§ 13.56 - Direct payment.

§ 13.56 Direct payment.

(a) Veterans. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits payable to a veteran rated incompetent may be paid directly to the veteran in such amount as the Veterans Service Center Manager determines the veteran is able to manage with continuing supervision by the Veterans Service Center Manager, provided a fiduciary is not otherwise required. If it is determined that an amount less than the full entitlement is to be paid, such payment shall be for a limited period of time, generally 6 months, but in no event to exceed 1 year, after which full payment will be made and any funds withheld as a result of this section will be released to the veteran, if not otherwise payable to a fiduciary.

(b) Other adults. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits payable to an adult beneficiary who has been rated or judicially declared incompetent may be paid directly to the beneficiary in such amounts as the Veterans Service Center Manager determines the beneficiary is able to manage with continuing supervision by the Veterans Service Center Manager, provided a fiduciary is not otherwise required. If it is determined that an amount less than the full entitlement is to be paid, such payment shall be for a limited period of time, generally 6 months, but in no event to exceed 1 year, after which full payment will be made and any funds withheld as a result of this section will be released to the beneficiary, if not otherwise payable to a fiduciary.

(c) Minors. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits payable to a minor:

(1) May be paid direct when:

(i) Arising in connection with a program of education or training under 38 U.S.C. ch. 35.

(ii) The Veterans Service Center Manager determines it would be in the minor's best interests.

(2) Will be paid direct when:

(i) The beneficiary's only legal disability is minority and he or she is in active military, naval, or air service, or the widow or widower of a veteran.

(ii) The minor is deemed otherwise emancipated under State law.

[40 FR 54247, Nov. 21, 1975, as amended at 42 FR 34282, July 5, 1977; 67 FR 46869, July 17, 2002]