Veterans or servicemembers who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs.  The goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the veterans or servicemembers a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy.

There are two types of grants administered by VA, which are available to assist severely disabled veterans or servicemembers in adapting housing to their special needs.

From VA Pamphlet 26-69-1 (Questions and Answers on Specially Adapted Housing and Special Housing Adaptations):

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to severely disabled veterans or servicemembers who are entitled to a home especially adapted for their needs due to loss of mobility.  Under this entitlement, a temporary grant (TRA) may be available to veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.  For questions and answers about the Specially Adapted Housing Grant, click here (Part1).

The Special Housing Adaptations Grant is available to veterans or servicemembers who are entitled to home adaptations due to blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or includes the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.  Under this entitlement, a temporary grant (TRA) may be available to veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.  For questions and answers about the Special Housing Adaptations Grant, click here (Part 2).

To apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant, please take the following steps:

1. Download VA Form 26-4555, Veteran's Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant. You will need Acrobat Reader 3.0(or later) to view and print the form.

2. Complete the form and submit it to your nearest VA Regional Loan Center.

If you need more information and would like to talk with a Specially Adapted Housing agent, click here to locate one in your area.

Specially Adapted Housing Video "Special Home for Special Veterans"

Implementation of Public Law 109-233, Section 101 - Specially Adapted Housing Fact sheet on program details

VA Manual M26-12 Specially Adapted Housing Grant Processing Procedure, Loan Guaranty Operations for Regional Office Manual

VA Pamphlet 26-13 Handbook for Design: Specially Adapted Housing

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