VA Housing Benefits
VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
The Department of Veterans Affairs Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Benefit provides essential financial assistance to disabled veterans with service-connected medical conditions requiring home modifications. This comprehensive benefit applies to both owned and rented primary residences.
Program 1 of 2
Qualifying Modifications
The HISA program funds medically necessary improvements and structural alterations that serve critical accessibility purposes:
Accessible entrance and exit solutions for the primary residence
Essential lavatory and sanitary facility modifications, including roll-in shower installations
Kitchen and bathroom accessibility enhancements, such as lowered counters and sinks
Permanent entrance path or driveway improvements, including ramp construction
Plumbing or electrical system upgrades necessitated by home medical equipment installation
Available Benefit Amounts
This lifetime benefit provides financial support based on disability classification:
$6,800 Maximum Benefit
$6,800
For veterans requiring modifications to address:
- Service-connected disabilities
- Compensable disabilities treated as service-connected under 38 USC 1710(a)(2)(c)
- Non-service-connected disabilities when the veteran holds a service-connected disability rating of at least 50 percent
$2,000 Maximum Benefit
$2,000
For disabilities not covered under the primary classification.
All projects require medical justification directly related to the qualifying disability. Contact your local Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service to determine your available lifetime benefits.
Program Exclusions
The HISA benefit does not cover:
Exterior decking
Spa or hot tub installations
Home security systems
Removable equipment such as portable ramps or stair lifts
Routine home maintenance including roof, furnace, or air conditioner replacements
Program 2 of 2
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grants
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive housing grants enabling veterans and service members with qualifying service-connected disabilities to purchase or modify homes for independent living.
SAH Grant
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
$126,526
Maximum Grant Amount — Fiscal Year 2026
Veterans may qualify when planning to buy, build, or modify their permanent residence, provided they meet ownership requirements and possess a qualifying service-connected disability.
Qualifying Disabilities Include
Loss or loss of use of multiple limbs
Lower leg loss or loss of use combined with residual effects of organic disease or injury
Bilateral blindness (20/200 visual acuity or less)
Severe burn injuries
Post-September 11, 2001 lower extremity loss requiring assistive devices for mobility
SHA Grant
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
$25,350
Maximum Grant Amount — Fiscal Year 2026
SHA grants support veterans or their families in purchasing, building, or modifying permanent residences when the veteran possesses qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Qualifying Disabilities Include
Bilateral hand loss or loss of use
Severe burn injuries
Respiratory or breathing impairments
Note: Congressional limitations restrict grants based on single extremity loss to 120 recipients per fiscal year. Qualifying veterans exceeding this annual limit may receive benefits in subsequent fiscal years.
Grant Utilization Flexibility
Eligible veterans may access grant funds across up to six separate instances throughout their lifetime. This flexibility allows veterans to utilize portions of their grant as needed, with unused amounts remaining available for future modifications. Annual adjustments reflect construction cost changes, with the final utilization year determining the maximum available amount.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
Veterans residing temporarily in family members' homes may qualify for TRA grants to fund necessary modifications, provided they meet SAH or SHA grant eligibility requirements.
SAH-qualified veterans (fiscal year 2026)$50,961
SHA-qualified veterans (fiscal year 2026)$9,100
Application Process
Veterans may apply online immediately or submit applications by mail or in person. Comprehensive design guidance and project specifications are available in the official SAH and SHA housing design handbook. For detailed information regarding eligibility, application procedures, and design options, veterans should consult their local VA office or access official VA housing grant resources.