What to Know About VA Housing Modification Grants for Disabled Veterans

Many Veterans experience physical disabilities that impact their daily living, making it challenging to enter and exit a home, bathe, prepare meals, and handle other common tasks. To help disabled Veterans better manage their disability in their home, the VA provides various housing modification grants to those who meet certain eligibility requirements. 

Determine Your Eligibility  

Your first step to receiving a VA Housing Modification Grant is to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including being either a Veteran or an active-duty servicemember with disabling or qualifying conditions. Each VA grant program has its own specific requirements that may lead to benefits for you.  

Choose the Right VA Grant Program 

Your options include: 

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

This grant is available to Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities, and is intended to help build, purchase, or modify a permanent home. To apply, you must own or plan to own your home and be affected by one of these disabilities:   

• Loss or loss of use of more than one limb 
• Loss or loss of use of a lower leg along with the lasting effects of a natural disease or injury 
• Blindness in both eyes  
• Certain severe burns 
• Loss or loss of use of one foot or leg after September 11, 2001, resulting in an inability to balance or walk without assistance of a device (e.g., braces, crutches, canes, or wheelchair) 

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

This grant is intended to help Veterans with specific disabilities make changes to their current home. You or a family member must own your home, or plan to buy or build the home, and you must have a qualifying service-connected disability, including: 

• Loss or loss of use of both hands 
• Certain severe burns 
• Certain respiratory or breathing injuries 

How to Apply for a VA Grant 

To ensure timely application and receipt of a VA Grant, consider working with a VA representative, a Veteran Service Organization (VSO), or a housing counselor for assistance in applying. You will need to: 

1. Gather required documentation, which may include: 
   • Proof of military service (DD Form 214). 
   • Information about your income, debt, and credit history. 
   • Documentation related to your disability, including VA file number. 
   • Your Social Security Number and VA file number. 
2. Apply through one of the following methods: 
   • Online: Use the VA's eBenefits portal to access VA Form 26-4555.
   • In Person: Visit your local VA regional office.  
   • By Mail: Complete VA Form 26-4555 and send it to your regional office. 
3. After submitting your VA Grant application, the VA will review it and notify you of its decision. 

If you’d like more information about the VA’s housing modification grants, visit Disability Housing Grants For Veterans.   

If you have questions about benefits for Veterans and military families, please email AAFMAA Member Benefits at [email protected] or call 800-522-5221 and follow the option prompts.