Manteno Veterans Home: How to Apply, Costs, Services

What Is Manteno Veterans Home?

Manteno Veterans Home is a state-operated skilled nursing facility in Manteno, Illinois, serving honorably discharged veterans. Operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), the home has 304 skilled nursing beds and an Alzheimer’s care unit. It also houses the Prince Home, a 15-bed program for homeless veterans. The main phone number is (815) 907-3506. 

Quick Facts

Location and Contact Information

Manteno Veterans Home is located at 1 Veterans Drive, Manteno, Illinois 60950. The campus sits on 122 acres, about 60 miles south of Chicago. 

Address

1 Veterans Drive
Manteno, IL 60950

Phone Numbers

Directions

From I-57, take exit 322 and proceed east through Manteno, ending up on 9000N Road. Follow it east to 4000E Road. The entrance to the Home is one mile south. Signs are posted along the way. 

History of Manteno Veterans Home

Manteno Veterans Home opened in 1986 and has served Illinois veterans for nearly four decades. The Illinois Veterans’ Home at Manteno was established by Public Act 84-139 on August 12, 1985. It celebrated its 32nd year of service in April 2018 and continues to serve veterans from northern and central Illinois. 

Key Milestones

• 1985: Established by Public Act 84-139.

• 1986: Opened to residents in April.

• 2007: The Prince Home opened to provide supportive housing for homeless veterans. 

• Present: 304 skilled nursing beds, including an Alzheimer’s unit with 40 beds. 

Eligibility for Manteno Veterans Home

Any honorably discharged veteran is entitled to admission if they meet specific service and residency requirements. Eligibility is outlined in Illinois state statute, specifically 20 ILCS 2805/2.01. 

Service Requirements

You may qualify if you meet one of the following:

• Served in the U.S. Armed Forces at least one day during a period recognized by the USDVA as a war period, or served in a hostile fire environment and was awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal

• Were retired for a service-connected disability or injury

• Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for 24 months of continuous service or more and enlisted after September 7, 1980

• Served as a Reservist or National Guard member and were called to Federal Active Duty (excluding Active Duty Training only), completed the term or completed 20 years of satisfactory service, and are eligible for reserve or active duty retirement benefits

• Were discharged for reasons of hardship or released from active duty due to a reduction in the U.S. Armed Forces before completing the required period of service

Residency Requirement

You must have entered the service as a resident of Illinois or have been a resident of Illinois for one year immediately preceding the date of application. 

Disability Requirement

You must be disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise, and because of that disability, be incapable of earning a living. 

Additional Eligibility Notes

• Peacetime veterans with one year of honorable military service may also be eligible. 

• Widows and widowers of honorably discharged veterans may be eligible for admission to the Anna and Quincy homes, based on availability. 

• Gold Star family members deemed eligible by the USDVA and who have been Illinois residents for at least one year may be admitted to any of the homes. 

• Spouses of veterans may be admitted at some homes, depending on availability. 

What the Homes Are Not Equipped to Handle

The Illinois Veterans’ Homes are not equipped to care for veterans requiring psychiatric or substance abuse care, or ventilation. 

Who Qualifies: Eligibility Summary

Services Offered at Manteno Veterans Home

Manteno Veterans Home provides skilled nursing care, memory care, and a range of therapeutic and social services. With a total capacity of 340 beds, the home offers skilled care and Alzheimer’s Unit programs. 

Medical and Nursing Care

The home has a complete in-house medical staff providing the full range of professional care for veterans. Residents who require acute hospital services such as surgery, advanced diagnostic workups, or specialized treatments receive care at the USDVA Medical Center at Hines. 

Services include:

• Medical care and skilled nursing

• Therapeutic services

• Nutritional services

• Social services

• Physical, occupational, and other therapies available on-site

Alzheimer’s and Memory Care

The Manteno Home includes a dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit with 40 beds for residents with memory loss. 

Amenities

Residents have access to:

• Onsite library

• Barber and beauty shop

• Bank

• Chapel

• Covered porches on resident buildings

• Large veterans’ halls for indoor gatherings

• Private visiting areas for family celebrations

Meal Service

Three meals a day and snacks are provided. Menus are created to provide balanced nutrition. 

Laundry Service

Personal laundry and linens are provided. 

Monthly Costs at Manteno Veterans Home

The maximum monthly contribution at Illinois Veterans’ Homes is $1,659. This amount is calculated based on the veteran’s and spouse’s monthly income, exclusive of additional assets. 

How Costs Are Determined

Veterans with 70%-100% Service-Connected Disability

Veterans who have received a 70%-100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs do not pay a monthly maintenance charge. 

Aid & Attendance

Veterans who qualify for the Aid & Attendance allowance from the USDVA will pay an additional, separate Aid & Attendance charge, in addition to the monthly maintenance charge. This charge is equal to the amount of the allowance provided by the USDVA. 

What the Monthly Fee Includes

The monthly maintenance fee includes:

• A fully furnished private or semi-private room and bathroom

• All medical needs through nursing and doctor care

• Medical treatments and medications

• Transport to and from authorized medical appointments

• Physical, occupational, and other therapies

• Three meals a day and snacks

• Laundry service (personal and linens)

• Access to barber/beautician, library, bank, and post office (depending on the home)

• Social worker-organized activities and outings

What the Monthly Fee Does Not Include

• Clothing

• Toiletries

• Eyeglasses

• Hearing aids

How to Apply for Manteno Veterans Home

To apply, complete and submit the Application for Admission to an Illinois Veterans’ Home. The application can be obtained from any of the five Illinois Veterans’ Homes or through the IDVA. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Contact the Manteno Veterans’ Home at (815) 468-6581, x226 to request an application or ask questions. 

2. Meet with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for a benefits screening. This step helps determine what benefits you may be eligible for. 

3. Complete the application. All questions must be answered. The application can only be signed by the applicant or their legal representative. 

4. Gather supporting documentation. You will need your DD-214 or military discharge papers, proof of Illinois residency, and financial information.

5. Submit the application to the Manteno Veterans’ Home or the IDVA.

6. Undergo clinical assessment. IDVA will work closely with the veteran and their family to determine eligibility based on clinical needs. 

7. Wait for bed availability. Admission is based on the home’s ability to provide adequate and appropriate care. 

Required Information

The application requires:

• Applicant’s full name, address, phone, Social Security number, date of birth

• Military service information (branch, service dates, discharge type, service number)

• VA claim number (if applicable)

• Illinois residency verification (12 months of residence)

• Next of kin and emergency contact information

• Financial information

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not contacting a VSO first. A benefits screening can identify additional benefits you may qualify for.

• Providing incomplete information. All questions on the application must be answered.

• Forgetting to verify Illinois residency. You must have lived in Illinois for at least one year immediately before applying, or have entered service as an Illinois resident.

• Assuming the home can handle all conditions. The homes are not equipped for psychiatric care, substance abuse care, or ventilation. 

The Prince Home at Manteno

The Prince Home is a 15-bed facility located on the Manteno campus, specifically designed for homeless veterans. It opened in 2007 and provides permanent supportive housing for men and women veterans. 

What the Prince Home Offers

• Private bedrooms for 15 veterans

• Spaces for building community

• Curriculum, programs, and activities

• Supportive and therapeutic services

• Skills development for independent living

Eligibility for the Prince Home

• Must be an Illinois veteran

• Must have served at least one day of active duty and been honorably discharged

• Must be homeless or at risk of homelessness

• Must be diagnosed with a clinical disorder or physical disability

Prince Home Contact

For more information, call (815) 468-9737. 

Comparison: Illinois Veterans’ Homes

Illinois operates five residential veterans’ homes across the state. Each offers different capacities and levels of care. 

How to Choose the Right Home

• Manteno is ideal for veterans in northern or central Illinois who need skilled nursing or memory care. It is the only home with a dedicated Alzheimer’s unit and an on-campus homeless veterans program.

• Quincy offers the largest capacity and includes independent living apartments.

• Anna offers a smaller, more rural setting with domiciliary care.

• Chicago offers an urban setting with modern, open-concept design.

• LaSalle serves veterans in north-central Illinois.

Latest News and Updates

COVID-19 and Legionnaires’ Disease

Manteno Veterans Home has experienced outbreaks of COVID-19 and Legionnaires’ disease in recent years. At least 16 residents and six staff tested positive for COVID-19 in one outbreak, and one COVID-positive resident in hospice died. A case of Legionnaires’ disease was also identified, prompting Governor JB Pritzker to order a comprehensive review of health and safety protocols at all state veterans’ homes. 

Infrastructure Improvements

The state has invested in infrastructure improvements at Manteno, including emergency generator replacement funded in part by a VA construction grant. 

Farm Leasing

As of 2026, the State of Illinois has solicited bids for farm leasing of approximately 142.39 tillable acres at the Manteno Veterans’ Home for agricultural purposes. 

IDVA Modernization

Recent renovations and improvements at the Anna, LaSalle, and Manteno Homes ensure that the homes are maintained and modernized. IDVA continues to hire medical professionals across its five residential homes. 

Common Questions

1. What is Manteno Veterans Home?

Manteno Veterans Home is a state-operated skilled nursing facility in Manteno, Illinois, serving honorably discharged veterans. Operated by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, it has 304 skilled nursing beds, an Alzheimer’s unit, and the Prince Home for homeless veterans. The main phone number is (815) 907-3506.

2. Who is eligible for Manteno Veterans Home?

Any honorably discharged veteran who served at least one day during a recognized war period, or who meets other qualifying service criteria, and who has been an Illinois resident for at least one year before applying. The veteran must be disabled and incapable of earning a living.

3. How much does it cost to live at Manteno Veterans Home?

The maximum monthly contribution is $1,659, calculated based on the veteran’s and spouse’s monthly income. Veterans with a 70%-100% service-connected disability rating pay no monthly maintenance charge. The fee covers room, meals, medical care, medications, and therapies.

4. How do I apply for Manteno Veterans Home?

Call (815) 468-6581, x226 to request an application. Complete the Application for Admission to an Illinois Veterans’ Home, meet with a Veteran Service Officer for a benefits screening, and submit the application with your DD-214 and residency documentation.

5. What services does Manteno Veterans Home offer?

The home offers skilled nursing care, Alzheimer’s and memory care, medical and nursing services, therapeutic services, nutritional services, social services, physical and occupational therapy, and access to amenities including a library, barber shop, bank, and chapel.

6. What is the Prince Home at Manteno?

The Prince Home is a 15-bed facility on the Manteno campus designed for homeless veterans. It provides private bedrooms, supportive services, and programs to help veterans develop skills for independent living. It opened in 2007.

7. What is the Alzheimer’s care like at Manteno?

Manteno has a dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit with 40 beds for residents with memory loss. The unit provides specialized care in a secure environment designed to meet the needs of veterans with dementia.

8. Can spouses live at Manteno Veterans Home?

Spouses of veterans may be admitted at some Illinois Veterans’ Homes, depending on availability. Widows and widowers of honorably discharged veterans may be eligible for admission to the Anna and Quincy homes.

9. What is the maximum monthly fee at Illinois Veterans’ Homes?

The maximum monthly contribution is $1,659, calculated based on the veteran’s and spouse’s monthly income. This amount is subject to change on an annual basis.

10. What conditions cannot be treated at Manteno Veterans Home?

The Illinois Veterans’ Homes are not equipped to care for veterans requiring psychiatric or substance abuse care, or ventilation. Veterans needing these services must seek care elsewhere.

11. How many beds does Manteno Veterans Home have?

Manteno Veterans Home has a total capacity of 340 beds, including 304 skilled nursing beds and a 40-bed Alzheimer’s Unit. The Prince Home adds 15 additional beds for homeless veterans.

12. What is the history of Manteno Veterans Home?

Manteno Veterans Home opened in 1986 after being established by Public Act 84-139 in 1985. It has served Illinois veterans for nearly four decades and celebrated its 32nd year of service in 2018.

13. Is there a waiting list for Manteno Veterans Home?

Admission is based on bed availability and clinical assessment. In the case of a wait list, preference is offered to eligible veterans, particularly those who served during a time of conflict.

14. What VA benefits can help pay for Manteno Veterans Home?

Veterans with a 70%-100% service-connected disability rating pay no monthly maintenance charge. Those who qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance allowance will pay an additional charge equal to the allowance amount. VA non-service-connected pension may also help eligible veterans.

15. How do I contact Manteno Veterans Home?

Call the main line at (815) 907-3506 or the admission office at (815) 468-6581, x226. The Prince Home can be reached at (815) 468-9737. The address is 1 Veterans Drive, Manteno, IL 60950.

Key Takeaways

• Manteno Veterans Home is a state-operated skilled nursing facility in Manteno, Illinois, with 304 skilled nursing beds and a 40-bed Alzheimer’s unit.

• Eligibility requires honorable discharge, Illinois residency, and disability that prevents the veteran from earning a living.

• The maximum monthly contribution is $1,659, based on the veteran’s and spouse’s income. Veterans with 70%-100% VA service-connected disability ratings pay no monthly maintenance charge.

• The Prince Home on campus provides 15 beds for homeless veterans with private rooms and supportive services.

• Apply by calling (815) 468-6581, x226 and completing the IDVA Application for Admission to an Illinois Veterans’ Home.

• Manteno is one of five Illinois Veterans’ Homes, alongside Anna, Chicago, LaSalle, and Quincy.

• The home offers comprehensive care including medical, nursing, therapeutic, nutritional, and social services, with acute care referrals to the Hines VA Medical Center.

• Recent health and safety challenges include COVID-19 and Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks, prompting state-level reviews and infrastructure improvements.

• The monthly fee covers room, meals, medical care, medications, and therapies, but not clothing, toiletries, eyeglasses, or hearing aids.

• Contact the home directly at (815) 907-3506 for general information or (815) 468-6581, x226 for admission inquiries.

Official Resources

• Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs – Manteno Home: veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/homes/manteno.html

• Illinois Veterans’ Homes FAQ: veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/homes/homes-faq.html

• IDVA General Information: veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/homes.html

• Illinois Veterans’ Home Admission Application (PDF): veterans.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/veterans/documents/2025homesadmissionapplication.pdf

• VA Health Benefits: va.gov/health-care/

• VA Aid & Attendance: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

• USA.gov Veterans Benefits: usa.gov/veterans-benefits

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