What the Armed Forces Retirement Home is and who runs it

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is a residential community operated by the federal government specifically for retired military members. It is not a nursing home, though some residents receive on-site medical care. The facility is run by the Department of Defense and has two locations: one in Washington, D.C., and one in Gulfport, Mississippi. Both are free-standing communities where residents live independently or with varying levels of support depending on their needs.

The AFRH is funded through federal appropriations and resident fees. Unlike many private retirement communities, it exists solely to serve former military personnel and their spouses. The homes are not means-tested, meaning your income or assets do not determine whether you can move in — only your military service record does.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have served on active duty in the U.S. military and be at least 60 years old to move into the AFRH, with limited exceptions for younger disabled veterans.
  • The two locations are in Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Mississippi; you choose which one during the admission process.
  • Monthly fees cover housing, meals, utilities, and basic medical services, but the exact cost depends on the type of accommodation you select.
  • The admission process requires a completed process, military discharge papers, and a medical evaluation to confirm you can live independently or with minimal information.
  • Waiting lists exist at both locations and can be several months long, so submitting your paperwork early is important if you are interested.

Military service requirements and age limits

To be admitted to the AFRH, you must have served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force. Reserve and National Guard service alone does not meet the requirement; you must have federal active-duty time. Your discharge must have been honorable or general under honorable conditions. A dishonorable discharge or discharge under other than honorable conditions disqualifies you.

The standard age requirement is 60 years old. However, veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or higher by the VA can move in at any age. Spouses of may be able to access veterans may also be admitted if the veteran is already a resident or is being admitted at the same time, though the spouse must be at least 55 years old in most cases.

You do not need to have been a career military member. Even a single enlistment counts, as long as it was active federal service. The AFRH does not distinguish between officers and enlisted personnel in terms of admission.

What documents you need to submit with your process

The AFRH requires specific paperwork to process your process. Start by obtaining your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Form DD 214 or equivalent). This document proves your service and discharge status. If you do not have it, you can request a copy from the National Archives or through your branch's records office — this step alone can take several weeks, so begin early.

You will also need to complete the official AFRH process form, which asks for personal information, military service details, and emergency contacts. A medical evaluation is required; the AFRH will arrange this once your process is received, but you may need to provide records from your current doctor confirming you can live independently or with minimal information. Some residents require help with activities of daily living, and the AFRH can accommodate this, but the evaluation determines what level of care is appropriate.

Bring proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, a valid photo ID, and any VA disability rating letter if you are using that to meet the age exception. If you are explore as a spouse, you will need a marriage certificate and your spouse's discharge papers as well.

Monthly costs and what is included

The AFRH charges a monthly fee that covers housing, three meals a day, utilities, housekeeping, and basic medical services. The exact amount varies depending on the type of room you choose — a private room costs more than a shared room — and which location you select. As of recent years, monthly fees have ranged from roughly $1,500 to $3,000, but these figures change annually and may differ between the D.C. and Gulfport locations. Contact the AFRH directly for current pricing.

The fee includes access to on-site medical staff, recreational programs, and transportation for medical appointments. It does not cover prescription medications beyond what the on-site pharmacy stocks, or specialized care such as dialysis or intensive rehabilitation. If you require services beyond what the AFRH provides, you may need to arrange and pay for them separately.

There is no entrance fee or deposit beyond the first month's rent. Your monthly fee is due on a set date each month, typically through automatic bank withdrawal or check. If you have a VA pension or other military retirement pay, you can arrange for it to be paid directly to the AFRH.

How to start the process process

Contact the AFRH directly to request an process packet. You can reach the Washington, D.C., location at (202) 541-7532 and the Gulfport location at (228) 897-1111. Both locations have admissions staff who can answer questions about the process and timeline. You can also visit the official AFRH website to read the process form and learn more about each community.

Complete the process and gather your discharge papers and medical records. Submit everything to the location you prefer — you must choose one, though you can request a transfer later if circumstances change. The AFRH will acknowledge receipt and schedule a medical evaluation, usually within a few weeks. This evaluation is not a test you can pass or fail; it is a way for the AFRH to understand what support you may need and confirm you are safe living in the community.

After the evaluation, your process goes to an admissions committee. If approved, you will be placed on a waiting list. The wait time varies; some locations have shorter lists than others, and it can range from a few weeks to several months. The AFRH will contact you when a room becomes available and you are next on the list.

Waiting lists and how long admission typically takes

Both AFRH locations maintain waiting lists because demand often exceeds available rooms. The length of the wait depends on how many residents are currently living there, how many rooms are available, and how many applications are ahead of yours. The Washington, D.C., location tends to have a longer wait than Gulfport, sometimes six months or more, while Gulfport may move faster.

You can remain on the waiting list indefinitely; there is no time limit. If your circumstances change — for example, if you move or your health needs shift — you can update your information with the AFRH. If you are admitted to one location but prefer the other, you can request a transfer, though this may move you to the back of that location's waiting list.

While you wait, the AFRH may contact you to confirm you are still interested and that your contact information is current. Respond promptly to these inquiries, as failure to do so could result in your process being closed.

What daily life is like at the AFRH

Residents at the AFRH live in private or semi-private rooms within a larger residential community. Meals are provided in a central dining facility, though residents can eat in their rooms if they prefer. The community offers recreational activities, social events, fitness programs, and educational classes. Many residents form friendships with others who share military backgrounds, which is one of the main draws of the community.

On-site medical staff are available during business hours, and there is an arrangement with local hospitals for emergency care. Residents can see their own doctors off-site and the AFRH provides transportation for medical appointments. Visiting hours are flexible, and residents can have family and friends visit regularly. Pets are allowed in some cases, though you should confirm the pet policy with the location you are interested in.

The AFRH is not a locked facility, and residents are free to come and go. It is designed for people who can manage their own affairs with minimal information, though some residents receive help with medications, bathing, or other daily tasks from the on-site staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was dishonorably discharged?

A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you from AFRH admission. However, if you believe your discharge was unjust, you can petition the military's discharge review board to have it changed. This is a separate legal process that can take months or years. Contact your branch's discharge review board for information on how to file.

Can I move to the other AFRH location after I am admitted?

Yes, you can request a transfer between the Washington, D.C., and Gulfport locations. However, transfers are not may provide and you may be placed on a waiting list at the new location. Speak with the admissions office at your current location about the transfer process and timeline.

What happens if I can no longer afford the monthly fee?

Contact the AFRH business office when ready to discuss your situation. They may be able to work with you on payment arrangements or connect you with VA benefits you may not be using. The AFRH does not automatically remove residents for financial hardship, but you must communicate with them about the problem.

Do I need a VA disability rating to be admitted?

No. A VA disability rating is only required if you are under 60 years old and want to use it to meet the age exception. If you are 60 or older, you do not need a disability rating at all. Many residents have no VA rating and are admitted based on age and honorable discharge alone.

Can my spouse move in with me even if they did not serve in the military?

Yes. Your spouse can be admitted if you are already a resident or being admitted at the same time, and your spouse is at least 55 years old. Your spouse does not need military service, but you must have the required service and discharge status for both of you to be admitted together.