VA provides grants to Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. Two grant programs exist: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
SAH grants help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities live independently in a barrier-free environment. SAH grants can be used in one of the following ways:
- Construct a specially adapted home on land to be acquired
- Build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing
- Remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing
- Apply the grant against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of an adapted home already acquired without the assistance of a VA grant
- View and share VA’s SHA infographic to help spread the word
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
SHA grants help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate the disability. You can use SHA grants in one of the following ways:
- Adapt an existing home the Veteran or a family member already owns in which the Veteran lives
- Adapt a home the Veteran or family member intends to purchase in which the Veteran will live
- Help a Veteran purchase a home already adapted in which the Veteran will live
Eligibility
If you are a Servicemember or Veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability, you may be entitled to a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant or a Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. The table below provides an overview of VA’s housing grant programs for Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities.
| Benefits & Eligibility Requirements | Eligibility | Living Situation | Ownership | Number of Grants You Can Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant |
|
Permanent | Home is owned by an eligible individual | Maximum of 3 grants, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable |
| Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant |
|
Permanent | Home is owned by an eligible individual or family member | Maximum of 3 grants, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable |
Benefit
The SAH and SHA benefit amount is set by law, but may be adjusted upward annually based on a cost-of-construction index. The maximum dollar amount allowable for SAH grants in fiscal year 2013 is $64,960. The maximum dollar amount allowable for SHA grant in fiscal year 2013 is $12,992. No individual may use the grant benefit more than three times up to the maximum dollar amount allowable.
How to Apply
To apply for a grant, fill out and submit VA Form 26-4555.the Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant. You can access this form by:
- Applying online via www.ebenefits.va.gov
- Downloading VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant and mailing it to your nearest Regional Loan Center.
- Calling VA toll free at 1-800-827-1000 to have a claim form mailed to you
- Visiting the nearest VA regional office. Find the office nearest you by visiting VA Regional Office Locations or calling VA toll-free at 1-800-827-1000
Need more information or have questions? Contact a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) staff member via email at sahinfo.vbaco@va.gov or by phone at (877) 827-3702.
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