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Key points
- For FY 2026, VA lists maximums of $126,526 for SAH and $25,350 for SHA; amounts can change by fiscal year.[1]
- SAH and SHA require a qualifying service-connected disability and ownership or intended ownership of the permanent home, with specific eligibility categories.[1]
- HISA is a separate lifetime benefit for medically necessary improvements to a primary residence; eligibility determines whether the $6,800 or $2,000 category applies.[2]
- A HISA package includes VA medical justification, a signed VA Form 10-0103, an itemized estimate, a color photo, and owner authorization for renters.[2][3]
Yes, the VA may help eligible veterans adapt a home for a qualifying disability. The main programs are Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Home Adaptation (SHA), and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA). They have different eligibility rules, uses, amounts, and application routes, so do not treat them as one general housing grant.[1][2]
What are SAH and SHA grants?
SAH and SHA help eligible Veterans and service members buy, build, or change a permanent home so it better meets their needs. For either program, you generally must own or plan to own the home and have a qualifying service-connected disability. VA lists specific categories rather than a blanket disability-rating threshold.[1]
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
SAH may apply to disabilities such as loss or loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes, certain severe burns, or loss or loss of use of one lower extremity after September 11, 2001 that affects balance or walking. VA lists up to $126,526 for FY 2026.[1]
Special Home Adaptation (SHA)
SHA may apply to loss or loss of use of both hands, certain severe burns, or certain respiratory or breathing injuries. VA lists up to $25,350 for FY 2026. SHA is an adaptation grant; it does not mean VA will make loan payments or repay a loan.[1]
You do not have to use the entire SAH or SHA amount at once. VA says an eligible person may use the grant up to six different times over a lifetime, and the total maximum may be adjusted each year based on construction costs. The amount available depends on your eligibility, adaptations, and remaining entitlement.[1]
What is a HISA benefit?
HISA provides a lifetime benefit for medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to a Veteran’s or Servicemember’s primary residence. Covered purposes can include safer entrance and exit, essential bathroom facilities, accessible kitchen or bathroom sinks and counters, permanent ramping near the home, and plumbing or electrical work needed for home medical equipment.[2]
VA’s current HISA page states that up to $6,800 may apply to a service-connected disability, certain disabilities treated as service-connected, or a non-service-connected disability when the beneficiary has a service-connected disability rated at least 50%. Up to $2,000 may apply to a disability not covered by those categories. VA must determine your eligibility and available lifetime balance; all projects must be medically justified.[2]
Can VA help pay for bathroom remodeling?
Possibly, when the work is medically necessary and fits the program rules. HISA specifically includes essential lavatory and sanitary facilities, such as a roll-in shower, and accessibility changes to bathroom sinks or counters. SAH or SHA may also support broader adaptations when the applicant meets that program’s qualifying-disability and home-ownership requirements.[2][1]
How do you apply for SAH or SHA?
- Check the current eligibility rules Review VA’s disability-housing-grants page for the qualifying disability categories, permanent-home requirements, and current amounts.[1]
- Submit the current VA application VA says you can apply online, by mail, or in person using the current SAH/SHA application process and VA Form 26-4555. Follow the current instructions on VA.gov rather than relying on an old article or form.[4]
- Wait for VA’s decision VA processes the claim and sends a letter with its decision. Do not begin work or assume payment until VA provides the applicable approval and instructions.[4]
What documents are needed for HISA?
HISA follows a different medical and submission process. The current VA checklist says the package must include:[2]
- A prescription written or approved by a VA physician, describing the project and its diagnosis-based medical justification.[2]
- A completed and signed VA Form 10-0103; request an advance payment on the application if applicable.[2][3]
- For renters, a signed and notarized statement from the property owner authorizing the improvement or alteration.[2]
- A written, itemized estimate for labor, materials, permits, and inspections.[2]
- A color photograph of the unimproved area.[2]
The current Form 10-0103 instructs applicants to submit the application to the VA health care facility where the Veteran receives care. Follow the latest instructions from that facility or its local Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service. VA notes that a site inspection may be warranted.[2][3]
Will a housing grant need to be repaid?
Do not assume that every program has the same repayment or entitlement rules. SAH, SHA, and HISA are separate programs with their own requirements, lifetime limits, and VA instructions. Ask VA how a change in ownership, residence, project cost, or remaining entitlement affects your specific benefit before making a decision.[1][2]
Where can veterans get help?
Start with the official VA disability housing grants page and its application instructions. For HISA, contact the local PSAS serving the VA health care facility where you receive care. You can also review VAF’s related education on VA benefit eligibility and VA disability benefits. If you want to discuss insurance questions separately, you can book a call with Veterans Advantage Financial®; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by VA.[1][2]
Common questions
What is the maximum SAH grant in 2026?
VA lists up to $126,526 for SAH in FY 2026. The amount and your available entitlement depend on the current VA rules and can change in a later fiscal year.[1]
What is the maximum SHA grant in 2026?
VA lists up to $25,350 for SHA in FY 2026. You must meet the program’s specific qualifying-disability and home-ownership requirements.[1]
Can HISA pay for a bathroom modification?
It may, if the work is medically necessary and meets HISA rules. VA specifically lists essential lavatory and sanitary facilities and accessible bathroom sinks or counters as possible purposes.[2]
What does a HISA application include?
The package includes VA-physician medical justification, a signed VA Form 10-0103, an itemized estimate, a color photo of the unimproved area, and owner authorization for renters. Submit it according to the current instructions from your VA health care facility.[2][3]
Sources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Disability housing grants for Veterans.” VA.gov, last updated November 18, 2025. va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Home Improvements/Structural Alterations (HISA).” Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service, last updated February 12, 2025. prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvements and Structural Alterations.” va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/10-0103-fill.pdf
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “How to apply for an adapted housing grant.” VA.gov, last updated September 24, 2025. va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/how-to-apply
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Dollar amounts are for 2026 unless noted.
This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.
Christopher Duncan
Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.