Key Takeaways
- SAH grants offer up to $126,526 for FY 2026 to build, buy, or adapt a home for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities
- SHA grants provide up to $25,350 for veterans with less severe but still significant disabilities requiring home modifications
- TRA grants up to $50,961 (SAH) or $9,100 (SHA) help adapt a family member’s home where you temporarily reside
- You can use these grants up to 6 times throughout your lifetime, spreading the benefit across multiple homes
- HISA grants offer up to $6,800 for home improvements and structural alterations, even for non-service-connected conditions
Table of Contents
- VA Housing Grant Programs Overview
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
- Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
- Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant
- 2026 Grant Amounts Summary
- What These Grants Can Cover
- How to Apply for VA Housing Grants
- Combining Grants with VA Home Loans
- Frequently Asked Questions
VA Housing Grant Programs Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several housing grant programs to help veterans with service-connected disabilities live independently in accessible homes. These grants can fund everything from wheelchair ramps to complete home construction.
Unlike VA home loans, these are grants, not loans—you don’t have to repay them. The VA provides four main housing assistance programs:
| Grant Type | FY 2026 Maximum | Primary Use | Lifetime Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAH | $126,526 | Severe mobility/vision disabilities | Up to 6 |
| SHA | $25,350 | Burns, respiratory, loss of hands | Up to 6 |
| TRA (SAH eligible) | $50,961 | Temporary residence adaptations | Counts toward 6 |
| TRA (SHA eligible) | $9,100 | Temporary residence adaptations | Counts toward 6 |
| HISA (service-connected) | $6,800 | Home improvements | Lifetime limit |
| HISA (non-service-connected) | $2,000 | Home improvements | Lifetime limit |
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
The SAH grant is the largest VA housing benefit, providing up to $126,526 for FY 2026 to help veterans with the most severe service-connected disabilities.
SAH Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for an SAH grant if you have a permanent and total service-connected disability that includes:
- Loss or loss of use of both legs that substantially affects balance or ability to move from place to place
- Loss or loss of use of both arms at or above the elbow
- Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less) PLUS loss or loss of use of one leg
- Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity (foot or leg) along with residuals of organic disease or injury
- Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity (after September 11, 2001) that makes it impossible to balance or walk without braces, crutches, canes, or wheelchair
- Severe burns (deep partial thickness or worse) affecting 30% or more of the body or 30% or more of the face
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) diagnosed by VA
How SAH Funds Can Be Used
- Build a specially adapted home on land you will acquire
- Build a home on land you already own
- Purchase an already-adapted home
- Remodel an existing home to meet your needs
- Apply toward the unpaid mortgage balance of an adapted home
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
The SHA grant provides up to $25,350 for FY 2026 for veterans with qualifying disabilities who don’t meet SAH criteria but still need significant home modifications.
SHA Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for an SHA grant if you have a service-connected disability that includes:
- Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less
- Anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands
- Severe burns (deep partial thickness or worse) affecting one hand or hands and feet
- Respiratory injury from exposure to a toxic substance or burn pit, requiring daily assisted breathing
How SHA Funds Can Be Used
- Adapt an existing home you or a family member already owns
- Adapt a home you or a family member intends to purchase
- Help purchase an already-adapted home
- Reduce the unpaid mortgage balance on an adapted home
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
The TRA grant helps veterans who qualify for SAH or SHA adapt a family member’s home where they are living temporarily.
TRA Grant Amounts for FY 2026
- SAH-eligible veterans: Up to $50,961
- SHA-eligible veterans: Up to $9,100
TRA Requirements
- You must be temporarily residing in a family member’s home
- The home must be owned by the family member
- TRA use counts against your lifetime SAH/SHA uses
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant
The HISA grant is unique because it’s available even for non-service-connected conditions (at a reduced amount).
HISA Grant Amounts
- Service-connected disability: Up to $6,800 lifetime
- Non-service-connected disability: Up to $2,000 lifetime
HISA Requirements
- Must be enrolled in VA healthcare
- Need a prescription from a VA healthcare provider
- Disability rating of at least 50% (for service-connected)
- Must own the home or have owner’s written permission
What HISA Covers
- Wheelchair ramps and accessibility entrances
- Widened doorways
- Bathroom modifications (roll-in showers, grab bars)
- Improved lighting
- Handrails and support systems
2026 Grant Amounts Summary
| Grant Program | FY 2026 Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAH Grant | $126,526 | Adjusted annually based on construction costs |
| SHA Grant | $25,350 | Adjusted annually based on construction costs |
| TRA (SAH eligible) | $50,961 | For temporary residence with family |
| TRA (SHA eligible) | $9,100 | For temporary residence with family |
| HISA (service-connected) | $6,800 | Lifetime maximum |
| HISA (non-service-connected) | $2,000 | Lifetime maximum |
What These Grants Can Cover
Common Home Modifications
- Wheelchair ramps and zero-threshold entries
- Widened doorways and hallways for wheelchair access
- Roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms
- Lowered countertops and cabinets
- Stair lifts or elevators
- Accessible kitchen modifications
- Automatic door openers
- Voice-activated or smart home controls
- Pool installations for therapy (with medical documentation)
New Construction Options
SAH grants can fund construction of a completely new, specially adapted home. Work with a VA-assigned agent to ensure the design meets your medical needs and VA requirements.
How to Apply for VA Housing Grants
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Your VA disability rating decision will indicate if you’re eligible for housing grants. If you believe you qualify but haven’t been notified, contact the VA.
Step 2: Complete the Application
For SAH, SHA, or TRA:
- Apply online at VA.gov
- Or complete VA Form 26-4555
- Call 1-877-827-3702 for assistance
For HISA:
- Obtain a prescription from your VA healthcare provider
- Complete VA Form 10-0103
- Submit to the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) at your local VA
Step 3: Work with Your VA Agent
Once approved, the VA assigns a Specially Adapted Housing Agent to your case. They will:
- Help identify your specific adaptation needs
- Review contractor bids
- Inspect completed work
- Authorize grant payments
Combining Grants with VA Home Loans
VA housing grants can be used alongside VA home loans:
- Use grants for modifications while financing the home purchase with a VA loan
- Apply grants to reduce mortgage principal on an adapted home
- Build a new home with construction financing and apply grant funds
Veterans with 100% disability may qualify for the VA funding fee exemption, eliminating this cost on VA loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the grant more than once?
Yes. You can use SAH and SHA grants up to 6 times throughout your lifetime, as long as you don’t exceed the total maximum amount. This allows you to adapt multiple homes as you move or as your needs change.
Do I have to repay the grant?
No. These are grants, not loans. You don’t have to repay them as long as you use the funds for their intended purpose.
Can I use the grant on a rental property?
No. SAH and SHA grants must be used for your permanent primary residence. HISA may be used on a rental with the landlord’s written permission.
How long does the application process take?
Processing times vary, but expect 2-4 months from application to approval. Construction timelines depend on your project’s scope.
Can my spouse use the grant if I pass away?
Surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes may be eligible to retain or use remaining grant funds in some circumstances. Contact the VA for specific guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is provided by Military.net, an independent educational resource. We are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For official grant information and applications, visit VA.gov.
