Adjusting to life after military service can be challenging, especially for Veterans who return home with service-related injuries. Adapting to a new way of life often requires significant modifications to living spaces, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and independence. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers three essential grant programs tailored to meet the housing needs of disabled Veterans:
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
- Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
These grants enable Veterans with certain permanent service-connected disabilities to build, modify, or adapt homes to support their unique requirements. Let’s dive into the details of each grant and how they can empower Veterans to live fulfilling lives.
Table of Contents
1. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: Supporting Independence
The SAH Grant provides up to $109,986 to help disabled Veterans create homes that foster independent living. This grant can be used for:
- Constructing a specially adapted home from scratch.
- Modifying an existing home to meet adaptive needs.
- Applying funds toward the unpaid mortgage balance of a home that has already been adapted.
Eligibility for SAH Grant
To qualify, Veterans must have a permanent and total disability due to service-related conditions such as:
- Loss or loss of use of both legs, requiring aids like canes, crutches, or wheelchairs.
- Blindness in both eyes plus the loss or loss of use of one leg.
- Loss or loss of use of one leg, combined with the loss of one arm or an organic disease/injury.
- Loss or loss of use of both arms at or above the elbow.
- Severe burns.
- Loss or loss of use of one or more legs sustained after September 11, 2001, impacting balance or mobility.
2. Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant: Adapting to Specific Needs
The SHA Grant awards up to $22,036 to Veterans who need modifications to their homes due to service-related injuries. This grant supports:
- Adapting a home the Veteran or their family plans to purchase.
- Modifying an already-owned home.
- Purchasing or reducing the unpaid balance of a pre-adapted home with features approved by the VA.
Eligibility for SHA Grant
Veterans must meet one of the following conditions to qualify:
- Blindness in both eyes (20/200 vision or worse).
- Loss or loss of use of both hands.
- Certain severe respiratory ailments.
- Permanent and total disability from severe burn injuries.
3. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant: Flexible Housing Solutions
The TRA Grant assists Veterans who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. This grant allows for necessary modifications without deducting from the total grant funds available for SAH or SHA.
- Maximum TRA Amounts:
- $44,299 for SAH-eligible recipients.
- $7,910 for SHA-eligible recipients.
Important Note: Using the TRA grant counts as one of the three allowable SAH/SHA uses.
Eligibility and Application Process
The Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction determines eligibility for SAH and SHA grants based on a VA Rating Decision. Veterans with a qualifying disability rating can apply for these grants at any time, as the benefits do not expire. Grants can be used up to three times, provided the total amount does not exceed the initial allocation.
Steps to Apply
- Complete the VA Form 26-4555 online via the VA website.
- Await VA review and further instructions on eligibility.
- For in-person assistance, visit your nearest VA office.
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Additional Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Housing grants complement a range of other VA benefits, including:
- VA Loan Exemptions: Veterans with service-related disabilities may qualify for exemptions from VA Funding Fees.
- Income Calculations: Disability compensation can be included in income calculations, lowering the debt-to-income ratio for loan eligibility.
These benefits simplify the home-buying process and support financial stability for disabled Veterans and their families.
Key Points to Remember
- Housing grants never expire and can be used at the Veteran’s discretion.
- Adaptations covered by SAH/SHA grants must meet VA standards and can include small modifications (e.g., accessible bathrooms) or comprehensive renovations.
- Veterans may use SAH/SHA grants up to three times, while the TRA grant is a one-time benefit.
Empowering Disabled Veterans Through Housing
The VA housing grants are more than just financial assistance—they are a gateway to independence, stability, and quality of life for Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Whether it’s adapting a home for wheelchair access or constructing a new, fully accessible house, these programs provide vital support for disabled Veterans and their families.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
To learn more about housing grants and check your eligibility, visit the VA’s official housing grant page or speak with a specialist. For assistance with the VA loan process, contact a Veterans United Specialist at 855-870-8845.
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