For veterans with multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA combines disability ratings to determine a total rating. If your combined rating equals 100 percent, whether from a single condition or multiple conditions, you may qualify for special housing adaptation benefits. These benefits allow disabled veterans to modify or build homes that accommodate their needs, promoting maximum independence. Importantly, these housing grants do not affect other VA benefits, such as monthly disability compensation.
Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH Grant)
The SAH Grant provides up to $117,014 for veterans with a 100 percent disability rating to build or modify a home for independent living. To qualify, you must meet one or more of these criteria:
- Severe burn injuries.
- Damage to or loss of one or both legs, significantly impairing mobility without assistive devices like a wheelchair, crutches, cane, or braces.
- Damage to or loss of one or both arms above the elbow, making independent arm use difficult.
- Blindness in both eyes, leaving only light perception.
Special Home Adaptation Grant (SHA Grant)
The SHA Grant offers up to $23,444 for veterans to adapt their current home or purchase a new one. Veterans may qualify for both the SHA and SAH grants and are encouraged to apply for both if eligible. To start, complete Form 26-4555 and submit it to your nearest VA regional office.
Home Improvement and Structural Adaptation Grant (HISA Grant)
The HISA Grant helps veterans make home modifications necessary for medical treatments prescribed by their doctors. Unlike the SAH and SHA grants, the HISA Grant is available to both service-connected and non-service-connected veterans.
- Veterans with a service-connected disability may receive up to $6,800.
- Veterans with a non-service-connected disability rated at least 50 percent can receive up to $2,000.
HISA grants can be used to modify the veteran’s home to ensure it meets their medical needs. Veterans should submit the Veteran’s Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement (VA Form 10-0103) along with supporting documentation.
Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant (TRA Grant)
The TRA Grant provides financial assistance to veterans who need temporary housing modifications while living with a family member to receive medical care.
- Veterans eligible under Section 2101(a) of the SAH Grant can use up to $47,130.
- Veterans eligible under Section 2101(b) of the SHA Grant can use up to $8,415.
This grant is available only to veterans no longer on active duty, as current service members are not eligible.
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