The VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH) program is offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help severely disabled veterans adapt their homes to accommodate their needs. It is one of three grants for disabled veterans that help with the costs of necessary home modifications. Veterans interested in applying for this grant must understand the eligibility criteria and the types of home modifications it covers.
What Is the VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant?
The VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant program is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund home modifications for severely disabled veterans. This grant can be used to cover the cost of a wide range of home modifications that make independent living easier.
The SAH Grant is just one of three similar programs offered by the VA to help cover the costs of making necessary adaptations to veterans’ homes. The others are:
- Special Home Adaptation Grant (SHA)
- Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grant (HISA)
Eligibility Criteria for the SAH Grant
To be eligible for the SAH Grant, veterans must meet specific criteria, including:
- Severe Service-Connected Disability: The veteran must have a severe service-connected disability that limits their ability to carry out normal living functions.
- Need for Home Adaptation: The veteran must need specific home modifications to accommodate their disability. 100% disability isn’t required for this grant. Rather, the type of disability is the most important factor. Eligible candidates have disabilities that impact their ability to access their home.
- Homeownership: The veteran or a family member must (or will) own the home they wish to modify.
The grant amount varies depending on the specific needs of the veteran and the cost of the necessary modifications.
Which Service-Connected Disabilities Qualify Veterans for the SAH Grant?
You may be eligible to get an SAH Grant if you require funds to purchase, build, or adapt your permanent home and suffer from a service-connected disability. Qualifying service-connected disabilities are as follows:
- The loss (or loss of use) of two or more limbs
- Blindness in both eyes (20/200 visual acuity or less)
- Certain severe burns
- Some respiratory or breathing injuries
- The loss of one foot or leg after September 11, 2001. The loss of use of the foot or leg also counts. This loss makes balancing or walking without the support of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair impossible.
Note: Up to 120 veterans or service members can qualify for a grant on the grounds of the loss of one extremity. If you qualify for the grant this year but can’t receive it because of the number limit, you might be able to receive the benefit in coming years.
What’s Covered by the SAH Grant?
Veterans must use grant money to cover the costs of making necessary home modifications to accommodate their service-connected disability. For example, the grant could cover:
Major Home Modifications:
- Fixed wheelchair ramps
- Widening doorways
- Lowering countertops
- Installing grab bars
- Modifying bathrooms
- Constructing special rooms or additions
Other Eligible Expenses:
- Architectural and engineering fees
- Permits and inspections
- Construction costs
What Isn’t Covered by the SAH Grant?
The SAH Grant generally doesn’t cover costs related to the maintenance or repair of veterans’ homes. For example, the grant doesn’t cover:
- Routine Maintenance and Repairs: The grant is not intended for general home repairs or maintenance.
- Cosmetic Upgrades: Modifications that are purely aesthetic, such as painting or flooring, are not typically covered.
- Personal Property: The grant does not cover personal items, such as furniture or appliances.
- Land Purchase: The grant is specifically for home modifications, not for purchasing land.
Is Damage Caused by Natural Disasters Covered by the SAH Grant?
Damage caused by natural disasters to homes adapted through the SAH program—and that aren’t covered by insurance—might be covered in the case of a natural disaster. This represents crucial assistance for veterans in hurricane-prone states like Florida.
For example, the SAH Grant might be able to cover roof repair or replacement following a severe weather incident. In this case, a trusted roofing company like Bayside Roofing Professionals can step in to repair the veteran’s roof in a timely manner.
It’s important to note that specific coverage may vary depending on individual circumstances and VA guidelines. To get accurate information about what your SAH Grant covers, it’s crucial to consult with a VA benefits counselor.
How Much Funding Is Available through an SAH Grant?
Qualifying veterans can receive up to $117,014 through the SAH program for the 2024 fiscal year.
Can I Apply for a Grant for a Temporary Home?
Veterans and service members who fulfill both of the following requirements may be able to obtain a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant to adapt a family member’s home:
- You otherwise qualify for an SAH or SHA grant.
- You’re currently living in a family member’s home that requires adaptations to meet your needs.
Remember you don’t need to own the home to apply for a TRA grant.
How Much Funding Is Available through a TRA Grant?
The amount of funding available through a TRA grant will depend on whether you apply through the SAH or SHA program:
- Veterans who qualify for an SAH Grant can receive up to $47,130 through the TRA grant program for the 2024 fiscal year.
- Veterans who qualify for an SHA Grant can receive up to $8,415 through the TRA grant program for the 2024 fiscal year.
How Does the SAH Compare with other Grants for Disabled Veterans?
There are some significant differences in the scope and focus of the SAH, SHA, and HISA grants:
1. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant:
The SAH is the most comprehensive grant for disabled veterans or service members. It also provides the greatest sum of funding.
- Eligibility: For veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that significantly impact their ability to live independently
- Purpose: To fund major home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and specialized bathroom fixtures
- Funding: Can cover a significant portion of the cost of modifications
2. Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant:
The SHA Grant is oriented toward less comprehensive home modifications. The amount available for these adaptations is also lower.
- Eligibility: For veterans with service-connected disabilities who require assistance with daily living activities
- Purpose: To fund minor home modifications, such as grab bars, ramps, and widened doorways
- Funding: Typically offers a smaller grant amount compared to SAH
3. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant:
The HISA Grant is available to disabled veterans. It covers the costs of necessary home modifications that aid accessibility in rented and owned homes.
- Eligibility: For veterans with both service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities
- Purpose: To fund home improvements necessary for treatment or disability access, such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and bathroom modifications
- Funding: Provides a lower grant amount compared to SAH and SHA
Key Differences:
| SAH | SHA | HISA | |
| Disability Severity | Severe | Moderate | Both service-connected and non-service-connected |
| Type of Modifications | Major modifications | Minor modifications | Various home improvements |
| Funding Amount | Higher | Lower | Lower |
Find Out How the SAH Grant Can Help You
The VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant is a valuable resource for severely disabled veterans seeking to adapt their homes to meet their unique needs. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the types of modifications covered will help veterans take advantage of this benefit to improve their independence and quality of life.
It’s crucial to consult with a VA benefits counselor and a qualified contractor to navigate the complexities of the SAH Grant program and ensure a successful home modification project. If approved, you or a disabled veteran in your life will be able to enjoy greater safety and independence at home at minimal cost.