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

Who it's for

Tennessee operates five State Veterans' Homes providing skilled nursing care for honorably discharged veterans with a Tennessee connection: Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville (Ben Atchley), Clarksville (Brig. Gen. Wendell H. Gilbert), and Cleveland. Spouses and Gold Star parents may be admitted on a space-available basis. A veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more can have the VA cover 100% of the cost of the stay through the VA higher per-diem; other residents may pay through Medicare, TennCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or privately. Admission requires needing a skilled level of care, and each home reviews applications individually.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork (honorable discharge required)
• VA disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the VA covers the full cost)
• Medical records supporting the skilled level-of-care need (history and physical, medications, labs)
• Marriage certificate for spouse admission

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tennessee 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 required), va disability award letter, if rated (70%+ service-connected can mean the va covers the full cost), medical records supporting the skilled level-of-care need (history and physical, medications, labs) — 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 or your loved one must have an honorable discharge, a Tennessee connection (lived in Tennessee, born there, or entered military service there), and a documented need for skilled nursing care. Bed availability at a specific home also affects admission.
2. Gather your military discharge paperwork. A DD-214 or other official document showing an honorable discharge is required.
3. Collect your VA disability award letter, if you have one. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more may have the VA cover 100% of the cost of the stay through the VA higher per-diem rate.
4. Pull together medical records that show the need for skilled-level care. This includes a recent history and physical, a current medication list, and recent lab results.
5. If applying as a spouse or Gold Star parent, include a marriage certificate or other relevant documentation. Keep in mind that spouses and Gold Star parents are admitted on a space-available basis only.
6. Apply online or call the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board at 615-895-8850. Staff can answer questions about which of the five homes — Murfreesboro, Humboldt, Knoxville, Clarksville, or Cleveland — may have availability and walk you through next steps.
7. Ask the agency for an estimate of processing time when you apply, as timelines vary by home and current bed availability.

What to expect: After submitting an application, each home reviews it individually — meeting all criteria does not guarantee admission, as acceptance depends on bed availability at that specific location. The home will assess the medical records to confirm the skilled level-of-care need and verify discharge and eligibility documents. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate when you apply. If admitted, payment will be arranged based on your situation: veterans rated 70% or more service-connected disability may have the VA cover the full cost, while others may use Medicare, TennCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or private pay. There is no stated renewal deadline for residency, but continued stay depends on the ongoing need for skilled nursing care.