Veteran Accessibility Benefits
For Veterans and service members with qualifying disabilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that may help pay for accessibility improvements to a home. Three programs you may encounter are HISA, SAH, and SHA.
Although they are often discussed together, they are not interchangeable. HISA is a VA health care benefit for medically necessary home improvements and structural alterations. SAH and SHA are disability housing grants for Veterans and service members with certain qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Important: HISA Does Not Cover Every Accessibility Product
VA specifically excludes certain removable equipment from HISA, including stair glides or stairlifts, porch lifts or vertical platform lifts, and portable ramps. These products may potentially fall under other VA benefits or programs depending on the Veteran's eligibility and medical needs, but they should not be described as HISA-covered equipment. See the official VA HISA rules.
HISA, SAH & SHA at a Glance
Each program serves a different purpose and has its own eligibility requirements, funding limits, and application process.
VA Health Care Benefit
HISA
$6,800 or $2,000
Helps pay for medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to a Veteran's primary residence. HISA is a lifetime benefit, and the applicable benefit level depends on the disability being addressed and the Veteran's service-connected status.
Disability Housing Grant
SAH
Up to $126,526
FY 2026 maximum benefit for qualifying Veterans and service members with certain severe service-connected disabilities who need to buy, build, or modify a permanent home.
Disability Housing Grant
SHA
Up to $25,350
FY 2026 maximum benefit for Veterans and service members with certain other qualifying service-connected disabilities who need adaptations to a permanent home.
HISA — Home Improvements and Structural Alterations
A VA health care benefit for medically necessary home modifications
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations benefit helps eligible Veterans and service members pay for medically necessary improvements or structural changes to their primary residence.
Qualifying projects can include improvements needed to enter or exit the home, access essential bathroom facilities, use accessible sinks or counters, improve certain entrance paths, or make plumbing or electrical changes required for prescribed home medical equipment.
How Much Does HISA Provide?
HISA is a lifetime benefit, not an annual grant.
Up to $6,800
May apply when the modification addresses a service-connected disability, certain compensable disabilities treated by VA as service-connected, or a non-service-connected disability when the Veteran has a separate service-connected disability rated at least 50%.
Up to $2,000
May apply for an eligible disability when the Veteran does not meet the criteria for the $6,800 lifetime benefit.
Every HISA project must be medically justified, and VA determines eligibility, authorization, and the Veteran's remaining lifetime benefit.
Examples HISA May Cover
- Roll-in or accessible shower modifications
- Permanent ramps providing access to the home
- Widening qualifying doorways
- Lowering certain counters or sinks
- Plumbing required for prescribed medical equipment
- Electrical work required for prescribed medical equipment
HISA Does Not Cover
- Stair glides or stairlifts
- Porch lifts or vertical platform lifts
- Portable ramps
- New home construction
- Exterior decking
- Routine home repairs
- Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi-type equipment
- Certain walk-in, sit-down, hydrotherapy, or jetted tubs
Planning a ramp or bathroom modification? Altamira's wheelchair ramp calculator can help you estimate the ramp length an entrance may require, and you can also explore accessible bathroom modification options. These tools help with project planning only; VA determines whether a specific project qualifies for HISA.
An item being excluded from HISA does not necessarily mean VA can never provide it. Stairlifts, platform lifts, mobility equipment, vehicle adaptations, and other accessibility devices may fall under different VA benefits or programs when medically necessary and authorized.
SAH — Specially Adapted Housing Grant
The Specially Adapted Housing grant helps Veterans and service members with certain qualifying service-connected disabilities buy, build, or modify a permanent home to better meet their accessibility needs.
For FY 2026, the maximum SAH grant is $126,526.
Eligibility is based on specific service-connected disabilities established by VA. Current qualifying categories include certain losses or loss of use of limbs, certain severe burns, qualifying blindness, and certain lower-extremity disabilities.
SAH may be used for major home adaptations such as accessible entrances, wider doors and passageways, accessible bathrooms, ramps, and other structural modifications included in an approved adaptation plan.
VA makes the final determination regarding eligibility, allowable adaptations, and grant amount.
SHA — Special Home Adaptation Grant
The Special Home Adaptation grant is available to Veterans and service members with certain qualifying service-connected disabilities who need accessibility adaptations to a permanent home.
For FY 2026, the maximum SHA grant is $25,350.
Current qualifying disability categories include loss or loss of use of both hands, certain severe burns, and certain qualifying respiratory or breathing injuries.
Unlike SAH, an SHA-funded home may in some situations be owned by the Veteran or service member or by a qualifying family member.
VA determines which adaptations and expenses are eligible for each approved SHA project.
HISA vs. SAH vs. SHA
| Program | Maximum Benefit | Primary Purpose | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| HISA | $6,800 or $2,000 lifetime benefit | Medically necessary home improvements and structural alterations | VA health care benefit; does not cover stairlifts, VPLs, or portable ramps |
| SAH | Up to $126,526 for FY 2026 | Major permanent-home adaptations | Requires a qualifying service-connected disability |
| SHA | Up to $25,350 for FY 2026 | Permanent-home adaptations for other qualifying disabilities | Separate disability criteria from SAH |
How to Apply for HISA, SAH, or SHA
HISA and the disability housing grants use different application processes. The links below go directly to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Applying for HISA
- Obtain a prescription written or approved by a VA physician describing the proposed modification and its medical justification.
- Complete and sign VA Form 10-0103.
- Obtain a written, itemized estimate for labor, materials, permits, and inspections.
- Provide a color photograph of the area before modification.
- If renting, obtain authorization from the property owner.
Contact the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service at your VA medical facility before beginning a HISA project.
Applying for SAH or SHA
- Confirm that you meet VA's disability and housing eligibility requirements.
- Apply online through VA or complete VA Form 26-4555.
- Work with VA on the approved adaptation plan and allowable expenses.
- Obtain authorization before assuming a particular product or modification will be reimbursed.
SAH and SHA eligibility is determined by VA based on the applicant's qualifying service-connected disability and housing situation.
Which VA Benefit Applies to Your Accessibility Project?
The appropriate program depends on both the Veteran's eligibility and the type of accessibility need.
HISA is primarily intended for medically necessary structural improvements to the Veteran's primary residence.
SAH and SHA provide substantially larger housing-adaptation benefits for Veterans and service members with specific qualifying service-connected disabilities.
Accessibility equipment such as stairlifts and vertical platform lifts is not covered by HISA, but other VA programs may apply depending on medical necessity and authorization.
The safest approach is to confirm the appropriate VA benefit and obtain the required authorization before purchasing equipment or beginning construction.
How Altamira Can Help
Altamira Ltd. provides home accessibility assessments, equipment recommendations, installation, and project estimates for solutions including wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, patient lifts, and accessible bathroom modifications. For Veterans pursuing VA assistance, we can provide product information, measurements, estimates, and other project documentation when appropriate. Eligibility, authorization, and payment decisions are made by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Not sure which Altamira team serves your area? Find your nearest Altamira location.
Official VA Resources
HISA program information: VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations
HISA application: VA Form 10-0103
SAH and SHA eligibility: VA Disability Housing Grants
SAH/SHA application form: VA Form 26-4555
Apply for SAH/SHA online: VA Online Adapted Housing Grant Application
VA makes all final eligibility, authorization, and benefit determinations. Benefit amounts and program requirements can change, so Veterans should confirm current information directly with VA.
