                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

BENEFITS FROM GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS OR CIVIL OR MILITARY SERVICE (§ 64.2-1635)

A. In this section, &#8220;benefits from governmental programs or civil or
military service&#8221; means any benefit, program, or assistance provided under
a statute or regulation including, but not limited to, Social Security,
Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

B. Unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, language in a power of
attorney granting general authority with respect to benefits from governmental
programs or civil or military service authorizes the agent to:

   1. Execute vouchers in the name of the principal for allowances and
   reimbursements payable by the United States or a foreign government or by a
   state or subdivision of a state to the principal, including allowances and
   reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in subdivision
   A 1 of &#xA7; 64.2-1634 and for shipment of their household effects;

   2. Take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the
   principal from a post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place of storage or
   safekeeping, either governmental or private, and execute and deliver a
   release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or
   other instrument for that purpose;

   3. Enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the
   principal&#8217;s behalf, a benefit or program;

   4. Prepare, file, and maintain a claim of the principal for a benefit or
   assistance, financial or otherwise, to which the principal may be entitled
   under a statute or regulation;

   5. Initiate, participate in, submit to alternative dispute resolution of,
   settle, oppose, or propose or accept a compromise with respect to litigation
   concerning any benefit or assistance the principal may be entitled to receive
   under a statute or regulation; and

   6. Receive the financial proceeds of a claim described in subdivision 4 and
   conserve, invest, disburse, or use for a lawful purpose anything so received.

HISTORY: 2010, cc. 455, 632, § 26-108; 2012, c. 614.