Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Bureau of Veterans Homes
Who it's for
Pennsylvania runs six veterans homes that provide long-term care for honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses: Delaware Valley Veterans' Home (Philadelphia), Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center (Scranton), Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home (near Altoona), Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home (Erie), Southeastern Veterans' Center (Spring City), and Southwestern Veterans' Center (Pittsburgh). Depending on the location, care levels include skilled nursing, personal care, memory care, and domiciliary care. Residents pay a monthly maintenance fee based on ability to pay, not a fixed private-market rate. Current Pennsylvania residents receive admission priority, and admission is first-come, first-served through each home's admissions committee.
Admission runs through each home's admissions committee and depends on bed availability, the care levels offered at that location, and medical suitability — the committee determines the appropriate level of care (domiciliary, personal, memory, or nursing). Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or Pennsylvania Military Forces discharged under honorable conditions qualify, along with spouses and surviving spouses; Pennsylvania must have been the home of record at entry into service, or the applicant must be a current resident. Residents pay a monthly maintenance fee set by ability to pay. Call 800-547-2838 to discuss a specific situation.
What you'll need
- DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork showing honorable conditions
- Proof of Pennsylvania residency (current residents receive admission priority)
- Medical records supporting the level-of-care need
- Financial information for the ability-to-pay maintenance fee assessment
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 800-547-2838
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Pennsylvania 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 showing honorable conditions, proof of pennsylvania residency (current residents receive admission priority), medical records supporting the level-of-care 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.
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.