the person in need of care. When powers of attorney and directives are in place, banks and healthcare providers can follow documented instructions without delay. The plan also provides a framework for discussing care options with family members so expectations are aligned. Ultimately, comprehensive planning helps preserve assets legally while ensuring that the person receives needed support and that family members understand their roles and responsibilities.
Financial Protection and Predictability
Comprehensive planning provides greater predictability about the financial consequences of long-term care needs. By reviewing all assets, income streams, and potential care costs, families can make informed choices that reduce the likelihood of sudden asset loss. Planning helps identify which resources are safe, how income will be treated by Medicaid, and what measures can be taken to maintain a standard of living for the well spouse. This predictability is comforting and practical, allowing families to focus on care decisions rather than financial emergencies.
Legal Readiness and Reduced Delays
Having legal documents and a documented plan in place reduces delays when applying for benefits or when urgent decisions arise. Properly prepared powers of attorney, advance directives, and accurate documentation streamline interactions with Medicaid agencies and care providers. This readiness makes it easier for representatives to act without interruption to care, to respond efficiently to requests for verification, and to prevent unnecessary setbacks caused by missing paperwork. The outcome is smoother transitions and fewer administrative obstacles during demanding times.
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Practical Tips for Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
Start planning early
Beginning planning early gives families more options and time to arrange finances in line with Medicaid rules. Early discussions allow for thoughtful decisions, document preparation, and timing of any transfers that may be considered. Starting early reduces the pressure of urgent deadlines and helps avoid costly mistakes that arise from rushed choices. With more time, you can explore legal ways to protect resources while maintaining control and dignity, and you can coordinate with family members and care providers for a smoother transition when care needs change.
Document everything carefully
Communicate with family
Open conversations with family members about care preferences and financial plans help avoid conflict when decisions become necessary. Discussing objectives, division of responsibilities, and how assets should be handled brings clarity and prepares relatives for potential decision-making roles. This communication ensures expectations are aligned and reduces surprises during emotionally difficult times. Documenting preferences and appointing decision-makers in legal documents also relieves family members from having to guess intentions under pressure.
Why You Should Consider Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
People consider Medicaid planning because long-term care costs can quickly erode a lifetime of savings. Planning addresses both immediate care needs and longer-term goals for family and legacy. It helps families navigate eligibility criteria, avoid unnecessary delays when applying for benefits, and protect assets within legal boundaries. For those with chronic conditions or increasing care needs, planning provides a structured path forward so that choices about care settings and financial arrangements can be made intentionally rather than hurriedly.
Another reason to pursue planning is to ensure that loved ones who remain at home have sufficient support and resources. By reviewing income and resources and preparing necessary legal documents, families can preserve funds for a spouse or dependent while still seeking coverage for the person who needs care. Planning also provides clarity about what to expect during the Medicaid application process and reduces the risk of penalties that could delay access to benefits when they are most needed.
Common Situations That Lead Families to Seek Planning
Families often seek Medicaid planning when a loved one faces a chronic condition, sudden health decline, or the need for a nursing home or in-home care that exceeds private financial resources. Other triggers include upcoming surgeries with potential long recovery, gradual cognitive decline, or the desire to protect a spouse’s living standards. Planning can also be prompted by changes in family finances, property sales, or anticipation of care needs in later years. Recognizing these circumstances early helps create a plan that matches care objectives and legal requirements.
Sudden Need for Nursing Home Care
When an individual suddenly requires a nursing home, families must act quickly to organize finances, apply for benefits, and document care needs. This situation emphasizes the importance of having powers of attorney and clear financial records in place. Even without prior preparation, it remains possible to assemble necessary documentation and pursue Medicaid coverage, though careful timing and accurate application are essential. Thoughtful guidance helps families avoid common mistakes that can delay benefits and create unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.
Progressive Health Conditions
Progressive conditions that gradually increase care needs, such as mobility decline or chronic illness, often signal the need for a long-term plan. With advance planning, families can arrange legal documents, estimate future care costs, and structure finances to reduce the burden on future decision-makers. Early planning also makes it easier to explore options for home-based care, community resources, and ways to preserve funds for a surviving spouse. Anticipatory actions foster continuity of care and smoother transitions when higher levels of assistance become necessary.
Concerns About Preserving a Spouse’s Resources
Many couples worry about preserving the financial security of the spouse who remains at home while the other needs long-term care. Proper planning addresses spousal resource allowances, income treatment, and asset protection strategies that comply with Medicaid rules. Taking steps early allows couples to position assets in ways that maintain a reasonable standard of living for the well spouse while enabling the other spouse to seek benefits for care. Clear planning helps protect the well spouse from unanticipated financial hardship.
Local Assistance for Medicaid Planning in Dunlap
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical guidance for families in Dunlap and nearby Tennessee communities who are planning for long-term care. We help gather financial information, prepare and submit Medicaid applications, and explain relevant timelines and documentation requirements. Our approach emphasizes clear communication and steady support throughout the process, including assistance with appeals when necessary. Families receive realistic options tailored to their situation, with attention to preserving living standards for the well spouse and protecting assets where possible under the law.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Your Medicaid Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm focuses on client-centered planning that addresses both immediate care needs and long-term family goals. We guide clients through the maze of program rules and practical decisions that affect eligibility, offering step-by-step support during application and documentation. Our firm serves families across Hendersonville and surrounding Tennessee areas, providing clear communication and hands-on assistance. Clients appreciate practical, realistic advice that helps them protect resources and plan for continuity of care without unnecessary complexity or delay.
Families working with our firm receive help assembling financial records, preparing legal documents such as durable powers of attorney and advance directives, and completing Medicaid applications accurately. We also coordinate with care providers and family members to ensure important information is available when needed. The firm’s approach is to reduce confusion, shorten wait times for benefits when possible, and provide solutions that reflect each family’s values and goals. We emphasize careful documentation and timely action to avoid unnecessary penalties or delays.
Choosing assistance for Medicaid planning can provide peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time. The firm guides families through the technical requirements of state and federal programs while helping make practical choices about care settings and legacy planning. Our goal is to create a path that protects the financial interests of the person needing care and the spouse who remains at home, with transparent communication and a focus on efficient, compliant application processes tailored to Tennessee rules.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Medicaid Planning Options
How We Handle Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
Our process begins with an initial information review to understand assets, income, and care needs. We then propose practical strategies, prepare necessary legal documents, and assist with assembling supporting records for applications. If an application is denied, we guide families through appeal options and corrective steps. Throughout, we maintain open communication so family members understand each stage and what documentation is required. The objective is an organized, timely approach that reduces delays and positions clients for the best possible outcome under applicable rules.
Step One: Financial and Care Needs Assessment
The first step involves a thorough review of financial resources, income, and the person’s care requirements. This assessment helps determine which benefits may be available and which planning strategies are appropriate. We identify countable and exempt assets, review recent transfers, and document income flows. The result is a clear picture of eligibility prospects and a recommended path forward. Accurate assessment at the beginning reduces surprises and provides the foundation for timely application and potential asset protection measures within the rules.
Gathering Financial Records and Documentation
Collecting bank statements, deeds, retirement account information, and records of recent transfers is essential for an accurate eligibility review. Documentation also includes medical records that confirm care needs and any relevant insurance information. Having detailed financial records helps determine which assets are countable and which may be protected. Proper documentation speeds the application process and reduces the likelihood of questions or delays from agencies reviewing the case, making it easier to move from assessment to application smoothly.
Discussing Care Preferences and Timing
During the assessment we ask about preferred care settings, timelines for potential moves, and the role family members will play in decision-making. This helps identify whether immediate application is needed or if timing adjustments would improve eligibility prospects. Open discussion about preferences ensures that planning aligns with the client’s values and that financial steps taken are consistent with desired outcomes. Timing decisions are often critical, and a thoughtful conversation helps families choose the most practical route.
Step Two: Document Preparation and Strategy Implementation
After assessment, we prepare the documents needed to support an application and carry out recommended strategies that adhere to Medicaid rules. This may include drafting powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and arranging for proper disclosures of assets. We also help implement allowable transfers or spending plans where appropriate and advise on how to document payments for care. Careful preparation helps ensure applications are complete and evidence is organized to support timely eligibility determinations.
Drafting Legal Documents for Decision-Making
Powers of attorney and advance directives provide clear authority for agents to act on behalf of the person when capacity declines. Drafting these documents ensures that banks and care providers have the necessary paperwork to allow representatives to make financial and health decisions. Properly executed documents also reduce the chance of disputes and confusion among family members. Our role is to prepare documents that reflect the client’s wishes and are effective under Tennessee law so that transitions in care and finances can occur smoothly when needed.
Organizing Application Materials and Supporting Evidence
We organize income statements, asset inventories, proof of residency, and medical documentation to present a complete application to Medicaid authorities. Proper organization reduces the likelihood of requests for additional information and helps avoid unnecessary delays. We also prepare explanatory letters and summaries that clarify transfers or financial arrangements so reviewers can quickly understand the situation. This thorough preparation helps clients move more efficiently through the eligibility process and increases the chance of timely approval.
Step Three: Filing, Follow-Up, and Appeals
Once applications are filed, we monitor progress, respond to requests for additional information, and address discrepancies that may arise. If a denial occurs, we assist with appeals and pursue corrective steps to resolve eligibility issues. We keep families informed about deadlines, documentation needs, and status updates so they can plan for interim care funding if necessary. Persistent follow-up and clear communication through this stage are key to obtaining benefits as quickly as circumstances allow.
Monitoring Application Status and Responding to Requests
We track each application closely and respond promptly to agency requests for clarification or additional records. Timely submission of requested documents helps prevent unnecessary delays or denials. We coordinate with family members and care providers to obtain any missing items and prepare clear explanations when complex transfers or unusual circumstances are involved. Active monitoring reduces administrative friction and keeps the process moving forward toward a determination of eligibility.
Handling Denials and Pursuing Appeals
If an application is denied, we work with the family to analyze the reasons and assemble a response or appeal that addresses deficiencies. This can involve providing additional documentation, correcting factual errors, or requesting a fair hearing when appropriate. The appeals process can restore eligibility where initial reviews missed key information or misapplied rules. Persistent and organized advocacy helps families obtain coverage while protecting resources and minimizing out-of-pocket costs during the appeal period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid and Long-Term Care Planning
What is Medicaid long-term care planning and why is it important?
Medicaid long-term care planning is the process of reviewing finances, documents, and care needs to determine how to qualify for Medicaid coverage of nursing home or certain home care services while preserving assets when possible. It includes understanding which resources are counted, creating appropriate legal paperwork, and timing actions to reduce the risk of penalties. Proper planning helps families avoid unnecessary depletion of funds and addresses the practical decisions that arise when long-term care becomes necessary. This planning is important because care costs can be substantial and unexpected decisions may cause irreversible financial consequences. By preparing in advance, families have clearer options, documentation is organized, and the application process is less stressful. Planning provides a pathway to meet care needs while protecting the financial interests of the person receiving care and their loved ones.
How does the look-back period affect eligibility?
The look-back period is a timeframe during which Medicaid reviews transfers of assets to determine if any transfers were made for the purpose of qualifying for benefits. If disallowed transfers are found, Medicaid may impose a period during which the applicant is not eligible for coverage. Understanding what falls within this period and the consequences of transfers is essential when deciding how and when to arrange assets. Timing is often key. Proper documentation of transfers, and knowing exceptions and permitted transfers, can influence eligibility outcomes. Families should avoid impulsive transfers without considering the look-back rules, and should seek careful guidance to assess the impact of past transactions and to plan future steps in alignment with program requirements.
What assets are counted when applying for Medicaid long-term care?
Countable assets commonly include certain bank accounts, investments, and non-exempt property. Some items may be exempt under state rules, such as personal effects, certain retirement benefits, or the primary residence under specific circumstances. Determining which resources are countable requires a detailed review of each asset type and how the state treats it for Medicaid purposes. Because asset rules can be nuanced, assembling accurate financial records and identifying exempt categories is crucial before applying. This helps ensure the application reflects the correct information and prevents unnecessary delays. Families who understand which assets are countable can make informed decisions about protecting resources while seeking benefits.
Can transferring assets make someone ineligible for benefits?
Transferring assets can affect Medicaid eligibility if transfers fall within the look-back period and are not allowed by program rules. Transfers may lead to a period of ineligibility during which the individual must privately fund care. It is important to understand what types of transfers are permitted and which can trigger penalties, and to document the reasons behind gifts or transfers so agencies can assess them accurately. Planning options exist that comply with Medicaid rules while addressing asset protection objectives, but any transfer should be considered carefully and timed appropriately. Families are advised to avoid hasty transfers without understanding the implications, as improper transfers can have long-term consequences for accessing benefits.
How does spousal resource allowance protect the well spouse?
The spousal resource allowance is designed to protect the living standard of the spouse who remains at home when the other spouse needs Medicaid-covered long-term care. State rules allow the community spouse to retain a portion of the couple’s assets and income so they can meet ongoing living expenses. The allowance calculation follows specific state guidelines and aims to avoid leaving the well spouse without adequate resources. Understanding how the allowance is calculated is essential for couples who want to maintain quality of life for the spouse at home. Proper planning ensures that assets are allocated in a manner that meets the allowance rules while allowing the applicant to pursue benefits for care when needed.
What documents should be in place before applying for Medicaid?
Before applying, it is helpful to have clear records of bank statements, deeds, retirement account statements, insurance policies, and documentation of any transfers or gifts. Medical records that confirm the need for nursing home or home health services also support eligibility determinations. Having durable powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives in place facilitates decision-making if the applicant cannot manage affairs. Organizing these documents ahead of filing reduces delays and improves the accuracy of the application. Clear documentation of financial transactions and medical needs helps agencies make timely decisions and reduces the likelihood of requests for additional information.
How long does the application process typically take in Tennessee?
The timeline for Medicaid determinations varies with the completeness of the application and the complexity of a household’s finances. A straightforward application with full documentation can move more quickly, while cases involving transfers, disputes, or missing records may take longer. Prompt responses to agency requests and organized records help shorten the process and reduce delays. When planning, families should expect some administrative time and prepare for interim arrangements to cover care costs if Medicaid approval is delayed. Active monitoring and timely follow-up on documentation requests are important to move the application forward efficiently.
What happens if an application is denied?
If an application is denied, families can pursue an appeal or provide additional documentation to correct errors or clarify circumstances. Denials often stem from incomplete paperwork, misclassified assets, or misunderstandings about transfers. Reviewing the denial reason carefully allows families to address the issue directly and submit supporting evidence to reverse the decision. Appeals can restore benefits when the initial review overlooked information or misapplied rules. During an appeal, continuing to organize records, obtaining clarifying statements from providers, and responding promptly to requirements increase the chances of a favorable outcome and help reduce out-of-pocket care expenses during the process.
Can I get help gathering necessary financial records?
Yes, assistance is available to gather necessary financial records and to organize documentation for an application. Working with a legal team helps ensure that bank statements, deeds, retirement statements, and records of transfers are identified and assembled in the required formats. This support can be especially helpful when family members are scattered geographically or when records are incomplete or difficult to obtain. Having someone coordinate with banks, care facilities, and other institutions saves time and reduces stress. A well-organized file improves the likelihood of a timely determination and helps address questions quickly if the reviewing agency requests clarification.
How do I start planning for long-term care in Dunlap?
Start by collecting financial documents, medical records, and any existing legal paperwork such as powers of attorney and advance directives. Then schedule a planning consultation to review options and assess what actions will best align with care goals and financial realities. Early planning creates more choices and allows time to implement strategies that comply with program rules. Communicate with family members about preferences and roles, and gather information about care costs and likely timelines. With records and clear preferences in hand, a planning session can establish a realistic path forward, complete necessary documents, and set in motion an organized approach to applying for benefits when the time comes.