Veterans Village Florence SC: Eligibility, Cost & Application Guide

Veterans Village Florence SC: Eligibility, Cost, and How to Apply for the State Veterans Nursing Home

Veterans Village in Florence, SC, is a 104-bed state veterans nursing home at 1200 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506, operated by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs. It provides skilled nursing and intermediate long-term care to honorably discharged South Carolina veterans. The VA covers most room, board, and nursing costs; veterans pay a daily copayment, which is waived entirely for those with a 70%–100% service-connected disability.

Quick Facts

What Is Veterans Village in Florence, SC?

Veterans Village is not a low-income apartment complex or a transitional housing program. It is a state-owned skilled nursing facility—one of six state veterans homes in South Carolina—built specifically for veterans who need long-term nursing care. The facility opened in 2021 and has 104 all-private rooms, which is unusual among nursing homes and a significant quality-of-life factor for residents.

The campus is located on National Cemetery Road in Florence, adjacent to the Florence National Cemetery, and serves the Pee Dee region. Before Veterans Village opened, families in the Florence area often had to drive to Columbia or Anderson to visit a veteran in a state home. The Florence location changed that.

Veterans Village is licensed as a skilled nursing facility and participates in Medicare and Medicaid. It is not part of a continuing care retirement community, and it is not a VA national home. It is a state home, which means South Carolina sets the admission criteria, the fee structure, and the day-to-day operating rules.

Key Distinction: State Veterans Home vs. VA Nursing Home

For veterans who need federally funded nursing home care with no copayment, a VA Community Living Center may be a better fit. For veterans who want a South Carolina–specific state home with private rooms and proximity to family in the Pee Dee, Veterans Village is the relevant option.

Who Qualifies for Admission to Veterans Village?

Admission to Veterans Village is limited to veterans who meet three core requirements: discharge under other than dishonorable conditions, South Carolina residency for the previous 12 months, and a clinical need for skilled or intermediate nursing care. A 24-month service requirement applies to veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981.

The Three Core Eligibility Requirements

1. Discharge under other than dishonorable conditions.
The official SCDVA admission packet states that the veteran must have served active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. This is broader than an honorable-only standard. A general discharge under honorable conditions generally satisfies the state home requirement, but a dishonorable discharge does not. Veterans with questions about a less-than-honorable characterization should request a copy of their discharge documents and speak with a county veterans affairs officer before applying.

2. South Carolina residency for the previous 12 months.
The veteran must have been a resident of South Carolina for the previous 12 months. Proof of residency is part of the application process. Veterans who recently moved to South Carolina should confirm the timing with the admissions coordinator before submitting a packet.

3. Need for skilled or intermediate nursing care.
The veteran must meet VA criteria for long-term nursing care and require skilled or intermediate nursing care. This is a clinical determination documented by the veteran’s physician in Part 2 of the application. Veterans who are functionally independent or who need only assisted living are not eligible for Veterans Village.

The 24-Month Service Requirement

The 24-month service requirement applies to veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981. It does not apply to earlier service. This requirement is a common source of confusion, and it is one of the reasons a county veterans affairs officer should review the discharge documents before the application is submitted.

Who Is Most Likely to Qualify

The state veterans home admission standard prioritizes veterans who need extended care in intermediate or skilled nursing facilities and whose treatment needs fall within nursing care requirements. In practice, this includes:

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities that require long-term nursing care.

• Non-service-connected veterans age 65 and older who need skilled nursing care.

• Purple Heart recipients who need nursing home-level care.

• Veterans with progressive neurological conditions, advanced chronic illness, or significant functional impairment requiring 24-hour clinical supervision.

Who Does Not Qualify

• Veterans with a dishonorable discharge.

• Veterans who do not meet the 24-month service requirement (if applicable).

• Veterans who have not established South Carolina residency for the required period.

• Veterans who need assisted living only and do not require skilled or intermediate nursing care.

• Veterans seeking temporary housing, rental assistance, or homeless services—Veterans Village is a nursing home, not a housing program.

How to Apply for Veterans Village Florence: Step by Step

The application process for Veterans Village is paper-based and document-heavy. The SCDVA admission packet is standardized across all six South Carolina state veterans homes, and incomplete packets are not processed. The admissions coordinator at Veterans Village is August Dawkins, RN, and the direct line is (843) 319-8091.

Step 1: Obtain the Current SCDVA Admission Packet

Download the 2026 SCDVA State Veterans Home Admission Packet from the SCDVA website or request it from Veterans Village. The packet contains:

• Part 1: Personal Admission Information — completed by the veteran or the veteran’s representative.

• Part 2: Medical Information — completed by the veteran’s physician or healthcare provider.

• The Admission Checklist, which lists every required attachment.

• Consent and authorization forms, including the SCDVA release of protected health information, VA Form 10-5345, and VA Form 10-10EZ.

Step 2: Complete Part 1 — Personal Information

Part 1 collects the veteran’s identifying information, military service details, VA claim number, Social Security number, dependent information, personal physician information, and veteran service officer contact. It also includes the State Citizenship section, where the veteran attests to South Carolina domicile and lists addresses for the past two years.

Step 3: Have the Physician Complete Part 2 — Medical Information

Part 2 is not something the family completes alone. It requires the veteran’s physician to provide:

• A History and Physical from the primary care physician or nursing home physician.

• A current medication list.

• Doctor’s notes from the past 2–3 office visits.

• Immunization records, including flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccination.

• A two-step Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or single BAMT within one month before admission, unless a negative test exists within the previous 12 months.

• If the TST is positive, an interpretable chest X-ray within three months of admission.

• A SLUMS examination and PASARR form, which nursing staff may complete and sign.

• A Health Care Decision Form and advance directives information.

Step 4: Assemble the Required Documents

The admission checklist requires the following attachments:

Step 5: Submit the Packet to Veterans Village

Mail or deliver the complete packet to:

Veterans Village
Attention: August Dawkins, RN, Director of Admissions
1200 E. National Cemetery Road
Florence, SC 29506

No appointment is necessary to drop off an application. If the family wants the admissions coordinator to review the packet with them, they should call (843) 319-8091 to schedule an appointment. The same number can be used to schedule a tour of the facility.

Step 6: Wait for the Home Visit and Assessment

Once a complete packet is received, the facility reviews it. The admissions coordinator then schedules an appointment for a home visit. The SCDVA admission packet states that families should allow 3–4 weeks after the application has been submitted for this step.

Step 7: Acceptance and Waiting List

If the veteran is assessed and accepted, the veteran is placed on a waiting list for an available bed. The SCDVA packet is explicit: families should begin preparation for admission at this time, because the facility cannot give an exact date for admission. Applications are kept on file for 12 months, and veterans should keep a copy of their application.

Common Application Mistakes

• Submitting an incomplete packet. The SCDVA states plainly that incomplete applications will not be processed.

• Waiting for a crisis to start the application. The 3–4 week assessment period plus waiting-list time means families should start the process before the veteran’s discharge date from a hospital or rehab facility.

• Assuming the DD-214 is optional. It is the foundational document for both the state home application and VA benefits.

• Not completing Part 2 with the physician. The medical section is not a family-completed form; it requires clinical input.

• Forgetting the TB test and immunization records. These are mandatory and can delay the packet if missing.

• Not keeping a copy of the application. Applications are held for 12 months, and families may need to resubmit or update information.

Cost and Payment: How Veterans Village Is Paid For

The VA covers the majority of the total cost of care at Veterans Village, including room and board, nursing, food, laundry services, haircuts, cable, and basic personal items such as briefs and toiletries. The veteran is responsible for a daily copayment, with one major exception: a veteran with a 70%–100% service-connected disability has the full cost paid by the VA.

Who Pays for What

The 70%–100% Service-Connected Exemption

The most important cost fact for veterans considering Veterans Village is the 70%–100% service-connected disability exemption. For veterans in that rating range, the VA pays the full cost of care, including the daily copayment that other veterans are responsible for. This is a significant financial difference, and it is one of the reasons veterans should confirm their VA rating and service-connection status before applying.

Estimated Private-Pay Range

Third-party senior care directories list an estimated monthly range of $5,439 to $7,493 for Veterans Village, but that figure is not the veteran’s out-of-pocket cost. It reflects the facility’s overall cost of care, not the veteran’s copayment after VA per diem and insurance. Families should ask the admissions coordinator for the current daily copayment rate in writing rather than relying on directory estimates.

What Happens If Bills Go Unpaid

The SCDVA admission packet includes two important financial provisions:

• Representative Payee: SCDVA may apply to become the representative payee for Social Security, VA, and other benefits if the resident or representative cannot act as payee and accounts become or risk becoming delinquent. SCDVA will also apply for representative payee status if billed balances are delinquent for 30 days or longer.

• Setoff Debt: Delinquent balances owed to SCDVA may be subject to collection under the Setoff Debt Collection Act, administered by the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Families should treat the copayment obligation as a recurring bill and ask about financial counseling before admission.

Wait Times and Bed Availability at Veterans Village

There is no published live waitlist count for Veterans Village, but the process has predictable stages. After a complete packet is submitted, the facility takes 3–4 weeks to review it and schedule the home visit and assessment. If the veteran is accepted, admission depends on bed availability. The SCDVA packet states that once accepted, the veteran is placed on a waiting list and the facility cannot give an exact date for admission.

State veterans homes in South Carolina have historically used waiting lists, and the SCDVA advises families to begin preparation for admission once the veteran is accepted and placed on the list. This means having the veteran’s medications, clothing, and personal items ready, and confirming insurance and VA documentation.

For families comparing options, the practical advice is:

• Apply early. The 3–4 week assessment period runs from the date the complete packet is received, not the date the family first calls.

• Ask about bed availability at the time of assessment. The admissions coordinator can tell you whether the facility is at or near capacity.

• Consider multiple state homes. South Carolina has six state veterans homes, and the SCDVA admission packet allows applicants to select “First Available Opening” if they are willing to be placed at any of them.

• Do not wait for a hospital discharge to start. Nursing home placement after a hospital stay is time-sensitive, and the state home application is not a same-day process.

Care, Services, and Quality at Veterans Village

Veterans Village provides 24-hour skilled nursing care in a 104-bed, all-private-room setting. The facility offers short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, and it participates in Medicare and Medicaid. Third-party ratings are mixed but generally place the facility in the average-to-above-average range.

CMS Star Ratings: What the Data Shows

Different rating aggregators report slightly different CMS star ratings for Veterans Village, which is common when data is pulled on different dates. The general picture:

• Overall: 3 to 4 stars on the CMS 5-star scale.

• Health inspections: 3 to 4 stars.

• Staffing: 3 to 4 stars.

• Quality measures: 4 to 5 stars.

One aggregator lists six fines totaling $25,375, which is a fact families should review alongside the star ratings. Another source describes a VA state veterans home survey that found the facility in compliance with Title 38 CFR Part 51 federal requirements for state veterans homes. Families should ask for the most recent inspection report during a tour and review the facility’s CMS Care Compare profile before making a decision.

Services and Amenities

Veterans Village provides:

• Skilled nursing and intermediate care.

• Short-term rehabilitation after hospitalization.

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

• Wound care and medication management.

• Podiatry.

• Social activities, arts and crafts, education programs, and health and wellness programs.

• Transportation services.

• Housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance.

• Private rooms with safety and handicap features.

• Cable TV, Wi-Fi, fitness center, salon/barbershop, game and activities room, dining room, and guest parking.

What Families Should Ask on a Tour

• What is the current daily copayment for a veteran without a 70%–100% service-connected rating?

• How many beds are currently available, and what is the typical wait after acceptance?

• What is the staffing ratio on evenings and weekends?

• How are VA formulary medications handled, and what happens if a medication is not on the formulary?

• What is the policy on therapy frequency and rehabilitation progress reviews?

• How does the facility coordinate with the Florence VA Clinic and the VA Columbia Health Care System?

• Can the family see the most recent state survey and CMS inspection report?

• What happens if the veteran’s VA rating changes after admission—does the copayment change?

VA Health Care and Benefits in Florence, SC

Veterans Village residents and veterans living in the Florence area have access to the Florence VA Clinic, a community-based outpatient clinic that is part of the VA Columbia South Carolina Health Care System. The clinic provides primary care, mental health care, laboratory services, and specialty services.

Florence VA Clinic

The Florence VA Clinic is the first community-based outpatient clinic opened by the Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia). Veterans who need inpatient or specialty care beyond the clinic’s scope are referred to the Columbia VA system or to Community Care providers when VA cannot provide timely or geographically accessible care.

VA Disability Compensation and the PACT Act

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with a service-connected disability. For 2026, the rates range from $180.42 per month at a 10% rating** to **$3,938.58 per month at a 100% rating for a veteran alone. Veterans with dependents receive higher rates at 30% and above.

The PACT Act expands eligibility for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune water, Gulf War hazards, and radiation. Veterans in Florence who served in qualifying eras may be eligible for VA disability benefits without a nexus letter for certain presumptive conditions. The most frequently claimed PACT Act conditions include allergic rhinitis, hypertensive vascular disease, sinusitis, bronchial asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

For veterans applying for Veterans Village, a VA disability rating matters in two ways:

1. The 70%–100% service-connected exemption eliminates the daily copayment at the state home.

2. Aid and Attendance or a rating greater than 50% service connection affects VA pharmacy coverage at the facility.

Veterans who have never filed a VA claim, or who were previously denied, should speak with a county veterans affairs officer before or during the state home application process.

South Carolina Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

South Carolina offers a property tax exemption for veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability. The exemption applies to the veteran’s home and up to five acres of land, plus up to two private passenger vehicles. The home must be owner-occupied and titled solely to the veteran or jointly with a spouse.

Separate legislation introduced in the 2025–2026 session would allow veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% to claim a percentage of the exemption equal to their disability rating, but that is a bill, not current law. Veterans should confirm the current exemption rules with the Florence County Auditor or the South Carolina Department of Revenue before filing.

Florence County Veterans Resources

Florence County has a Veterans Affairs Office that assists veterans with claims, benefits, and applications. The office is a key resource for families navigating the Veterans Village application and VA benefits at the same time.

Florence County Veterans Affairs Office

• Address: 180 N. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501 (County Complex).

• Phone: (843) 665-3045 or (843) 665-3047.

• Services: Assistance with service-connected and non-service-connected claims, educational benefits, and benefits navigation.

• Role in the Veterans Village process: A county veterans affairs officer can file the state home application with the veteran and will know the current packet requirements. The SCDVA explicitly recommends starting with the department and using county resources.

Veterans Service Organizations in Florence

• DAV Chapter 11, Florence: Works with local veteran organizations including the VFW and American Legion on advocacy and support.

• VFW Post 3181 (Swamp Fox): 236 S. Greer Road, Florence, SC 29504; (843) 665-5077; meetings the third Thursday at 7:00 PM.

• American Legion Post 9: Florence-area post providing fellowship and service programs.

• American Legion Post 1 (Fred H. Sexton): Florence-area post.

These organizations provide free claims assistance, social connection, and advocacy. They are not part of the SCDVA admission process, but they can help veterans prepare documentation and understand their VA benefits.

Housing Resources for Veterans in Florence

Veterans Village is a nursing home, not a housing program. Veterans who need rental assistance or homeless services should contact:

• Housing Authority of Florence: Administers VASH (VA Supportive Housing) vouchers for eligible homeless veterans referred by the VA Medical Center in Columbia. The HAF Admissions & Occupancy office is at 2640 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC 29501.

• Florence County Veterans Affairs Office: Can refer veterans to housing programs and emergency assistance.

Common Mistakes Families Make with Veterans Village

• Confusing Veterans Village with a housing program. It is a skilled nursing facility. Veterans who need independent housing, rental assistance, or transitional housing should contact the Housing Authority of Florence or a VASH program.

• Submitting an incomplete admission packet. The SCDVA does not process incomplete applications. Missing a DD-214, physician forms, TB test, or immunization record will delay the packet.

• Waiting until a hospital discharge is imminent. The assessment takes 3–4 weeks after a complete packet is received, and a bed may not be immediately available.

• Not confirming the 24-month service requirement. Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must meet the 24-month requirement.

• Assuming the facility is free for all veterans. Most veterans pay a daily copayment; only those with a 70%–100% service-connected disability have the full cost covered by the VA.

• Not asking for the copayment rate in writing. Directory estimates of monthly cost are not the veteran’s out-of-pocket cost.

• Ignoring the ancillary charges. Physician copays, therapy, labs, and non-formulary medications are billed to insurance and can create out-of-pocket costs even when the daily copayment is waived.

• Not reviewing CMS inspection data. Star ratings vary by source and date; families should review the most recent CMS Care Compare profile and state survey report.

• Failing to coordinate with a county veterans affairs officer. The Florence County office can review the packet and help with VA claims that affect cost-sharing.

Common Questions

What is Veterans Village in Florence, SC?

Veterans Village is a 104-bed state veterans nursing home at 1200 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506. It is operated by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs and provides skilled nursing and intermediate long-term care to honorably discharged South Carolina veterans. It opened in 2021 and has all-private rooms.

Who is eligible for Veterans Village?

Veterans must have served active duty and been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, have been a South Carolina resident for the previous 12 months, and need skilled or intermediate nursing care. A 24-month service requirement applies to those who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981.

How do I apply for Veterans Village?

Obtain the SCDVA State Veterans Home Admission Packet, complete Part 1 (personal information) and Part 2 (medical information with your physician), attach the DD-214, insurance cards, medication list, immunization records, TB test, and other required documents, and submit the complete packet to Veterans Village, Attention: August Dawkins, RN, 1200 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506. Call (843) 319-8091 with questions.

How long does the Veterans Village application take?

The SCDVA states that families should allow 3–4 weeks after a complete application is submitted for the facility to review the packet and schedule a home visit and assessment. After acceptance, admission depends on bed availability, and the facility cannot give an exact date for admission.

How much does Veterans Village cost?

The VA covers most of the total cost, including room and board, nursing, food, laundry, haircuts, cable, and basic personal items. The veteran pays a daily copayment, but the VA pays the full cost for veterans with a 70%–100% service-connected disability. Ancillary charges such as physician copays, therapy, labs, and non-formulary medications are billed to Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or other insurance.

Is Veterans Village free for 100% disabled veterans?

For veterans with a 70%–100% service-connected disability, the VA pays the full cost of care at Veterans Village, including the daily copayment that other veterans are responsible for. This is a significant benefit and one of the main reasons veterans should confirm their VA rating before applying.

Does Veterans Village accept Medicare and Medicaid?

Yes. Veterans Village participates in Medicare and Medicaid. Ancillary charges are billed to the veteran’s insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Medicare Part D, or supplemental coverage.

What is the difference between Veterans Village and a VA nursing home?

Veterans Village is a state veterans home owned and operated by South Carolina. Admission criteria, fees, and operating rules are set by the state, and South Carolina residency is required. A VA Community Living Center is a federal VA nursing home with federal eligibility rules and no state residency requirement. Veterans who need fully federally funded care with no copayment should ask the VA about Community Living Center eligibility.

Can spouses live at Veterans Village?

Admission to Veterans Village is primarily for veterans. Some state veterans homes allow spouses in limited circumstances, but spousal eligibility is state-specific and not guaranteed. Families should ask the admissions coordinator directly about spousal admission before including a spouse in the application.

Where is the Florence VA Clinic?

The Florence VA Clinic is at 1380 Celebration Boulevard, Florence, SC 29501-5495. The main phone is (843) 292-8383. It provides primary care, mental health care, laboratory services, and specialty care, and it is part of the VA Columbia South Carolina Health Care System.

Does the PACT Act help veterans applying to Veterans Village?

The PACT Act expands VA disability compensation for toxic-exposed veterans. A higher VA rating can affect Veterans Village costs: veterans with a 70%–100% service-connected disability have the daily copayment waived. Veterans who were previously denied for a PACT Act condition should file a Supplemental Claim with help from a county veterans affairs officer.

Who can help me with the Veterans Village application in Florence?

The Florence County Veterans Affairs Office at 180 N. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501, (843) 665-3045 or (843) 665-3047, can assist with the application and with VA claims. The Veterans Village admissions coordinator, August Dawkins, RN, can be reached at (843) 319-8091 for application questions and tours.

Key Takeaways

• Veterans Village is a state veterans nursing home, not a housing program. It has 104 private rooms and provides skilled and intermediate long-term care.

• Eligibility requires active-duty service with a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions, 12 months of South Carolina residency, and a clinical need for nursing care.

• A 24-month service requirement applies to veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty after October 16, 1981.

• The application is paper-based and must be complete. It includes Parts 1 and 2, the DD-214, physician forms, a TB test, immunization records, and insurance cards.

• Allow 3–4 weeks after submitting a complete packet for the home visit and assessment; admission then depends on bed availability and the waiting list.

• The VA covers most of the cost, but most veterans pay a daily copayment. Veterans with a 70%–100% service-connected disability have the full cost paid by the VA.

• Ancillary charges are billed to insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or supplemental coverage), so families should ask about non-formulary medications and therapy copays.

• CMS ratings are mixed but generally average to above average, with quality measures rated higher than inspections. Families should review the most recent inspection report.

• The Florence VA Clinic at 1380 Celebration Boulevard provides primary care, mental health care, and laboratory services for area veterans.

• The Florence County Veterans Affairs Office at 180 N. Irby Street can help with the state home application and with VA disability claims that affect cost-sharing.

Official Resources

• South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs — State Veterans Homes: scdva.sc.gov — admission packet, eligibility rules, and contact information for all six state homes.

• Veterans Village Florence — 2026 SCDVA Admission Packet: veteranvillagesc.com — application forms, checklist, and cost-and-payment information.

• Veterans Village Florence: 1200 E. National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506 · Admissions: August Dawkins, RN · (843) 319-8091.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Florence VA Clinic: VA.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/locations/florence-va-clinic — services, hours, and transportation.

• VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care/apply

• VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability

• VA Decision Reviews and Appeals: VA.gov/decision-reviews

• VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound: VA.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound

• VA Form 10-10EZ — Application for Health Benefits: VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez

• VA Form 10-5345 — Release of Medical Records: VA.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-5345

• Florence County Veterans Affairs Office: 180 N. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29501 · (843) 665-3045 · florenceco.org/offices/veterans-affairs

• South Carolina Department of Revenue — Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: dor.sc.gov — home, land, and vehicle exemption rules.

• Housing Authority of Florence — VASH: hafsc.org — rental assistance for eligible homeless veterans.

• National Archives — Military Records: archives.gov/veterans — DD-214 replacement and service records.

• Medicare.gov: Medicare.gov — nursing home coverage and compare tools.

• Medicaid.gov: Medicaid.gov — long-term care coverage in South Carolina.

• USA.gov — Veterans and Military: usa.gov/veterans-military — federal benefits directory.