C. Blake West, an estate planning and elder law attorney, will discuss veterans’ benefits at Madison Public Library on July 31 at 10 a.m. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – C. Blake West, an estate planning and elder law attorney, will discuss veterans’ benefits at Madison Public Library.

West will speak on July 31 at 10 a.m. to wrap up a six-meeting series for the library system. His session will focus on estate planning for all individuals.

“The focus is obviously more on senior veterans and benefits available to them to help with pension issues, home care/health care and other possible assistance,” Elizabeth Bonner, a paralegal with C. Blake West Law, said.

The session is free. West’s handouts will have space for notes.

Attendees who can benefit from the presentation include veterans, dependents of veterans and caretakers. Veterans must have served 90 days during one of these wartime periods:

* World War I — April 6, 1917 through Nov. 11, 1918.

* World War II — Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946.

* Korean War — June 27, 1950 through Jan. 31, 1955.

* Vietnam War — Aug. 5, 1964 through May 7 1975.

* Gulf War — Aug. 2, 1990 to undetermined date.

West will explain eligibility requirements of a veteran, income limits and asset limits. “We’ll discuss types of (items) that are reimbursable, such as assisted-living facilities. Family members can be paid for caretaking under correct circumstances,” Bonner said.

West also will discuss other benefits and related resources.

“Veterans often fail to learn about and seek all benefits for which he/she is eligible,” Bonner said. “Veterans often do not plan properly to utilize resources available to them under these programs.”

At times, veterans overlook enhanced pension benefits, which can include aid and attendance, payment for medical services in the home including caretaking, cleaning and cooking.

West can help veterans identify available educational and vocational benefits (not included in the presentation).

Blake West is a sole practitioner with C. Blake West Law. He offers only elder law, including veterans benefits, estate planning, Medicaid planning and application. Office address is 1701 Old Madison Pike NW, Suite 108, in Huntsville.

Registration is preferred. To register, call 256-799-0277, email to eab.blakewestlaw@gmail.com or visit cblakewestlaw.com.