If I have a VA mortgage and my home is not functional for wheelchair use, can I have a new home built with the housing grant?

2022-05-19T11:06:56-04:00

If I have a VA mortgage and my home is not functional for wheelchair use and my floors are falling in/collapsing due to how heavy the wheelchair is can I have a new home built with the housing grant and how would I go about doing it?

Response by SGM William Everroad made May 19 at 2022 11:21 AM

2022-05-19T11:21:28-04:00

SPC Thomas Coleman, The grant you are looking for is the Specially Adapted Housing grant up to $101,754. You may be able to get an SAH grant if you’re using the grant money to buy, build, or change your permanent home (a home you plan to live in for a long time) and you meet both of these requirements. You must own or will own the home, and have a qualifying service-connected disability. If you do not want to use the grant for your current home, you will have to sell it and apply for a VA Loan for the new home, then the SAH grant. https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/

Additionally, the VA offers the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, up to $6,800 lifetime benefit, that provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers’ primary residence for allowing entrance to or exit from their homes, use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities (e.g. roll in showers), allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters (e.g. lowering counters/sinks), improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to the home through construction of permanent ramping, and/or improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of home medical equipment. The lifetime HISA benefit is up to $6,800. https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp

Disability housing grants for Veterans | Veterans Affairs

We offer housing grants for Veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs and live more independently. Changing a home might involve installing ramps or widening doorways. Find out if you’re eligible for a disability housing grant—and how to apply.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 19 at 2022 1:31 PM

2022-05-19T13:31:30-04:00

I don't know the technicalities, but SGM William Everroad seems to have covered them pretty well.

But can you not use the grant to just reinforced your floors? I am betting that your sub-floor is 3/4" plywood. Upgrading to 1" would make a world of difference - and should be a cost-effective solution (even *with* current lumber prices).

Just a thought.