How to Qualify for Assistance Into a VA Nursing Home

Veterans nursing homes can be a great help for those in need of care.

The United States honors and helps veterans who served in all branches of the military by providing state veterans homes. Every state, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., has at least one state veterans home to offer a nursing home facility for qualified veterans. Not only can a veteran qualify for assistance into a VA Nursing Home, but the spouse or widow of an eligible veteran may also qualify for assistance. In some states, parents of veterans all of whose children died while serving in the armed forces of the United States may also qualify.

Instructions

1. Verify that you meet the basic qualifications before applying for assistance. You must have received an Honorable Discharge from any branch of the military or be the spouse/widow of a veteran who received an Honorable Discharge.

2. Download and fill out the application to the state veterans home you will apply for. Qualifications for admittance varies from state to state, so review all qualifications and guidelines before you start the application process. A link that lists all of the veterans homes in the United States is available in the Resources section.

3. Get your or your spouse's discharge paper (DD214) because you will need to include a copy of it in your application to verify your Honorable Discharge and time of service in the military.

4. Mail the application forms and any other required information to the appropriate authority.

Tips & Warnings

• Call 877-838-7787 if at anytime you need help in filling out your application forms or need other help with the application process.

References

• Colorado Department of Health and Human Services: Colorado State and Veterans Nursing Homes
• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs: State Veterans Homes

Resources

• Veterans-Express: 2008 List of State Veterans Nursing Homes