How to apply for Arizona State Veteran Homes (Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

Arizona runs four State Veteran Homes providing skilled nursing care for veterans and their spouses: Phoenix (104 beds), Tucson (120 beds, with a 30-bed memory care unit), Flagstaff (80 beds, with memory care and a Medicare rehab unit), and Yuma (80 beds, with a 20-bed memory care unit). The homes are state-owned and Medicare-certified, and the memory care units serve residents with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Admission is open to an honorably-separated veteran or the spouse of a veteran who needs skilled nursing care as determined by a physician. Residents pay a daily rate, and VA benefits can offset the cost — an ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselor works in each home and can help sort out what the VA will cover.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable separation)
• Physician's documentation that skilled nursing care is needed
• Documented evidence of the absence of tuberculosis
• Financial and insurance information for the admission assessment

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Arizona State Veteran Homes (Long-Term Care). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need dd-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable separation), physician's documentation that skilled nursing care is needed, documented evidence of the absence of tuberculosis — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility: the applicant must be a veteran with an honorable separation, or the spouse of a veteran, and a physician must determine that skilled nursing care is needed.
2. Gather required documents: DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing honorable separation, a physician's statement confirming the need for skilled nursing care, documented evidence of a negative tuberculosis screening, and financial and insurance information for the admission assessment.
3. Choose a preferred home — Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, or Yuma — keeping in mind that admission depends on bed availability at that specific location.
4. Apply online or by phone at 1-602-255-3373 to start the admission process with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS).
5. Complete the admission assessment, which includes reviewing your financial and insurance information to determine the daily rate and what VA benefits or other coverage may offset costs.
6. Ask the admissions coordinator at your chosen home about costs specific to your situation — an ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselor is on-site at each home and can help identify what the VA will cover.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions team will review your documents and conduct an admission assessment. Admission is subject to bed availability at the specific home you choose, so processing times can vary — ask the admissions coordinator for an estimate. Once admitted, you will pay a daily rate for care; VA benefits and other insurance coverage can help offset that cost, and the on-site ADVS Veteran Benefits Counselor can assist with sorting out coverage. Check with the home directly about any renewal or reassessment requirements that may apply to your stay.