Securing a safe and accessible home can be one of the greatest challenges for veterans living with service-connected disabilities. To address this, various housing grant programs have been developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations to help disabled veterans afford home modifications, purchase adapted housing, or renovate existing homes. These grants are not loans—they do not require repayment—and they play a critical role in improving the quality of life and independence of eligible veterans.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 4.7 million veterans live with some form of disability. For many, traditional homes do not meet their physical needs, whether due to limited mobility, sensory impairments, or traumatic injuries. Through tailored grant programs, eligible veterans can receive tens of thousands of dollars in assistance to build or modify a residence that allows them to live more comfortably and independently.

The VA’s Key Housing Grant Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several main housing grant programs for disabled veterans. These are primarily designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities and are awarded based on the severity and nature of the disability.

1. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The SAH grant is the largest and most comprehensive housing grant available to disabled veterans. As of fiscal year 2025, eligible veterans can receive up to $117,014 (adjusted annually for inflation).

The SAH grant can be used to:

1. Build a specially adapted home on land to be acquired
2. Remodel an existing home to meet disability-related needs
3. Apply the grant against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of an adapted home already acquired without VA assistance

To qualify, veterans must have a qualifying service-connected disability, such as:

1. Loss of or loss of use of both legs or both arms
2. Certain severe burns
3. Certain respiratory or vision impairments

Veterans can receive up to six disbursements of the grant over their lifetime, offering flexibility for long-term housing plans.

2. Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The SHA grant is designed for veterans with less severe but still qualifying service-connected disabilities. In 2025, the SHA grant provides up to $23,444.

SHA grants may be used to:

1. Adapt an existing home
2. Adapt a family member’s home where the veteran will live
3. Purchase a home already adapted for the veteran’s needs

Eligible disabilities include the loss or loss of use of both hands or certain severe burns and respiratory injuries.

3. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

TRA grants are for veterans who are temporarily living in a family member’s home and need it modified for accessibility. Veterans must qualify for SAH or SHA to be eligible.

Maximum amounts in 2025:

1. Up to $47,130 for SAH-eligible veterans
2. Up to $8,415 for SHA-eligible veterans

This grant helps cover necessary modifications such as wheelchair ramps, bathroom access, widened doorways, and other essential adaptations.

Other VA and Federal Housing Assistance Options

In addition to these main programs, the VA and other federal agencies offer support that can be used alongside or separately from housing grants.

VA Home Loans with Adapted Housing Features

While not a grant, the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Program can be used to purchase or refinance homes, and includes options for financing home improvements or adaptations through VA Renovation Loans.

HUD-VASH Program

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in collaboration with the VA, provides housing vouchers for homeless or at-risk veterans through the HUD-VASH program. While not strictly focused on disability, many eligible participants also have service-connected health issues or disabilities.

USDA Housing Repair Grants for Low-Income Veterans

The USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair program offers grants up to $10,000 for very-low-income rural homeowners, including veterans, to repair or adapt their homes.

Non-Profit and Private Sector Housing Grants

Numerous nonprofit organizations supplement government efforts with their own veteran-focused housing support.

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT)

HFOT builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. To date, the organization has completed over 350 homes.

Operation FINALLY HOME

This nonprofit provides mortgage-free homes to wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families across the United States.

Rebuilding Together

Through its Veterans Housing program, this organization offers critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for veterans in need.

Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. Program

This foundation builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans, with features like voice-controlled systems, roll-in showers, and customized kitchens.

How to Apply for VA Housing Grants

Veterans interested in applying for SAH or SHA grants must:

1. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA
2. Submit VA Form 26-4555 (available online at VA.gov)
3. Undergo a home assessment to evaluate adaptation needs
4. Coordinate with VA agents and approved contractors

Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or through a local VA regional office.

Conclusion

Housing grants for disabled veterans represent more than just financial support—they are tools for independence, dignity, and improved quality of life. Whether through VA-sponsored programs like SAH and SHA or nonprofit efforts like Homes For Our Troops, these grants enable veterans to live in spaces that truly meet their needs. For veterans and families navigating post-service life with physical challenges, these programs are not only helpful—they are life-changing.