Specially Adapted Housing Program

Military.com | By Jim Absher

Published November 16, 2023

Veterans who have specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs to construct a home or modify an existing home to meet their physical needs.

These grants may also be used outside the United States in special circumstances.

The two types of housing grants administered by VA include the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

Eligibility	Number of Grants You Can Use
The loss, or loss of use, of more than one limb The loss, or loss of use, of a lower leg along with the lasting effects of a natural 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 (foot or leg) after Sep. 11, 2001, which makes it so you can’t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair	Maximum of 6 grants, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable

Eligibility

Number of Grants You Can Use

The loss, or loss of use, of more than one limb
The loss, or loss of use, of a lower leg along with the lasting effects of a natural 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 (foot or leg) after Sep. 11, 2001, which makes it so you can’t balance or walk without the help of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair

Maximum of 6 grants, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

Eligibility	Number of Grants You Can Use
Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less Loss of, or loss of use of, both hands Certain severe burn injuries Certain severe respiratory injuries	Maximum of 6 grants, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable

For details on both programs, see our Specially Adapted Housing FAQs page.

How to Apply for Specially Adapted Housing Grants

To apply for a grant, fill out and submit VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant. You can access this form by:

Applying online via www.va.gov
Downloading VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant, and mailing it to your nearest Regional Loan Center
Calling VA toll free at 800-827-1000 to have a claim form mailed to you
Visiting the nearest VA regional office. Find the office nearest you by visiting VA Regional Office Locations or calling VA toll-free at 800-827-1000

Additional Grants

Many states offer relief from property taxes for veterans who live in a home that was either built or adapted using these grants. Check out our state benefits section for details on your specific state.

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Jim Absher

Jim Absher is Military.com's former benefits editor and columnist. He joined the Navy to see the world and later realized the world is two-thirds water. He also worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in field offices and Washington, D.C. before coming to Military.com in 2015. Read Full Bio

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