If you have a disabled veteran that needs assistance with their home, there are home repair grants for disabled veterans that you can apply for. Some of these grants are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These grants include Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant and Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant.
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant
The Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant is one of several forms of assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is designed to help disabled veterans live more independently. Applicants can apply online through the VA eBenefits site. They can also check the status of an existing claim.
To qualify, a veteran must have been discharged from military service because of a total disability, which includes blindness in both eyes, loss of both arms, loss of one leg, and/or severe burns. Eligibility is dependent on the severity of the veteran’s condition, as well as their current living situation.
Service members may qualify for a direct loan, as well as a SHA grant. In addition, they may be eligible for a guaranteed loan. This program allows them to purchase an existing home, or remodel a new one, in order to meet their adaptive needs.
If a disabled Veteran has been living in a family member’s home, they may be able to receive a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant. This program offers a maximum amount of $7,318 for 2022.
Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant
There are many grants available for disabled veterans and the VA Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant is one of them. It offers funds for disabled veterans to make home improvements such as ramps, handrails, and widening doorways. Unlike other grants, HISA does not include a list of qualifying medical conditions, so it’s best to consult a physician to learn if your condition is eligible.
You can receive a lifetime benefit of up to $6,800 if you have a disability that is service connected. If you have a disability that is non-service connected, you can get a lifetime benefit of up to $2,000.
The VA offers two other housing grants, the Special Home Adaptation Grant (SHA) and the TRA (Traditional Rental Assistance), which are also designed for low-cost home modifications. You can apply for these through the VA eBenefits website.
When you’re ready to apply for the HISA grant, you’ll need to fill out VA Form 10-103. This includes information such as the medical justification for the proposed modification, your address, and a full color photo of the unimproved area of your home.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers two types of grants to help veterans with disabilities live in their homes. These include the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant. Depending on the type of disability and the amount of funding available, these grants can assist veterans with a variety of needs.
The SAH is a grant for disabled veterans that was created to help them buy or build a home. To be eligible, a veteran must have suffered a lower extremity or upper limb loss since September 11, 2001. However, this grant is not guaranteed to be awarded in any given year.
Another grant is the SHA. This is available to disabled veterans who qualify for the TRA and need to improve their mobility. Eligible service members may receive up to $18,074 in 2020. Applicants can apply online on the VA eBenefits website.
For the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant, applicants must submit a VA Form 26-4555. Grantees must demonstrate the ability to pay for any remaining expenses.
VA home loan or housing-related assistance
For those who are disabled, the VA home loan can be a helpful program to buy a new home. There are many benefits available, including competitive mortgage rates, no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and more.
The VA also offers housing-related assistance to help make your current home more accessible. This can be used for improvements such as bathroom facilities and kitchen accessibility.
Disabled veterans may also qualify for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. These grants can be used to purchase a special home or to improve your existing home.
Some states offer more generous programs than others. If you’re a veteran, contact your local VA office for more information.
You will need to meet certain criteria to apply for a VA home loan. If you qualify, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that confirms your eligibility.
Once you have your COE, you can begin your application. You can either apply online or at a local lender.