How to apply for New York State Veterans' Homes (Long-Term Care)

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.

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

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.

Step by step

1. Confirm basic eligibility before applying. You must be a veteran with an honorable discharge and at least 30 days of active service, and you must need skilled nursing care. You must also be a New York resident or have entered active duty from New York. Spouses, unremarried surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents may also qualify under specific conditions. Admission depends on bed availability at a specific home.
2. Gather your required documents. You will need your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork, medical records that support a skilled-nursing level of care, and financial and insurance information such as Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefit details. If applying as a spouse, also gather your marriage certificate showing you were married to the eligible veteran for at least one year before applying.
3. Choose a home and contact its admissions office directly, or call the statewide line at 1-888-838-7697. There are five New York State Veterans' Homes located in Oxford, Montrose, St. Albans (Queens), Batavia, and Stony Brook (Long Island). Staff can answer questions about eligibility, bed availability, and cost details for your specific situation.
4. Start your application online or by phone at 1-888-838-7697. Have your documents ready when you apply so the admissions team can begin the review process.
5. Complete the admissions assessment. The home's admissions office will review your medical records to confirm the skilled-nursing level-of-care need and will review your financial and insurance information to arrange coverage through VA, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the admissions office at your chosen home will review your eligibility, level-of-care need, and bed availability. Processing times vary, so ask the admissions staff for an estimate when you apply. Priority for admission is given first to a veteran and spouse who both need skilled nursing care, then to wartime veterans, then to non-wartime veterans, spouses, and unremarried surviving spouses, and finally to Gold Star parents. If approved, coverage for routine skilled nursing care is arranged through VA, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits. Contact the home directly or call 1-888-838-7697 with any questions about your application status or next steps.