Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for Veterans Homes of California (Long-Term Care)
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
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.
Admission depends on a pre-admission clinical assessment, the level of care available at the chosen Home, and waiting lists that range from about a month to several years. The age-55 requirement is waived for veterans who are disabled or experiencing homelessness. Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating, Medal of Honor recipients, former POWs, and homeless veterans receive admission priority. A nonveteran spouse or domestic partner must apply jointly with the veteran and must have been married (or partnered) and living together for at least a year; surviving spouses of Medal of Honor recipients or former POWs may apply on their own. Fees depend on income and level of care — the Home's admissions office can explain the exact cost.
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
Apply online: official application
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.