How to apply for Illinois Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

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.

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

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility before applying. You must have an honorable discharge, qualifying military service (such as 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 a disability that prevents you from earning a living. Spouses, widows, and widowers of honorably discharged veterans may apply, but admission is limited to the Anna and Quincy homes and depends on availability.
2. Gather your required documents. You will need your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing honorable discharge, proof of Illinois residency (you entered service as an Illinois resident, or you lived in Illinois for the year before applying), medical records that support your level-of-care need, and income information for the maintenance-charge assessment.
3. Choose a home and contact it directly, or reach out to an Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) Veteran Service Officer. Illinois operates five Veterans' Homes — in Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy — offering skilled nursing and memory care. Limited independent-living options are available at Anna and Quincy.
4. Submit your application online through the official Illinois application channel.

What to expect: After submitting, the home or IDVA will review your application, discharge paperwork, medical records, and income information. Processing times vary, so ask the home or your IDVA Veteran Service Officer for a current estimate. If admitted, your monthly maintenance charge is based on your monthly income only — the inability to contribute to the cost of care does not prevent admission. There is no fixed renewal deadline noted for this program, but you should expect periodic reviews of your income and level-of-care need; the home or IDVA will notify you when a review is required.