Form 21P-4703 Fiduciary Agreement

OMB Control No. 2900-0319
Respondent Burden: 5 Minutes
Expiration Date: XXXXXX

FIDUCIARY AGREEMENT
Privacy Act Notice : VA will not disclose information collected on the form to any source other than what has been authorized under the Privacy Act of 1974 or Title
5, Code of Federal Regulations 1.576 for routine uses (i.e. request from a Congressman on behalf of a beneficiary) as identified in the VA system of records, 37VA27,
VA Supervised Fiduciary/Beneficiary and General Investigative Records-VA, and published in the Federal Register. Your obligation to respond is mandatory. Giving
your SSN account information is voluntary. Refusal to provide your SSN by itself will not result in the denial of benefits. The VA will not deny an individual benefits
for refusing to provide his or her SSN unless the disclosure of the SSN is required by a Federal Statue of law in effect prior to January 1, 1975 and still in effect.
Respondent Burden: We need this information to appoint a fiduciary for the beneficiary's VA benefits. Title 38, United States Code, allows us to ask for this
information. We estimate that you will need an average of 5 minutes to review the instructions, find the information, and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or
sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed. You are not required to respond to a collection of information if this number is not
displayed. Valid OMB control numbers can be located on the OMB Internet Page at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. If desired, you can call 1-800-827-1000 to
get information on where to send comments or suggestions about this form.
1. NAME OF VETERAN (First - middle - last)

2. VA FILE NUMBER

3. NAME OF BENEFICIARY(IES)

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BENEFICIARY
1

I WILL USE THE BENEFICIARY'S VA BENEFITS UNDER MY MANAGEMENT FOR THE CARE, SUPPORT, EDUCATION,
HEALTH, WELFARE, DESIRES AND COMFORT OF THE BENEFICIARY AND HIS OR HER DEPENDENTS.

2

I WILL ENSURE THAT ANY BEST-INTEREST DETERMINATION REGARDING THE USE OF VA FUNDS IS CONSISTENT WITH
VA POLICY, WHICH RECOGNIZES THAT BENEFICIARIES IN THE FIDUCIARY PROGRAM ARE ENTITLED TO THE SAME
STANDARD OF LIVING AS ANY OTHER BENEFICIARY WITH THE SAME OR SIMILAR FINANCIAL RESOURCES.

3

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE FIDUCIARY PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRESERVING FUNDS
FOR THE BENEFICIARY'S HEIRS. I UNDERSTAND DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS IS NOT BASED ON MY OWN BELIEFS,
VALUES, PREFERENCES AND INTERESTS.

4

I WILL MAINTAIN SEPARATE, PROPERLY TITLED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS TO PREVENT COMMINGLING OF THE
BENEFICIARY'S FUNDS FROM MY OWN FUNDS OR THE FUNDS OF ANOTHER BENEFICIARY UNDER MY MANAGEMENT.
(THE BENEFICIARY'S SPOUSE, STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR INSTITUTIONS, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ARE EXEMPT
FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF ESTABLISHING A SEPARATE ACCOUNT.)

5

I WILL DETERMINE THE BENEFICIARY'S MONTHLY EXPENSES AND AGREE TO MAKE TIMELY PAYMENT OF THESE
PROVIDED THE BENEFICIARY HAS SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO MEET THE EXPENSES.
I WILL PROTECT THE BENEFICIARY'S VA BENEFITS FROM LOSS OR DIVERSION, TO INCLUDE PROTECTING THE
MONEY FROM CREDITORS. I WILL PRIORITIZE THE BENEFICIARY'S EXPENSES TO ENSURE THE MOST CRITICAL
EXPENSES ARE MET FIRST.
I WILL MAINTAIN PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND RECEIPTS FOR ALL INCOME AND EXPENSES OF THE BENEFICIARY.
I WILL NOT GAIN ANY PERSONAL FINANCIAL BENEFIT FROM MANAGEMENT OR USE OF THE BENEFICIARY'S FUNDS,
UNLESS VA PRE-APPROVES FEES.
I WILL TAKE ALL REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT PAPER AND/OR ELECTRONIC RECORDS IN MY
POSSESSION WHICH CONTAIN THE BENEFICIARY'S PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION.
I WILL OBTAIN A CORPORATE SURETY BOND IF REQUIRED BY VA. I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL BE UNABLE TO SERVE
AS A FIDUCIARY IF I AM UNABLE OR FAIL TO SECURE A REQUIRED BOND.
I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MISUSE OF THE BENEFICIARY'S FUNDS UNDER MY
MANAGEMENT. THIS MAY INCLUDE VA's ESTABLISHMENT OF A PERSONAL DEBT AGAINST ME AND/OR MY CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION.
I WILL PROVIDE THE BENEFICIARY WITH INFORMATION REGARDING FUNDS UNDER MY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING A
COPY OF APPROVED ANNUAL ACCOUNTINGS.

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

14

I WILL, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE AND TO THE BEST OF ABILITIES:

•
•
•
•

ENSURE THE BENEFICIARY RECEIVES APPROPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND CORRECT ANY DISCORD OR UNCOMFORTABLE LIVING OR OTHER SITUATION
CONTACT SOCIAL WORKER OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL REGARDING THE BENEFICIARY, AS NEEDED.
REPORT ANY TYPE OF KNOWN OR SUSPECTED ABUSE OF THE BENEFICIARY TO THE APPROPRIATE
AUTHORITIES.
• CONTACT THE BENEFICIARY UPON RECEIVING A FIDUCIARY APPOINTMENT LETTER AND ENSURE THE
BENEFICIARY HAS MY UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION, AT ALL TIMES.
• MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE BENEFICIARY TO ASSESS THE BENEFICIARY'S CAPABILITIES, LIMITATIONS,
NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES.
IF A COURT APPOINTED GUARDIAN EXISTS, I WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF ALL FIDUCIARY DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED
TO THE BENEFICIARY TO THE COURT APPOINTED GUARDIAN.

VA FORM
XXXX

21P-4703

SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-4703, NOV 2017,
WHICH WILL NOT BE USED.

PAGE 1

4. NAME OF BENEFICIARY(IES)

5. VA FILE NUMBER

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
1
2

3
4

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MUST MAINTAIN COMPLETE AND ACCURATE RECORDS AND RECEIPTS PERTAINING TO THE
USE OF THE BENEFICIARY'S FUNDS. AT THE COMPLETION OF MY SERVICES, I AM OBLIGATED TO MAINTAIN THESE
RECORDS AND RECEIPTS FOR TWO YEARS.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AT THE COMPLETION OF MY SERVICES, I WILL RELEASE ALL BENEFICIARY FUNDS, U.S.
SAVINGS BONDS, AND OTHER SECURITIES UNDER MY CONTROL AS A VA FIDUCIARY AS DIRECTED BY VA. IN
CASES OF A MINOR CHILD REACHING 18, I WILL TURN OVER ANY REMAINING BENEFICIARY FUNDS TO THE
BENEFICIARY.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IF REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ANNUAL ACCOUNTING, I WILL TIMELY SUBMIT THE
ACCOUNTINGS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ON VA-PRESCRIBED FORMS.
I WILL NOTIFY THE FIDUCIARY HUB REGARDING ANY CHANGE IN THE BENEFICIARY'S CIRCUMSTANCES, TO INCLUDE
HIS OR HER:
• RELOCATION, HOSPITALIZATION, OR INCARCERATION.
• DEATH, SERIOUS ILLNESS, OR ANY OTHER SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE BENEFICIARY'S CIRCUMSTANCES
WHICH MIGHT AFFECT THE BENEFICIARY'S WELL-BEING OR BENEFIT PAYMENTS.
I WILL PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OR VERIFICATION OF ANY RECORDS CONCERNING THE BENEFICIARY OR
MATTERS RELATING TO MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS FIDUCIARY WITHIN 15 DAYS OF A REQUEST FROM VA UNLESS
OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE HUB MANAGER OR DESIGNEE
I WILL PARTICIPATE IN FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS WITH VA STAFF WHEN NECESSARY OR REQUESTED.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY PERSONAL INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO ANY APPEALABLE DECISION, MAY BE
RELEASED TO THE BENEFICIARY.
I ACKNOWLEDGE VA HAS THE AUTHORITY TO COMPLETE A CREDIT BACKGROUND CHECK AND A CRIMINAL HISTORY
INQUIRY AS REQUIRED.
I WILL COMPLY WITH ALL VA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IDENTIFIED IN 38 C.F.R. PART 13.
I ACKNOWLEDGE I RECEIVED A COPY OF INFORMATION FOR FIDUCIARIES.
I AGREE TO READ A GUIDE FOR VA BENEFICIARIES AVAILABLE AT:
HTTP://WWW.BENEFITS.VA.GOV/FIDUCIARY/Fid_Guide.pdf.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

In signing below, I acknowledge that I understand and agree to the information provided. I further agree to serve as VA fiduciary for the beneficiary,
if appointed, and that my appointment as VA fiduciary is not effective until I receive a confirmation letter from VA.
6. NAME OF PROPOSED FIDUCIARY
10. PHYSICAL ADDRESS

13. SOURCE OF INCOME

7. SOCIAL SECURITY OR TAX ID NUMBER 8. DATE OF BIRTH

11. MAILING ADDRESS

9. RELATIONSHIP TO BENEFICIARY
12. TELEPHONE NUMBER

14. APPROXIMATE ANNUAL INCOME

15. SIGNATURE OF PROPOSED FIDUCIARY (Sign in ink)

16. DATE

17. SIGNATURE OF FIELD EXAMINER (Sign in ink)

18. DATE

VA FORM 21P-4703, XXXX

PAGE 2

INFORMATION FOR FIDUCIARY
AUTHORITY. Under authority given by Congress in 38 U.S.C. §5502(a)(1), VA proposes to recognize you as fiduciary to
receive and manage the VA funds of the beneficiary(ies). Your appointment, if approved, will supersede any existing VA
fiduciary arrangement involving the beneficiary.
BENEFICIARY'S RIGHTS. A beneficiary in the fiduciary program has the same rights as any other VA beneficiary
except as it pertains to direct payment of VA benefits. Beneficiary's rights include the right to:
• Require VA to consider the beneficiary's stated preference for a fiduciary appointment.
• Make a reasonable request for the appointment of a successor fiduciary if credible information is provided that
current fiduciary is not acting in the beneficiary's interest, if the fiduciary is unable to effectively serve the
beneficiary, or if the fiduciary receives a fee and an unpaid fiduciary is identified.
• Receive notice regarding VA's appointment of a fiduciary or any other decision on a fiduciary matter that affects
VA's provision of benefits to the beneficiary.
• Be informed of a fiduciary's name, telephone number, mailing address, and email address.
• Contact his or her fiduciary and request a disbursement of funds for current or foreseeable needs or consideration for
payment of previously incurred expenses or other information or assistance consistent with the responsibilities of the
fiduciary prescribed below.
• Obtain from the fiduciary a copy of the fiduciary's VA-approved annual accounting, if applicable.
• Have VA reissue VA benefits misused by a fiduciary under certain circumstances.
• Appeal VA's decisions regarding fiduciary appointment.
• Be removed from the fiduciary program, or receive benefits directly with VA supervision if the beneficiary
demonstrates the ability to manage his or her VA benefits through supervised direct payment.
• Be represented by a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or representative of a VA-recognized veterans service
organization.
FIDUCIARY'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BENEFICIARY. Your responsibilities as fiduciary to the beneficiary
include but are not limited to those listed below. At a minimum, you must:
• Use the beneficiary's VA benefit funds under management only for the care, support, education, health, and physical
and mental welfare of the beneficiary and his or her dependents.
• Ensure that any best-interest determination regarding the use of VA funds is consistent with VA policy, which
recognizes that beneficiaries in the fiduciary program are entitled to the same standard of living as any other
beneficiary with the same or similar financial resources, and that the fiduciary program is not for the purpose of
preserving funds for the beneficiary's heirs or disbursing funds according to the fiduciary's own beliefs, values,
preferences, and interests.
• Protect the beneficiary's VA benefits from loss or diversion.
• Protect the beneficiary's VA funds from the claims of creditors.
• Maintain separate financial accounts to prevent commingling of the beneficiary's funds with your own funds or the
funds of any other beneficiary for whom you manage funds. (The beneficiary's spouse, state or local government or
institutions, public or private are exempt for the requirement of establishing a separate account.)
• Determine the beneficiary's monthly expenses and prioritize the monthly expenses based on critical needs first.
• Timely pay the beneficiary's monthly expenses, provided that you have sufficient funds under management for the
beneficiary to cover such expenses.
• Invest excess funds in an interest-bearing account, such as a savings account or other federally insured instrument.
• Purchase a pre-need burial plan or burial insurance if it's determined that it is in the best interest of the beneficiary.
• Provide the beneficiary with information regarding VA funds under your management and fund usage information,
upon request.
• Provide the beneficiary with a copy of the annual accounting approved by VA, if you are required to account.
• Take all reasonable precautions to protect the beneficiary's private information contained in your paper and
electronic records.

VA FORM 21P-4703, XXXX

PAGE 3

FIDUCIARY'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BENEFICIARY (Continued).
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Contact social workers or mental health professionals regarding the beneficiary, when necessary.
Ensure the beneficiary receives appropriate medical care to the extent possible.
Correct any discord or uncomfortable living or other situations when possible.
Acknowledge and address any complaints or concerns of the beneficiary to the best of your ability.
Report to the appropriate authorities, including any legal guardian, any type of known or suspected abuse of the
beneficiary.
Maintain contact with the beneficiary for purposes of assessing the beneficiary's capabilities, limitations, needs, and
opportunities.
Be responsive to the beneficiary and ensure the beneficiary and his or her legal guardian have your current contact
information.

FIDUCIARY'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO VA. As fiduciary, you are required to fulfill certain obligations to VA. Those
obligations include but are not limited to the duty to:
•
•
•
•

Provide to the fiduciary hub with jurisdiction a certified copy of the annual accounting provided to the court or
facilitate the hub's receipt of such an accounting, if applicable.
Notify the fiduciary hub regarding any change in the beneficiary's circumstances, to include the beneficiary's
relocation, hospitalization, incarceration, serious illness, death, or any other significant change in the beneficiary's
circumstances which might adversely impact the beneficiary's well-being.
Provide documentation or verification of any records concerning the beneficiary or matters relating to the fiduciary's
responsibilities within 15 days of a VA request, unless otherwise directed by the hub manager or designee
When necessary, appear before VA for face-to-face meetings.

REGISTRATION OF ACCOUNTS. You must establish a custodial account in the beneficiary's name and your name, and
identify the fiduciary relationship. The title of the account will show the beneficiary has ownership of, but not access to, VA
funds. Registration of an account in this manner is not required for spouse fiduciaries, financial institutions and certain
fiduciaries that are also institutions.
ACCOUNTINGS. You may have to submit an accounting to VA, in which you will provide details about the funds you
manage for the beneficiary. You are required to maintain all records necessary to prepare an accounting, as VA may require
you to account for the beneficiary's funds at any time.
ACCOUNTING ASSISTANCE. You will find an electronic version of VA Form 21P-4706b and an Accounting Tool to
assist you in preparing the accounting at http://benefits.va.gov/fiduciary/references.asp.
BONDS. If you manage more than $25,000 in VA funds for the beneficiary, VA may require you to obtain a corporate
surety bound. VA will notify you if you must purchase a surety bond.
FEES. You may not take commissions or fees from the beneficiary's VA funds for your fiduciary services unless specifically
authorized by VA.
TAX EXEMPTIONS AND CLAIMS OF CREDITORS. By Federal law, a beneficiary's VA income may not be taxed.
As fiduciary, you must protect the beneficiary's VA funds from the claims of creditors. Only the Internal Revenue Service
can make claims on VA funds. A fiduciary may pay a creditor if the beneficiary has VA funds to pay the creditor, but VA
funds should first go to pay for the beneficiary's basic needs.
PROTECTION OF THE BENEFICIARY. VA will take any action necessary to protect the interest of the beneficiary,
may include your removal as fiduciary. VA may take legal action to recover funds from you that have been misused, which
could include a debt to the Department of Veterans Affairs and criminal prosecution.
QUESTIONS. When you have questions about your responsibilities as a fiduciary, please contact the fiduciary hub at
1-888-407-0144.

VA FORM 21P-4703, XXXX

PAGE 4