HISA Home Improvements and Special Adapted Housing Program
Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
HISA eligibility
a. Veterans receiving treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the auspices of 38 U.S.C. Section 1710 are eligible for HISA benefits as follows:
(1) $4,100 lifetime HISA benefit when necessary for:
(a) Service connected condition.
(b) Non-service connected condition of a veteran rated 50 percent or more service connected.
(c) Non-service connected condition of a veteran in receipt of 38 U.S.C. Section 1151
benefits.
(2) $1,200 lifetime HISA benefit when necessary for treatment of a non-service connected condition of veterans who are:
(a) Rated less than 50 percent service connected.
(b) Discharged or released from active duty for a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
(c) Former Prisoners of War, veterans of the Mexican Border period or World War I.
(d) Unable to defray the expenses of necessary care as determined under 38 U.S.C. Section 1722 (a), i.e., veterans who qualify through “means testing,” as determined via Medical Care Cost Fund (MCCF).
(e) Eligible for benefits under 38 U.S.C. Section 1710(a)(2)(F) and (e), due to exposure to a toxic substance, radiation, or an environmental hazard.
October 30, 2000 VHA HANDBOOK 1173.14
(f) Veterans who are required to pay a co-payment for their care are eligible for the $1,200.00 benefit due to enactment of Public Law 105-114, Section 402(b)(2).
HISA GRANTS
a. HISA grants provide for medically necessary improvements and/or structural changes to the veteran’s residence for the following purposes:
(1) Allowing entrance to or exit from the veteran’s residence.
(2) Use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities.
(3) Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters.
(4) Improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to the home by the veteran.
(5) Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of dialysis equipment in the home.
b. Improvements can include, but are not limited to:
(1) Door Latches. Door latch handles must be easy to operate and grasp.
(2) Entrances. Minimum width of all doors should be 3 feet (36 inches). Renovation work where 3 foot openings are impossible, opening of 2 feet 8 inches (32 inches is acceptable). A maneuvering area with a minimum length of 4 feet 6 inches (54 inches) should be provided on each side of all doors.
(3) Electrical Outlets and Wall Switches. Wall mounted outlets should be located at a maximum height of 4 feet (48 inches) and a minimum height of 1 foot, 6 inches (18 inches).
(4) Handrails. Primary functions of hand rails are to act as a safety barrier to protect the user from a fall, to aid with balance, or to allow a wheelchair user a means for propulsion. Handrails should be smooth and continuous, and must be provided on both sides of a ramp.
(5) Ramps. Permanent ramping constructed of wood or concrete that is built according to the American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
(6) Windows. Window controls must be accessible and easy to operate. Controls for windows should be located at a maximum height of 4 feet, 6 inches (54 inches). Controls for curtains and blinds should be similarly accessible.
Specially Adapted Housing Program
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.
Grants provided under the SAH program may also be used outside the United States. However, it must be reasonably practicable for VA to provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing for the designated country or political subdivision outside the United States. For more information on SAH Program.
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.
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.
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.
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
Builder Registration Information
For more information on use of such grants, please contact Brian N. Bixler, Chief, Specially Adapted Housing, on (202) 461-9546 or via Email at: brian.bixler@va.gov.