Grants for Home Modifications & Mobility Equipment for U.S. Veterans
Many veterans who have service-connected disabilities (or who are enrolled in VA health care) can get help paying for home accessibility modifications and mobility equipment. Below I’ll walk through the main federal VA grant programs, common nonprofit and state options, what each program covers, eligibility basics, how to apply, tips for maximizing help, and quick links to where to start.
There are 4 main VA housing & home-modification grants.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant
Designed for veterans with severe, permanent service-connected disabilities (examples: loss of use of both legs, certain blindness + loss of use of one foot, severe burn injuries, loss of use of both hands). SAH can be used to build a new specially adapted home, modify an existing home, or help pay the principal mortgage balance on an adapted home.
FY2025 maximum: up to $121,812 (amounts are set by fiscal year).
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant
For veterans with specific service-connected disabilities that require adaptive changes (for example, certain loss of use of a lower extremity or blindness in one eye with loss of use of one foot). SHA supports home adaptations (less extensive than SAH).
FY2025 maximum: up to $24,405.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant
If an eligible veteran temporarily resides in a family member’s home, a TRA can pay to adapt that dwelling. TRA grants are smaller and linked to SAH/SHA eligibility. (Amounts and allowable uses depend on whether the veteran qualifies for SAH or SHA)
Home Improvements & Structural Alterations (HISA) grant
HISA is a VA medical benefit (not a housing benefit) to pay for medically-necessary home improvements and structural alterations. Typical uses: ramps, widening a doorway, modifying a bathroom for accessibility, or improving entrance/egress. Lifetime caps vary by eligibility — commonly referenced amounts are up to $6,800 for many service-connected veterans; smaller amounts (e.g., $2,000) may apply to non-service-connected veterans enrolled in VA health care. HISA is intended for medically necessary changes rather than large construction projects.
What Do These Grants Cover?
Examples of covered modifications and equipment (program-dependent):
Wheelchair ramps, lifts (porch/platform lifts), and elevator installations.
Widening doorways and hallways; lowering countertops and cabinets.
Roll-in showers, accessible toilets, grab bars, bathroom reconfiguration.
Modified lighting or electrical work necessary for medical devices.
Door thresholds, non-skid surfaces, and safe entry/egress modifications.
Who is Eligible?
SAH / SHA / TRA eligibility is based on specific service-connected disabilities and military service criteria. Typically requires a qualifying VA disability or condition specifically listed in the SAH/SHA statutes/regulations.
HISA is a medical benefit: eligibility generally requires enrollment in VA health care and a medical need for the modification, with a VA health care provider’s prescription and prior authorization. Amounts and lifetime limits vary by service-connected rating.
Because eligibility rules are detail-heavy, always check the VA pages and talk to a VA representative or a veterans service officer (VSO) for your personal circumstances.
How to Apply?
Gather documentation: VA disability rating letters, medical records showing the need for modifications, proof of ownership/occupancy of the home, and contractor estimates if available.
Talk to your VA clinician / prosthetics or rehab team: for HISA or mobility devices you typically need a VA provider’s prescription or treatment plan. The application form for the HISA grant can be found here: https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-0103/
Start SAH/SHA/TRA application: use VA Form 26-4555 (Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant) or the online process as directed on the VA housing-assistance pages. The Application from for the SAH/SHA/TRA grants can be found here: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/apply-for-grant-form-26-4555/introduction
Work with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO): VSOs from American Legion, VFW, DAV, PVA, or state veteran affairs often help prepare claims and ensure paperwork is correct. This can reduce delays.