Specially Adapted Housing Grants for Veterans

Veterans and service members who have service-related disabilities may be eligible for Specially Adapted Housing grants from the VA to offset some or all of the costs of making homes accessible.

The VA provides several grant programs – the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, the Temporary Residence (TRA) grant and the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant.

These programs aim to provide Veterans with a barrier-free living environment that delivers a level of independence the Veteran may not find in an un-adapted home.

What is a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant?

A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant is offered to eligible Veterans to construct or buy a specially adapted home on land that has already been purchased or is yet to be purchased.

Veterans receiving the grant may also remodel an existing structure to make it accessible or apply the funds against the unpaid principal of an already adapted home.

SAH Grant Maximum Funding Amount

The current maximum grant amount is $109,986 for 2023. Applicants must use funds to construct or modify a home to meet adaptive needs and can be used up to six different times.

SAH Grant Eligibility

When it comes to eligibility for the SAH grant, you must be using the grant toward the home you currently own or will own and you must have a service-related disability.

Qualifying service-related disabilities for SAH grants include:

• Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less
• Severe burn injury
• Loss or loss of use of both legs resulting in the inability to move without the aid of a wheelchair, braces, crutches or canes
• Loss of one leg in combination with residuals of organic disease or injury OR loss or loss of use of one arm
• Loss or loss of use of both arms at or above the elbow

The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

Similar to the SAH grant, the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant allows Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities to adapt an existing home the Veteran or family already owns or will own. The biggest difference between SHA and SAH grants is the amount of funds and what service-connected disabilities are eligible.

SHA Grant Amount

The current maximum Special Housing Adaptation grant amount is $22,036 for 2023. Just like the SAH grant, this can be used up to six times. This amount is adjusted annually based on the cost of construction index.

SHA Grant Eligibility

To qualify for the SHA grant, you or a family member must own or will own the home and you have a qualifying service-related disability, such as:

• Severe burns
• Respiratory or breathing injuries
• The loss or use of both hands

What is a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant?

A Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant may be available to SAH and SHA eligible Veterans who are or will be temporarily residing in a family member's home. The additional TRA grant amount will depend on if you qualified for the SAH or SHA grant.

TRA Grant Amount

If you qualify for the SAH grant, the additional TRA amount is $44,299, and if you qualify for the SHA grant, the additional TRA amount is $7,910 for 2023.

Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant is available for medically necessary improvements and alterations. In order to qualify for a HISA grant, the Veteran will need to submit an application that includes a prescription approved by a VA physician. This application will need to detail the specific improvements the home requires, and a medical justification for said alterations.

HISA grant funding can be used for the following home improvements:

• Alterations to entrances and exits to the home
• Improving paths or driveways to accommodate ramps
• Installing essential sanitary facilities
• Improving accessibility to sinks or counters
• Improving the plumbing or electric systems for medical equipment

HISA Grant Amount

The maximum amount for the HISA grant is $6,800 for Veterans who have a service-related condition rated 50% or more. The maximum HISA grant amount for Veterans without a service-connected disability is $2,000.

How to Apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant

To apply for a grant, fill out and submit VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant. You can access this form by:

• Applying online via www.ebenefits.va.gov
• Download VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant, and mail it to your nearest Regional Loan Center
• Call the VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 and request the claim form to be mailed
• Visiting the nearest VA regional office

For more information, visit the official VA site.