How to apply for Veterans Homes of California (Long-Term Care)

Who it's for

California operates eight Veterans Homes — in Barstow, Chula Vista, Fresno, Lancaster, Redding, Ventura, West Los Angeles, and Yountville — offering residential and long-term care in a community built around veterans. Depending on the campus, care ranges from independent living (domiciliary) and residential care for the elderly to skilled nursing and memory care. A veteran must generally be 55 or older, a California resident, discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and covered by a health plan such as Medicare or Medi-Cal. A spouse or domestic partner may apply jointly with the veteran. Apply online through myCalVet or by mail to the chosen Home; a pre-admission assessment identifies the right level of care.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or equivalent proof of military service from the Department of Defense or the VA
• Proof of California residency (driver's license or state ID)
• Health insurance cards (Medicare, Medi-Cal, VA, or private — front and back)
• Income records (recent bank statement, latest tax return, W-2 or 1099)
• Physician's Medical Certificate (Section C of the admission application, completed by a doctor)

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying. You generally must be 55 or older (waived if you are disabled or experiencing homelessness), a California resident, discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and covered by a health plan such as Medicare or Medi-Cal. A spouse or domestic partner may apply jointly with the veteran if they have been married or partnered and living together for at least one year.
2. Gather your required documents: your DD-214 or equivalent proof of military service; proof of California residency such as a driver's license or state ID; health insurance cards (Medicare, Medi-Cal, VA, or private — front and back); recent income records such as a bank statement, latest tax return, and W-2 or 1099 forms.
3. Ask your doctor to complete the Physician's Medical Certificate, which is Section C of the admission application. This must be filled out and signed by a licensed physician before you submit.
4. Choose which Veterans Home you want to apply to. California operates eight homes — in Barstow, Chula Vista, Fresno, Lancaster, Redding, Ventura, West Los Angeles, and Yountville. Each campus offers different levels of care, so consider which location and care type best fits your needs.
5. Submit your application online through myCalVet or by mail directly to the Veterans Home you have chosen. Include all required documents with your application.
6. Complete the pre-admission clinical assessment. After your application is received, staff will conduct this assessment to identify the right level of care for you and match you to the appropriate program at your chosen Home.
7. Contact the admissions office at your chosen Home to ask about current wait times and fees. Wait lists can range from about a month to several years depending on the campus and level of care. Fees are based on your income and level of care.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions team at your chosen Veterans Home will review your documents and schedule a pre-admission clinical assessment. This assessment determines the level of care that fits your needs. Admission depends on the outcome of that assessment, the availability of the right level of care at the Home you selected, and the current wait list. Processing times vary, so ask the admissions office for an estimate when you apply. There is no fixed renewal period for long-term care admission, but the admissions office can explain any ongoing eligibility requirements and how fees are calculated based on your income and care level. Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating, Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs, and homeless veterans receive admission priority.