Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for New York State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)
New York State Department of Health and SUNY (with the NYS Department of Veterans' Services as the benefits gateway)
Who it's for
New York operates five State Veterans' Homes — skilled nursing facilities in Oxford, Montrose, St. Albans (Queens), Batavia, and Long Island (Stony Brook) — owned and run by the State Department of Health and SUNY. They serve veterans who need skilled nursing care, and in some cases spouses and Gold Star parents. A spouse may be admitted if married to an eligible veteran for at least one year before applying and also in need of skilled nursing care. The state reports no out-of-pocket cost to the veteran for routine skilled nursing care, with coverage arranged through VA, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. Call 1-888-838-7697 or a home directly to ask about admission.
Admission requires needing skilled nursing care plus New York residency (or having entered active duty from New York), and depends on bed availability at a specific home. Priority goes first to a veteran and spouse who both need skilled nursing care, then wartime veterans, then non-wartime veterans, spouses and unremarried surviving spouses, then Gold Star parents. Each home's admissions office confirms eligibility and cost details for a specific situation.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable discharge, at least 30 days active service)
- Medical records supporting the skilled-nursing level-of-care need
- Marriage certificate for spouse admission (married at least one year before applying)
- Financial and insurance information for the admission assessment (Medicare, Medicaid, VA)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-888-838-7697
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about New York State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care). 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 (honorable discharge, at least 30 days active service), medical records supporting the skilled-nursing level-of-care need, marriage certificate for spouse admission (married at least one year before applying) — 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.
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.