Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for Illinois Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA)
Who it's for
Illinois operates five Veterans' Homes — in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy — providing skilled nursing and memory care for qualified veterans, with limited independent-living (domiciliary) options at Anna and Quincy. Residents pay a maintenance charge based on monthly income only, and the inability to contribute to the cost of care does not prevent admission. Eligibility requires an honorable discharge, qualifying military service, and Illinois residency (entered service as an Illinois resident, or lived in Illinois for the year before applying). Spouses, widows, and widowers of honorably discharged veterans may be admitted at the Anna and Quincy homes, based on availability. Contact a home directly or an IDVA Veteran Service Officer to start an application.
Admission requires honorable discharge, qualifying service (wartime service, a hostile-fire campaign medal, retirement for a service-connected disability, 24 months of continuous service after September 7, 1980, or certain Guard/Reserve service), Illinois residency, and being disabled and unable to earn a living. The monthly cost of care was $1,720 as of June 2025, but residents pay based on monthly income only — inability to pay does not prevent admission. Spouse and widow/widower admission is limited to the Anna and Quincy homes and depends on availability.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable discharge)
- Proof of Illinois residency (entered service as an Illinois resident, or one year of residency before applying)
- Medical records supporting the level-of-care need
- Income information for the maintenance-charge assessment
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.