How to apply for Georgia War Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing Care in Augusta and Milledgeville)

Who it's for

Georgia operates two state homes for veterans who need skilled nursing care: the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home in Augusta and the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville. The homes serve Georgia veterans who served on active duty during recognized wartime periods and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. Residents pay a nominal daily fee, and the VA covers the fee for veterans admitted for a service-connected condition or rated 70 percent or higher service-connected disabled. Applicants must be approved by the VA as needing skilled nursing care and meet Georgia residency rules. Contact the admissions office at either home, or any GDVS Veterans Field Service Office, to apply.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
• VA approval showing eligibility for skilled nursing care
• VA disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the daily fee is covered)
• Proof of Georgia residency (two years immediately before applying, or five of the past 15 years)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Georgia War Veterans Homes (Skilled Nursing Care in Augusta and Milledgeville). 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, va approval showing eligibility for skilled nursing care, va disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the daily fee is covered) — 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 before applying. You must be a Georgia veteran who served on active duty during a recognized wartime period (World War II through the Persian Gulf and other recognized periods) and was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. You must also meet Georgia residency rules — either two years immediately before applying, or five of the past 15 years.
2. Get VA approval for skilled nursing care. The VA must review and approve your need for skilled nursing care before you can be admitted. Contact your VA medical center if you have not already started this process.
3. Gather your required documents. You will need your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork, your VA approval showing eligibility for skilled nursing care, proof of Georgia residency, and your VA disability award letter if you have a service-connected disability rating.
4. Choose a location and contact the admissions office. Georgia operates two homes — one in Augusta and one in Milledgeville. Reach out to the admissions office at either home, or contact any GDVS Veterans Field Service Office, to get application materials and confirm bed availability.
5. Apply online or by phone. You can apply through the Georgia Department of Veterans Service online or by calling 404-656-2300. Have your documents ready when you apply.
6. Ask about the daily fee and VA coverage. A nominal daily fee applies to all residents. The VA covers this fee for veterans admitted for a service-connected condition or those rated 70 percent or higher service-connected disabled. Confirm your fee status with the admissions office.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions office will review your eligibility, VA approval, and documents. Admission also depends on available beds at the home you choose, so processing times vary — ask the admissions office for an estimate specific to your situation. The staff can also confirm whether your circumstances qualify for VA coverage of the daily fee. There is no standard renewal period noted for this program, but residents should keep their VA documentation current and notify the home of any changes to their disability rating or residency status.