How to apply for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) + Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants
Step-by-step guide for severely disabled veterans applying for VA home-modification grants. SAH 2025 max ~$117,014 (paralyzed/limb-loss veterans). SHA 2025 max ~$23,444 (vision-impaired or limb-loss veterans). HISA up to $6,800/$2,000 (lower thresholds). 5 steps using VA Form 26-4555.
What you'll need
- VA Form 26-4555 (Application for Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant)
- VA disability rating decision (showing qualifying disability)
- Home ownership documentation (deed, mortgage, etc.) — or family member home for SHA
- Free CVSO (recommended for complex cases)
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) advocacy for paralysis cases
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility (3 different grants for different disabilities)
SAH (~$117K, 2025): for veterans with permanent + total service-connected disability of: loss/loss-of-use of both legs, OR loss/loss-of-use of one leg + one arm, OR blindness in both eyes (5/200) + loss/loss-of-use of one leg, OR severe burn injuries, OR ALS. SHA (~$23K, 2025): for veterans with permanent + total service-connected blindness in both eyes (5/200) OR loss/loss-of-use of both hands. HISA (up to $6,800 service-connected, $2,000 non-service-connected): smaller modifications for less severe disabilities. SAH is largest, SHA medium, HISA smallest.
Step 2: File VA Form 26-4555 with disability documentation
File at va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/. Include: VA disability rating decision, home ownership docs, photos showing access barriers. VA assigns a Specially Adapted Housing Agent (SAH Agent) to your case. Initial review 30-60 days; full evaluation 90-120 days.
Step 3: Work with SAH Agent on construction plan
SAH Agent visits your home (free), evaluates barriers, discusses needed modifications: wider doorways (32+ inches for wheelchair), zero-threshold entry, ramp access, roll-in shower with bench, lowered countertops, accessible appliances, lifts (chair/wheelchair), wheelchair-accessible parking. Agent works with VA-approved contractors OR coordinates with your contractor. Grant pays directly to contractor at construction completion stages.
Step 4: Construction + payment
VA approves construction plan + budget. Contractor begins work. VA pays in 3 stages (typical): 30% at start, 50% at mid-progress milestone, 20% at completion + final inspection. Total construction typically 4-12 months. SAH grant is ONE-TIME — used grants reduce future eligibility. SHA grant similarly one-time.
Step 5: For SAH-Adaptive (family home modifications)
If you live in a family member's home (parent, sibling, adult child), you may qualify for SHA-Adaptive — a modified version of SHA up to ~$10,500 (2025) for modifications to the family home. Different VA Form, different eligibility (no homeownership required). Useful for veterans not yet ready or able to own homes. PVA service officers specialize in this for paralyzed veterans living with family.
Critical tips
- PVA (pva.org) provides specialized SAH advocacy for paralyzed veterans. Their service officers know SAH/SHA nuances better than general CVSOs. FREE service.
- SAH may COMBINE with VA Home Loan zero-down purchase + SAH-funded modifications = veteran moves into accessibility-purpose-built home with minimal upfront cash.
- For the 100%-rated severely disabled veteran combining: VA Home Loan (zero down + Funding Fee waived) + SAH grant + state property tax exemption + Wounded Warriors Housing Down-Payment grant — total cost-of-housing reduction can be substantial.
- For Adaptive Equipment grants for vehicles (different program but similar veterans qualify), see /api/v1/howto/get-vehicle-modification.json.
- Some states + counties offer additional accessibility grants for veterans (Texas, California, NY most prominent). Check warriorsfund.org/state/{your-state}.