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Specially Adapted Housing

As with many government-sponsored programs, the VA Loan Program undergoes occasional changes in policy. One of the most recent changes was the Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006, which was signed into law by the President on June 15th, 2006.

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Property State:
Loan Type: VA Home Purchase VA Refinance

Modifications

One of the main benefit changes in the VA Loan Program as a result of this legislation is related to Specially Adapted Housing, or SAH. The law authorizes the VA to provide SAH assistance to Veterans who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member (Veterans Benefits Administration Circular, 6-22-06). The purpose of the assistance, which takes the form of a grant, is to ease the financial burden of modifying the home to meet the special needs of the Veteran. Veterans who suffer from lack of motion, blindness, loss of limbs, or other disabilities that require home modifications may be eligible for Specially Adapted Housing.

Modifications that may be potentially covered include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Specially-sized doorways
  • Certain types of carpet
  • Modified faucets and/or showerheads
  • Garages or carports
  • Ramps and banisters
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms
  • Sliding doors

The Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006 also changes the one-time only usage restriction of grant benefits. Veterans may now use their benefits up to three times (though the total amount for these uses may not exceed the maximum amounts allowed). For a full list of all the benefit changes made in this law, visit the official government VA Loan site.

See a related article: VA Grants for Agencies

VA Loans Specialist VAMC

VA LOAN SPECIALISTS

We are the online VA Loan Specialists. It is our goal to ensure that your VA Home Loan process goes as smoothly as possible. Let us help you get the process started online today, or call us at 800-405-6682.

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you need advice concerning Veteran Home Loans, feel free to contact a VA Mortgage Specialist online or call 800-405-6682. Specialists can help determine whether a Veteran Home Loan is the best financial decision for you.

Read more about the Veterans Benefit Act of 2004.