Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Specially Adapted Housing Grant

undefined Specially Adapted Housing Grant?


The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides grants to Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. Two grant programs exist: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. Under either grant, a Temporary Residence Adaptation grant (TRA) may be available to Veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides grants to Servicemembers and Veterans with certain permanent and total service-connected disabilities to help purchase or construct an adapted home, or modify an existing home to accommodate a disability. Two grant programs exist: the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. Under either grant, a Temporary Residence Adaptation grant (TRA) may be available to Veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.

undefined Specially Adapted Housing Grant?


The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to Veterans or Servicemembers who have a service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:

  • The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; OR
  • Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity; OR
  • The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with:
    (1) Residuals of organic disease or injury, or
    (2) The loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

    Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; OR
  • The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows; OR
  • Severe burn injuries; OR
  • The loss or loss of use of one or more lower limbs due to service on or after September 11, 2001. This must affect your balance or movement, and hinder walking without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. This disability type is limited to 30 participants per Fiscal Year.

The Special Housing Adaptation Grant is available to Veterans or Servicemembers who have a service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:

  • Blindness in both eyes with 20/200 visual acuity or less; OR
  • The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands; OR
  • Certain severe respiratory ailments.


The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the Veteran or Servicemember's basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant. The VA Rating Decision is subject to review and revision.

Most Veterans who receive a Specially Adapted Housing Grant are also eligible for Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance covering the unpaid principal, not to exceed $200,000, on the mortgage loan. You can go to "Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance" to see the program requirements.

Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the Veteran/Servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, Reserve and National Guard members must have an honorable discharge. Sometimes, Veterans/Servicemembers receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.

undefined Specially Adapted Housing Grant?


To complete an application, use VA Form 26-4555, "Veteran's Application In Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant."


For more information, please visit the Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans page.

If you have questions:

  • Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
  • Visit the Ask VA (AVA) website to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line
  • Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired

To apply for VA benefits and services, view your benefit status, and many more services go to www.va.gov and either logon with your eBenefits sign on or use www.Logon.gov to enroll. VA.gov is a one-stop source for information on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services. Veterans, service members and their family members can conduct self-service transactions such as checking compensation and pension claim status information, enrolling in GI Bill, and obtaining copies of civil service preference letters, military records (DD214), and other personal information. For further information visit the VA.gov website.