It is a wonderful thing to have a home, as many homeless veterans know.  It is quite another when you struggle to get around in your own  home, as only disabled veterans know.  The Veterans Administration recognizes the sacrifice of veterans who became 100 % disabled during their service and has responded with a grant program designed to help.  A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant, also known as a 2101(a) Grant, is one of three grant programs designed to help veterans with 100% service connected disabilities that include the loss or functional loss of a leg, build or adapt their home into one that fully meets their special needs.  Older veterans who have a 100% service related disability that has ultimately required them to use a wheelchair are also eligible for the grant.  To see if your disability qualifies for the grant, look here.

The program currently provides $63,780 in grant money that does not need to be repaid that covers the costs of the adaptations up to the total amount of the grant.  Many veterans work with their SAH benefit coordinator to build a house to their own specifications.  The coordinator will work with the vet to assess blueprints, work with architects and approve construction.

If the home costs are greater than the grant amount, the veteran may need to supplement building costs with a conventional or VA loan and must show that they have the ability to secure the additional funds to finish the project or purchase the house.

The SAH may be accessed up to three times during a veteran’s life, up to the maximum grant amount. The grant may also be used to pay down a mortgage if the existing home already meets the requirements for handicap accessibility.

Veterans can use the SAH grant to make floors wheelchair friendly; widen doors, hallways and bathing facilities; add a handicap-accessible garage or other adaptation that meets the individual needs of the veteran. Veterans who think they qualify should complete VA Form 26-4555 and submit it to their local VA Regional Loan Center.