VA Form FL-10-356: Download Aid to State Homes (PDF) – VA Form FL-10-356 is a Department of Veterans Affairs authorization form titled Payment of Aid to State Homes. It serves as an official approval document from the VA for providing per diem payments or aid to state-operated veterans’ homes for the care of eligible veterans.
This legacy form (with versions dating back to at least the 1980s/2000s) certifies approval for specific levels of care—such as Nursing Home Care (NHC), Hospital Care (HC), Domiciliary Care (DC), or Adult Day Health Care (ADHC)—for individual veterans. It includes details like the veteran’s name, identification number, effective date, and the approved care type.
Download the form here:
Download VA Form FL-10-356 (PDF)
Understanding the VA State Veterans Homes Program
The State Veterans Homes (SVH) program allows states to operate nursing homes, domiciliaries, and adult day health care facilities for veterans. The VA provides per diem payments to these state homes to help cover the cost of care for eligible residents.
As of mid-2026, there are approximately 177 State Veterans Homes nationwide, including nursing homes, domiciliaries, and adult day programs.
Form FL-10-356 historically facilitated the administrative approval and payment process for individual veterans’ care under this program.
Who is Eligible for VA Aid to State Homes?
Eligibility generally requires:
- Honorable military service.
- Meeting specific criteria for the level of care needed (e.g., nursing home, domiciliary).
- For higher “prevailing” per diem rates, veterans often need service-connected disabilities.
Veterans must typically be enrolled in VA health care or meet other program requirements. State homes also have their own admission criteria.
How VA Per Diem Payments Work for State Homes?
The VA pays two main types of per diem:
- Basic Per Diem Rates: Standard rates for eligible veterans.
- Prevailing Rates: Higher rates, often for veterans with service-connected conditions, calculated based on local costs and adjusted annually (e.g., a 3.2% adjustment noted for FY 2026 in some documentation).
Rates are updated yearly and vary by care type (nursing home, domiciliary, adult day health care) and location. State homes submit reports (such as VA Form 10-5588) to claim these payments.
How to Apply for Care in a State Veterans Home?
- Contact your local State Veterans Home or the VA medical center of jurisdiction.
- Complete required applications, including VA Form 10-10SH (State Home Program Application for Veteran Care) and health benefits forms like 10-10EZ.
- Undergo medical certification and eligibility review.
- If approved, the VA processes authorization (potentially involving forms like FL-10-356 for payment setup).
Find a state home near you through the VA website or your state’s veterans affairs department.
Related VA Forms and Resources
- VA Form 10-10SH: For veteran care application in state homes.
- VA Form 10-5588: State Home Report and Statement of Federal Aid Claimed.
- General VA Forms: Search all VA Forms
For per diem program details: VA State Home Per Diem Program
Why This Matters for Veterans and Families?
State Veterans Homes offer a cost-effective, veteran-focused long-term care option. VA per diem support helps states provide high-quality nursing home, domiciliary, or day care services. Understanding forms like FL-10-356 helps in navigating the administrative side of benefits.
Always verify the most current information directly with the VA, as forms and rates are subject to updates.
Contact VA for Assistance
- Visit VA.gov for benefits and eligibility tools.
- Call the VA Health Care line or your local VA medical center.
- Email inquiries for the State Home Per Diem Program: [email protected].
This article is for informational purposes. Benefit availability depends on individual eligibility and current VA policies. Consult official VA sources or a Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.