VA Home Modification Grants: SAH, SHA, and HISA Explained (2026)
The VA offers three distinct home modification grant programs for veterans: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant, and the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. Each has different eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and covered modifications. This guide explains all three.
Key Takeaways
- VA SAH grants provide up to $109,986 in 2026 for veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting mobility.
- VA SHA grants provide up to $22,036 for veterans with different qualifying service-connected disabilities.
- VA HISA grants (up to $6,800) are available to a broader range of veterans for smaller modifications.
- Grants are available up to 3 times (SAH) and 3 times (SHA) — most veterans use them in phases as their home changes.
- Application is through your VA regional loan center or VA regional office — not through the VA health system.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| SAH grant maximum (2026) | $0 | $109,986 |
| SHA grant maximum (2026) | $0 | $22,036 |
| HISA grant (service-connected) | $0 | $6,800 |
| HISA grant (non-service-connected) | $0 | $2,000 |
| Your potential out-of-pocket cost | $0 | $5,000 |
What to Look For
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAH grant and who qualifies?
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant provides up to $109,986 (2026) for veterans with permanent, service-connected disabilities requiring wheelchair use, blindness in both eyes, or loss/loss of use of both legs. It can fund: construction of an adapted home, purchase of an adapted home, or adaptation of an existing home. The grant may be used up to 3 times with cumulative limits. The vast majority of SAH grants fund adaptations to existing homes rather than new construction.
What is the SHA grant?
The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant provides up to $22,036 (2026) for veterans with service-connected disabilities involving blindness in one eye with limited vision in the other, or loss/loss of use of both hands, or a different qualifying disability than SAH. Like SAH, it can be used up to 3 times with cumulative limits. SHA-eligible veterans with less severe disabilities who need home modifications should also check if they qualify for HISA.
What is the HISA grant and how does it differ from SAH/SHA?
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant provides up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities and up to $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions. HISA has broader eligibility than SAH/SHA — it covers veterans who need modifications due to any disability connected to service, not just the specific qualifying conditions for SAH/SHA. HISA is administered through VA medical centers, while SAH/SHA are administered through the VA Regional Loan Centers.
What home modifications do VA grants cover?
SAH/SHA: major structural modifications including ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers, stairlifts, elevators, and custom construction. HISA: plumbing changes, grab bars, ramps, paving for wheelchair access, bathroom modifications, and most common aging-in-place modifications. Neither grant covers cosmetic improvements, appliances, or modifications not directly related to the veteran's disability. HISA can be stacked with SAH/SHA for different modifications.
How do I apply for a VA home modification grant?
For SAH/SHA: contact your VA Regional Loan Center (find at benefits.va.gov). You'll need: your service-connected disability rating, documentation of the disability requiring adaptation, and proof of property ownership or purchase intent. The VA assigns a specialist who works with you through the process. For HISA: contact your VA medical center's Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service department. HISA applications are typically faster (4–8 weeks vs. 60–120 days for SAH/SHA).
Can veterans stack VA grants with other funding sources?
Yes — VA grants can be combined with other funding sources for different modifications. For example, a veteran might use HISA for grab bars and ramp modifications, then use USDA Section 504 for roof or structural repair if income-eligible. Medicaid HCBS waivers can fund modifications not covered by VA grants. The key requirement: VA grants cannot pay for the same modification as another government program — each program must cover distinct cost items.
What if the VA grant doesn't cover the full cost of modifications?
VA grants are designed to cover the required modifications in full when properly documented. If modification costs exceed grant limits: (1) phase the work over multiple grant uses (SAH/SHA allow 3 uses); (2) combine with HISA for lower-cost modifications; (3) use personal funds or home equity for modifications beyond the grant scope; (4) work with a VA-approved contractor who has experience maximizing grant coverage within approved modification types.
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