How to apply for Virginia Veterans Care Centers (State Veterans Homes)

Who it's for

Virginia runs four state veterans care centers providing affordable long-term skilled nursing care, dementia and memory care, and short-term rehabilitation: Puller (Fauquier County), Sitter & Barfoot (Richmond), Davis & McDaniel (Roanoke), and Jones & Cabacoy (Virginia Beach). Admission requires an honorable discharge, Virginia residency at admission or at entry into service, a medical need for nursing home care, and a payment source — most veterans qualify for the VA per diem credit, and the centers accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

What you'll need

• Facility admission application
• Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Virginia Veterans Care Centers (State 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 facility admission application, proof of honorable discharge (DD-214) — 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 you meet the basic eligibility requirements: honorable discharge, Virginia residency at the time of admission or at entry into active duty, a medical need for nursing home care within the center's scope, and an accepted payment source such as VA per diem, Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
2. Gather your required documents: a completed facility admission application and proof of honorable discharge (DD-214).
3. Choose the care center that best fits your location and care needs — options include Puller (Fauquier County), Sitter & Barfoot (Richmond), Davis & McDaniel (Roanoke), and Jones & Cabacoy (Virginia Beach).
4. Apply online through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services or call 1-844-838-7838 to apply by phone or get help with your application.
5. Submit your completed admission application along with your DD-214 and any other documents requested by the admissions team.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the care center's admissions team will review your eligibility and medical need to make a final admission decision — please note that meeting the general requirements does not guarantee admission, as the admissions team has final authority. Processing times vary, so contact the center or call 1-844-838-7838 for an estimate. If admitted, residency status is reviewed annually, so be prepared to provide updated information at renewal time.

Renewals

annual