One of our most frequently asked questions is, “Am I eligible for admission at Maine Veterans’ Homes?”

As an independent nonprofit organization that’s separate from the VA, our veteran eligibility requirements were established by the 108th Maine Legislature to ensure we can provide the care and support our honored veterans deserve today and into the future.

We opened our first home in 1983 and have proudly grown with five more locations throughout the state.

We provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitative services, memory care, long term care and residential care to Veterans and eligible family members.

Learn more on how your VA Aid and Attendance benefits correlate with the benefits at Maine Veterans’ Homes.

Who is eligible for admission to Maine Veterans’ Homes?

If I didn’t serve during wartime, am I eligible for admission?

Are Merchant Marines eligible for admission at Maine Veterans’ Homes?

As the spouse of a veteran, am I eligible to live at Maine Veterans’ Homes?

Who Is Eligible for Admission at Maine Veterans’ Homes?

If you meet one of the following criteria, you are eligible for admission to Maine Veterans’ Homes.

• Veterans who were residents of Maine at the time of their entry into the U.S. Armed Forces or who are residents of Maine at the time of application to Maine Veterans’ Homes.

• Spouses, widows or widowers and Gold Star parents of eligible Veterans.

In addition, Veterans must have served one or more days on federal active duty other than for training purposes in the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who served in the Reserve and National Guard.

If I Didn’t Serve During Wartime, Am I Eligible for Admission?

Yes, as a Veteran, you may qualify for admission even if you never served in a war. Those serving with the Reserve and National Guard also may qualify for services at Maine Veterans’ Homes.

Are Merchant Marines Eligible for Admission at Maine Veterans’ Homes?

As an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy, a Merchant Marine may be eligible for services at Maine Veterans’ Homes if he or she has military service documentation, such as a DD Form 214. The best way to determine eligibility is to contact our veteran admissions specialists here at Maine Veterans’ Homes.

As advocates for Veterans, we have experience working with many state and federal agencies and can help guide you down the right path to get the paperwork you need.

Related: How can I request my DD-214 paperwork? 

Are Spouses Eligible for Admission at Maine Veterans’ Homes?

Per regulations, 75 percent of our beds are reserved for Veterans at any time. No more than 25 percent of residents may be groups other than Veterans.

Therefore, eligibility for a spouse or widower/widow of a veteran depends on availability. We do advise all interested veterans and eligible family members to join the waitlist for your preferred location.

Apply to join the MVH waitlist >>

Veteran Health Care Benefits

Getting Veteran health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is separate from gaining eligibility for services at Maine Veterans’ Homes.

As a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for nursing home care Veteran benefits provided by the VA. At Maine Veterans’ Homes, we are an independent, nonprofit organization separate from the VA. There is a daily VA stipend available to qualifying residents, and we can bill through Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance for services provided.

Along with providing care and support for veterans on a daily basis at Maine Veterans’ Homes, we also work as advocates for veterans to promote and improve veterans’ long-term health care programs.

Plan Ahead 

In preparation for gaining your benefits and future care at Maine Veterans’ Homes, we recommend that you have a copy of your military discharge paperwork (DD Form 214) and inform your primary care provider of the intent to use the benefits of Maine Veterans’ Homes in the future.

Even if you never need our services, it's always advisable to have paperwork complete and a plan in place.

Next Steps: Download Our Eligibility Guide

Feel free to contact us to help you navigate the process of benefits paperwork and eligibility. Our team of health care professionals have knowledge and experience working with Veterans and Veterans’ organizations.

You can also download a free copy of our eligibility and benefits guide. It has everything you need to know about what we offer and how you can apply.