VA Housing Resources for Heroes Part II: An Overview on the VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

Since 1948, VA has administered the Specially Adapted Housing grant program, which assists Service members and Veterans who have certain severe service-connected disabilities in building, remodeling, or purchasing an adapted home. SAH program grants provide barrier-free living environments, such as wheelchair accessible homes that afford Veterans a level of independent living they may not otherwise enjoy.
Since 1948, VA has authorized over 34,000 SAH grants, totaling over $1.15 billion. In FY 2015, VA approved more than 1,800 grants, totaling $96 million, which represents an increase of approximately 44 percent over FY 2014 and an increase of approximately 65 percent over FY 2013. Recent statutory expansions in the SAH program, coupled with military drawdowns and VA’s success in reducing disability compensation claims processing time, have contributed to the overall increase in SAH-eligible Veterans
There are three different grants that accommodate Veterans’ unique housing needs. Grant entitlement is determined through VA’s disability compensation rating process, and the Veteran or Service member’s specific physical circumstances. All grants have maximum amounts set by Congress, and grant maximums are reviewed and adjusted annually, based on a cost-of-construction index. Veterans may use the SAH grant benefit up to three times, up to the maximum dollar amount allowable.
• Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grants are generally used to create wheelchair accessible homes. In FY 2016, the maximum grant amount is $73,768.
• Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants are generally used to enhance Veterans’ mobility throughout their homes. In FY 2016, the maximum grant amount is $14,754.
• Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grants are for eligible Veterans and Service members who are temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member that needs modifications to accommodate the Veteran’s or Service member’s needs. In FY 2016, the maximum TRA grant is $32,384 for SAH-eligible Veterans and Service members, and $5,782 for SAH-eligible Veterans and Service members.
This webinar, the second in the ‘2016 Veterans Summer Series’, will provide interested stakeholders general information on the VA Specially Adapted Housing program. Discussion will include both Veteran and property eligibility as well as the grant approval process and how builders and contractors fit in. Participants will have ample opportunity following presentations to ask questions of the subject matter expert.
Co-Sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation, JPMorgan Chase,
Wells Fargo Foundation, and USDA RD
Presented by Housing Assistance Council in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs
Recorded on July 13, 2016

[@marcusbennette8454]

Do you have the names and information to get in contact with some of the nonprofit organizations?

[@marksamuelsen2750]

I did break cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae after being inan accident after a required Commanders Call at the NCO club on base. I was NOT driving. Guy drove into the side of a bridge. When I applied for disability with the VA they said there was no medical records that covered that incident and rejected me for disability. I just need some financial help to rent or purchase a home. Please advise me the best Avenue for me to get help.

[@sandracrawn623]

after the sah grant is the property in any way tied to the gov,? after the death of the va? or can the home be sold or granted off ?by the veteran at any time