Specially Adapted Homes
(SAH / HISA Grants)
Maximizing Your Housing Adaptation Benefits
Prepared By
David Torres
Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Section 1: The Grants
The VA provides grants to Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability.
Looking for a home to use one of these on? My guide to accessible homes in San Antonio covers the features worth measuring and where the single story inventory is.
Grant programs
3
One form to start
26-4555
Paid back
$0
Buy, build or remodel
SAH Grant
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants help Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities live independently in a barrier-free environment.
Adapt or purchase
SHA Grant
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants help Veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities adapt or purchase a home to accommodate the disability.
Medical necessity, wider eligibility
HISA Grant
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants provide medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers' primary residence.
Section 2: Eligibility
SAH Eligibility
- Loss or loss of use of more than one limb
- Loss or loss of use of a lower leg along with the residuals of organic disease or injury
- Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less)
- Certain severe burns
- The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity after September 11, 2001
SHA Eligibility
- Blindness in both eyes (with 20/200 visual acuity or less)
- Loss or loss of use of both hands
- Certain severe burn injuries
- Certain respiratory or breathing injuries
Section 3: Application Process
Apply Online or by Mail
Submit VA Form 26-4555 (Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant) online via eBenefits or by mail to your Regional Loan Center.
Initial Approval & Agent Assignment
Once eligibility is established, the VA will assign a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Agent to assist you through the process.
Feasibility Study & Bids
Your SAH Agent will help determine if the proposed adaptations are feasible and help you obtain bids from qualified, VA-registered builders.
Project Approval
The VA reviews the bids, architectural plans, and builder credentials. Once approved, the grant funds are placed in escrow.
Construction & Inspections
As work progresses, the VA will conduct inspections. Funds are released from escrow to pay the builder as construction milestones are met.
Section 4: Required Documents
Gather these essential documents to ensure a smooth and timely application process with your SAH Agent.
VA Form 26-4555
Application for Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant.
DD Form 214
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
VA Disability Rating Letter
Official proof of your qualifying service-connected disability.
Proof of Home Ownership
Deed or title if you are modifying an existing primary residence.
Architectural Plans
Detailed blueprints or drawings of the proposed adaptations.
Builder Bids & Quotes
Detailed cost estimates from VA-registered contractors.
Building Permits
Local city/county permits required for the construction.
Proof of Identity
Valid government-issued photo ID (Driver's License, Passport).
Section 5: Project Worksheet
Required Adaptations
Funding Sources
*Grant maximums adjust annually based on the cost of construction index. Work with your SAH Agent to determine your exact available funding.
Your Next Step
Your Full VA Benefits Plan
Grants are one piece. The Veteran Homebuyer's Action Plan covers the VA loan, Texas property-tax exemptions, and the full path to keys.
Open the Action Plan movingtexas.ai/veterans-packetDavid Torres
Realtor | MRP | PSA
Realvisor Realty