Application for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant

Your identifying information. Include VA File Number so the application links to your rating and disability records.

(legal name, SSN, VA file number)

Common mistakes

• ×Applying before receiving the required P&T rating - SAH/SHA requires a permanent and total disability rating for a specific qualifying condition.
• ×Not knowing the grant amounts - SAH is approximately $101,754 (2024, adjusted annually); SHA is approximately $20,215. TRA (Temporary Residence Adaptation) is a subset of each.

SAH (Specially Adapted Housing - larger grant): Qualifying conditions include loss/loss of use of both lower extremities requiring wheelchair use, loss/loss of use of one lower extremity with loss of use of one upper extremity, certain blindness with other disability, severe burns. SHA (Special Home Adaptation - smaller grant): Qualifying conditions include blindness in both eyes (20/200 or worse), loss/loss of use of both hands, certain severe burn injuries. If unsure which you qualify for, VA will determine it.

e.g., SAH (wheelchair-dependent due to spinal cord injury)

Common mistakes

• ×Not applying because you think your disabilities don't qualify - the qualifying conditions list has expanded; consult with a VSO or VA loan specialist.
• ×Not knowing about TRA (Temporary Residence Adaptation) - a subset of the grant allows modifying a family member's home temporarily.

Authority

• 38 USC 2101 - Qualifying service-connected disabilities for the SAH grant.
• 38 USC 2102 - Up to grant maximum for SAH eligible veterans.
• 38 USC 2102A - Lower-tier housing grant for vision impairment, burns, anatomical loss not qualifying for SAH.

Address and ownership of the property you plan to adapt. Intended use: (1) Purchase or construct an adapted home, (2) Modify an existing home you own, (3) Apply the grant as partial payment on a home purchase. The property must be in the U.S. or its territories.

e.g., 123 Main St, Phoenix AZ 85001 (currently owned, will modify to add wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, accessible bathroom).

Common mistakes

• ×Modifying a home you are renting - SAH/SHA grants are for homes you own (or will own); renters generally cannot use this grant.
• ×Not knowing the grant can be applied as a down payment on a new home purchase.

Sign and date. After approval, VA will assign an SHA/SAH coordinator who will guide you through the construction or modification process.

(signature/date)

Common mistakes

• ×Starting construction before VA grant approval - VA must inspect the plans; unauthorized modifications may not be covered.
• ×Using the grant for cosmetic improvements unrelated to the disability - grant funds can only be used for accessibility-related modifications.