Veterans with service-connected disabilities may find that the current architecture of their home is not suitable for wheelchair access or may need to be adapted to fit their ever-evolving health needs. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides financial assistance for veterans in these situations in the form of adapted housing and disability grants. Many veterans may want to know — how do disabled veterans apply for VA disability housing grants? We are here to help answer your questions at VA Benefits Attorneys.

Who Is Eligible for VA Disability Housing Grants?

Disabled veterans who return home with a service-connected injury, illness, or medical condition may find that their home is no longer suited to their needs — particularly in the case of veterans who have need of a wheelchair. This may mean that veterans need to remodel or adapt their home to fit their evolving needs, which can cost money that disabled veterans do not have. These grants provide financial assistance to help pay for those renovations for eligible veterans. 

There are two primary variations of VA disability housing grants — a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant and a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant — that each meet different needs for veterans. Specially Adapted Housing Grants are intended for use by veterans in wheelchairs, with loss of limb, blindness, and more. The Special Home Adaptation Grant is intended for veterans who struggle with respiratory or breathing injuries, severe burns, and additional medical conditions.

Who Is Eligible for a VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant?

Veterans who hope to apply for a SAH Grant via the Department of Veterans Affairs must meet two basic criteria — the veteran must own or will own the home AND must have a qualified service-connected disability. The Specially Adapted Housing Grant has a maximum amount of $117,014. Here is a better look at service-connected disabilities that qualify.

• Loss of or the loss of use of more than one limb
• Loss of or the loss of use of a lower leg with residual effects
• Blindness in both eyes – 20/200 vision or less
• Severe burns
• Loss of or the loss of use a lower extremity after September 11, 2001 that requires use of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair to walk 

Who Is Eligible for a VA Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant?

The Special Home Adaptation Grant is a grant that provides financial assistance for veterans to buy, build, or change their permanent home due to the needs of veterans with specific service-connected injuries. A Special Home Adaptation Grant can total up to $23,444. Veterans must meet two standard criteria to be eligible — the veteran or a family member must own or will own the home AND the veteran has a qualified service-connected disability. Here is a better look at qualified service-connected disabilities.

• Loss of or the loss of use of both hands
• Select severe burns
• Select respiratory or breathing medical conditions

How To Apply for VA Adaptive Housing Grants?

Do you or a veteran in your family meet the criteria listed above for a VA disability grant? Veterans who hope to apply for a SAH Grant or a SHA Grant can apply online at https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/ by filling out VA Form 26-4555. Veterans who would like more information or would like to apply in person can visit their regional VA facility or print and mail in the application. 

READ MORE: Is There a Time Limit to Apply for VA Disability Benefits? 

You may ask — how do disabled veterans apply for VA disabled housing grants? We hope this overview will highlight who is eligible and how you can apply for these grants to update and remodel your home to meet your needs and make it more accessible. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for a FREE case review!