The applicant must have served in the Armed Forces, and over 50% of their service time must have been as an enlisted member, warrant officer or limited-duty officer.
Retirees:
- Served 20 or more years on active duty in a regular component of the military
- Served in the Guard/Reserves and have at least 20 years of creditable service
- Qualified for an early retirement such as TERA, RIF or disability
Other eligible veterans:
- Have a service-connected disability with a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Served during a period of conflict and received hostile fire pay
- Served in a women's component before June 12, 1948
All applicants must be physically and cognitively independent upon entry into the AFRH. This includes:
- Managing one's own daily personal needs, keeping all essential appointments, and attending a central dining facility for meals
- Ability to communicate and navigate the campus without the assistance or monitoring of another individual
- Full mental competency (i.e. the ability to make rational decisions)
- Ability to be cared for by the Home's existing facilities and services
- Freedom from mental health or substance abuse concerns
- Ability to maintain hygiene and tidiness in their own room, including light housekeeping
Yes. Tours for prospective applicants are highly encouraged and available by appointment on weekdays during business hours. Please call us at (800) 422-9988 to schedule.
To view all required forms and documents, please request our application checklist. Forms can be requested through our Public Affairs office by emailing admissions@afrh.gov or calling (202) 422-9988.
Application will require the following:
- Copy of final DD-214
- Insurance ID Cards
- Military ID (Retiree/Beneficiary)
- VA Benefit Letter
- Medical Records Release
- Medical Examination
Additional forms which may be requested:
- Functional Assessment
- Mental Health Evaluation
Residents may not keep pets, emotional support animals or companion animals. Medical service animals are not considered pets and are permitted in AFRH facilities. For specific requirements regarding certified service animals, please call our Public Affairs office.
Sanctioned visitation by animals for recreation and therapeutic activities is also authorized and scheduled through the recreation therapy department at each campus.
Your application was placed in an inactive status. You will need to fill out the current application form and submit current medical and financial information in order to be reactivated. Please contact our Public Affairs office so that we may work with you directly.
No, the only fee incurred to live at the Armed Forces Retirement Home is the monthly resident fee.
Fees are based on a percentage of the veteran’s gross income with a maximum limit based on the cost of care and are subject to annual adjustments. Veterans are not required to pay a minimum monthly fee, submit a large deposit, or sign a long-term lease agreement in order to become members of AFRH.
| Level of Care | Percentage of Gross Income | 2025 Maximum Fees (per person/month) |
| Independent Living | 46.7 % | $ 2,422 |
| Independent Living Plus | 50 % | $ 2,761 |
| Assisted Living | 63 % | $ 5,758 |
| Long Term Care | 70 % | $ 8,088 |
| Memory Support | 70 % | $ 8,173 |
Your monthly fee includes your room, three daily meals, utilities, maintenance, 24-hour security, regularly scheduled transportation to medical facilities, activities, and access to all on-site amenities. Some additional services are available for an additional fee, including cable, internet/Wi-Fi, limited housekeeping, linen service, etc.
No, there is no long-term agreement or contract required at AFRH. Thirty (30) day notice is required for voluntary discharges from AFRH.
No. The AFRH is a federal agency, and therefore does not qualify for this program. Fees at AFRH are calculated as a percentage of the resident’s income rather than a set rent charge for an apartment, and capped at a maximum amount. That means our facility is always affordable, regardless of the veteran’s financial situation.
All residents over age 65 must be enrolled in Medicare A & B, and have supplementary insurance to cover the expenses not covered by their Medicare plans.
Supplementary insurance must include pharmacy benefits. There are several options to satisfy this requirement: TRICARE (For Life, Prime, Select, and Retired Reserves), US Family Health Plan (DC only), Medicare Advantage (i.e. Medicare Part C), Medigap + Medicare Part D, or 100% Veterans Affairs Benefits.
Your healthcare insurance must cover hospital stays, outpatient services, medically necessary products, pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment, and ambulance transportation. Individuals will be responsible for payment of all co-pays, deductibles and applicable premiums associated with medical services.
The medical exam (including tuberculosis test results) and functional assessment are valid for 12 months.
If you are aware of any changes in your health, please submit updated information to the pre-admissions office before you report to the AFRH campus to check-in or call Public Affairs to discuss your specific case. All applicants must pass a medical evaluation at the campus on their report date. If you do not pass the examination, you will not be admitted to the AFRH until such a time as you are deemed able to live independently.
If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or cognitive impairment, the AFRH medical review board must receive the Mental Health Evaluation Form signed by a license psychiatric provider. Your psychiatric provider must certify that your condition is stable and able to be accommodated by the Home’s available services. An additional onsite with an AFRH physician may be requested.
If you have a history of alcohol or substance use disorder, you must be able to show sustained abstinence/sobriety for at least one continuous year. The AFRH medical review board must also receive the Mental Health Evaluation Form signed by a license psychiatric provider. You may also be required to abide by continued abstinence for continued membership at the AFRH.
All residences at the AFRH are non-smoking. However, outdoor pavilions and designated smoking areas are available for those who do smoke. Marijuana is not permitted on federal premises in any form regardless of local ordinances.
Optometry services include complete eye examinations for visual impairment and/or eye disease as well as fittings and adjustments to eyeglasses. Podiatry services include vascular, neurologic, and dermatologic evaluations; routine foot care; orthotics and padding of inserts to correct gait abnormalities; and treatment of foot infections or ulcers. Limited dental services, such as checkups, cleanings, and basic primary dental care procedures are offered to residents depending on resident status and the nature of the procedures.
Married couples may apply for residency at AFRH as long as both individuals meet medical and legal eligibility requirements. Accommodations for couples are subject to availability.
- Dual-Eligible Veteran Couples qualify when both applicants meet the eligibility requirements in their own right. Veterans may choose to have two separate units as long as each veteran pays their own resident fee based on their own income. There is a discount offered for double occupancy of one apartment if a dual-military couple decides to share a unit.
- Retired Veteran and their non-Veteran spouse qualify if the Retired Veteran applicant providees a legal marraige certificate and the spouse is enrolled as beneficiary in DEERS. The veteran and non-military beneficiary spouse are required to share an apartment (double occupancy).
Eligible veterans do not have a minimum monthly charge, but beneficiary spouses are subject to paying a minimum of $500 per month in independent living (IL/ILP) and $2000 per month in advanced levels of care. These minimums are based on the percentages and maximum fees detailed in the Cost section. Dual-eligible veteran spouses may use a fifteen percent (15%) discount for sharing an apartment. If advanced levels of care are eventually needed, then each resident will need to have their own single occupancy unit in their appropriate level of care.
Yes. The surviving spouse may remain as a resident of the Home and continue to enjoy all available amenities without restriction. Fees will be recalculated based on the survivor’s personal income and level of care.
Widows/Widowers may not apply for admission if they do not meet the military requirements as a veteran themselves.
For answers specific to your case, please call your assigned admissions officer. You should expect to bring or provide the following:
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Will or Advance Directive
- Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
- Durable Power of Attorney for Finance
- Pre-arranged funeral/burial plans
- Government-issued Photo ID or Driver’s License
- Veterans Affairs card (if applicable)
- Military ID (if applicable)
- Voided Check
- Vehicle registration and insurance (if applicable)
Units are partially furnished. Cooking appliances are not permitted due to fire codes. You may bring a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot/kettle. There is limited space in the apartments so you may want to downsize your personal possessions before you move. However, you are welcome to bring any items you are able to comfortably and safely fit in your room. Rooms do not come furnished with linens, toiletries, or other daily living items.
- Washington, DC units are furnished with a single bed, dresser, and a nightstand.
- Gulfport, MS units are furnished with a single or double bed, armoire, and TV stand.
- Couples may choose 2 single beds or a full/queen size bed for a double occupancy apartment.
Yes, free parking is available on-site for residents. Parking for RVs, trailers, boats, or other types of vehicles may be available. Your assigned admission officer can provide details regarding registration of vehicles and availability of space.
Laundry rooms are available at both campuses, free of charge for residents to use, and open daily for your convenience. You must furnish your own detergent, dryer sheets, or any other laundry items you wish to use.
AFRH residents may reserve a guest suite to provide overnight accommodations for visiting relatives and friends. Guests or the sponsoring resident may make reservations up to 90 days prior to arrival date. More information can be provided by the Campus Admissions Officer after your report date is scheduled.
Current protocols for residents, staff, visitors and new admissions are subject to change and are posted on the AFRH website at: https://www.afrh.gov/aboutus/coronavirus-latest-update
Core infection prevention protocols
- Properly wear face masks when and where required per current guidelines (see above)
- Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distancing
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently and complete sanitizing and screening steps at entrances
- Self-monitor for symptoms. If present, residents and staff must notify Wellness Center and isolate until further instructions are provided. Visitors must not enter AFRH campus with symptoms of illness.
Tours/Visitors
- Our campuses remain closed to the general public for indoor tours without prior approval by the campus administrators.
- Prospective residents may tour the facilities by appointment only scheduled through the Office of Public Affairs or Admissions.
- All visitors must follow the core infection protocols and guidance during campus tours or visitation.