How to apply for Missouri Veterans Homes

Who it's for

Missouri runs seven veterans homes providing 24-hour skilled nursing care — in Cameron, Cape Girardeau, Mexico, Mt. Vernon, St. James, St. Louis, and Warrensburg. Applicants must meet VA veteran-status criteria, have lived in Missouri for the 180 days before applying, and require skilled nursing care. The 2026 monthly rate is $2,773 — far below private nursing-home costs. Applicants must also not be on any sex offender registry and must not have a Class A or B felony conviction. Each home's admissions coordinator handles applications.

What you'll need

• DD-214 / discharge papers
• Durable Power of Attorney paperwork
• Medical documentation of the skilled-nursing need
• Proof of 180-day Missouri residency

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Missouri Veterans Homes. 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 / discharge papers, durable Power of Attorney paperwork, medical documentation of the skilled-nursing need — 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. Check that you may qualify. You must meet VA veteran-status criteria, have lived in Missouri for the 180 days before applying, need 24-hour skilled nursing care, and meet the program's other admission rules.
2. Gather your documents. Get your DD-214 or other discharge papers, Durable Power of Attorney paperwork, medical records that show the skilled-nursing need, and proof of 180-day Missouri residency.
3. Apply online or call 1-573-751-3779 to start the application.
4. Complete the application with the required details and submit the documents requested for admission review.
5. Work with the home's admissions coordinator if more information is needed. The coordinator handles the application for each home and decides admission based on the rules and bed availability.
6. Renew your coverage each year if you are admitted and told to complete an annual renewal.

What to expect: After you apply, the home's admissions coordinator reviews your application, documents, and eligibility. Admission depends on meeting VA veteran-status rules, showing 180 consecutive days of Missouri residency before applying, having a documented need for 24-hour skilled nursing care, and bed availability. You cannot be admitted if you are on any sex offender registry or if you have a conviction or guilty or no-contest plea in any state for what Missouri would treat as a Class A or B felony. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate. If you are admitted, expect to renew annually.

Renewals

annual