VA Form 21-0972 Alternate Signer Certification

VA Form 21-0972, also known as the Alternate Signer Certification, is used in the United States by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The purpose of this document is to allow an individual (the "alternate signer"), to sign certain documents on behalf of a claimant when the claimant is unable to sign their primary paperwork due to a physical disability or an inability to read or write. This can be helpful for veterans or dependents who are unwell or do not have the literacy skills necessary to handle paperwork on their own. However, mental competency is required of the claimant for this arrangement to be valid.

The VA Form 21-0972, also known as the Alternate Signer Certification, is typically filed by a veteran’s family member or close friend who has been designated as an alternate signer. The individual must be authorized by the veteran to handle his or her affairs, especially pertaining to veteran's benefits and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States. The alternate signer acts on behalf of the veteran when the veteran is unable to manage their benefits due to medical or other reasons.

FAQ

Q: What is VA Form 21-0972?
A: VA Form 21-0972, also known as the Alternate Signer Certification, is a document used by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. It is used when a veteran or claimant is unable to personally sign documents and needs another person to sign on their behalf.

Q: Who can sign as an alternate signer on VA Form 21-0972?
A: The alternate signer on VA Form 21-0972 can be any person who is appointed by the veteran or claimant. This can be a family member, friend, or legal guardian. However, the alternate signer should not have any personal interest in the claim.

Q: How to fill out VA Form 21-0972?
A: VA Form 21-0972 is quite straightforward to fill out. It requires details such as the name of the veteran or claimant, VA file number, the name of the alternate signer, and relationship to the claimant, along with their contact details. Finally, it needs to be signed by the alternate signer.

Q: What is the purpose of VA Form 21-0972?
A: The purpose of VA Form 21-0972 is to allow another individual to sign documents on behalf of a veteran or claimant who cannot do so themselves due to disability, illness, or other reasons. The form helps ensure the processing of the veteran's claim doesn't get delayed due to their inability to sign documents.

Q: Is there any cost to file VA Form 21-0972?
A: No, there is no cost to file VA Form 21-0972. This form is a part of the process of claiming benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and does not require a filing fee.