What Are SAH Grants and Why Do They Matter?

SAH grants are VA-funded resources that help veterans with severe service-connected disabilities modify or construct homes for better accessibility and independence.

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant is designed for veterans who need major home modifications due to severe, permanent, and total service-connected disabilities. Common adaptations include installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, adding roll-in showers, or lowering countertops. As of fiscal year 2024, the SAH grant covers up to $117,014, which can be used up to six times over a veteran’s lifetime (as long as you don’t exceed the total cap).

Why is SAH expansion important?

Home construction costs have surged in recent years, and many veterans find that existing grant limits no longer cover needed modifications—particularly in high-cost areas or for those requiring extensive adaptations. Proposed changes aim to raise the funding cap, streamline the application, and expand eligibility to include conditions like PTSD or respiratory injuries that also impact daily living. By making SAH more flexible and inclusive, advocates hope to help more veterans achieve the goal of living in a barrier-free home.

Key Benefits of SAH Grants

SAH grants provide significant financial support, flexibility in use, and long-term independence for veterans who require specialized home adaptations.

1. Financial Support – Covers up to 50% of major home adaptation or construction costs, easing the financial load.
2. Flexibility – Funds can be used to buy, build, or adapt a home. You can even pay down the mortgage on a property already adapted for your needs.
3. Promotes Independence – Adaptations like ramps or roll-in showers help veterans function safely in their own spaces, reducing reliance on daily caregivers.
4. Multiple Uses – Veterans can draw from the SAH grant up to six times, which means you can plan for both current and future needs without maxing out your benefit in one go.

Why Expanding SAH Grants Is a Game-Changer

Increasing SAH grant limits and broadening eligibility ensures more veterans—especially those with less recognized disabilities—can afford essential home modifications.

Although $117,014 is a substantial sum, the cost of materials and labor has outpaced this limit in many areas. That can leave veterans covering a hefty difference out of pocket. Ongoing advocacy efforts are pushing for:

• Higher Funding Caps – Adjusting the SAH cap annually based on construction cost indexes.
• Broader Eligibility – Including mental health disabilities such as PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, which often require specialized home environments.
• Streamlined Applications – Introducing an online portal and faster approval times to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

These expansions recognize that disabilities affect veterans in diverse ways. For instance, a veteran with PTSD might need soundproofing or specialized lighting to avoid triggers. By widening the scope of SAH, the VA can reach veterans whose disabilities go beyond mobility challenges, ultimately helping them create homes that genuinely foster well-being.

Current vs. Proposed SAH Grant Changes

Who Qualifies for SAH Grants?

SAH grants primarily assist veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities, especially those affecting mobility and vision.

To qualify for SAH, you need to meet both disability and homeownership requirements.

1. Qualifying Disabilities – Loss or loss of use of both legs, requiring a wheelchair or assistive devices; blindness in both eyes (20/200 or less) plus loss of use of one leg; loss or loss of use of one lower leg (post-9/11); loss or loss of use of both arms above the elbow; certain severe burn injuries or respiratory conditions.
2. Home Ownership – You must own or plan to own the home. (A family member’s home can qualify for TRA grants if you live there temporarily.)
3. Permanent Residence – The adapted home must be your long-term primary residence.
4. Medical Feasibility – You should be able to live independently in the adapted home.

Pro Tip: Only about 120 veterans per year can qualify for SAH based on a single limb loss. If you’re denied in a given fiscal year, you can reapply later, so it’s wise to submit your application as soon as possible after October 1.

How to Apply for an SAH Grant

Complete VA Form 26-4555 and submit it through the VA’s website, by mail, or in-person at a regional office. Then, work with a VA agent to plan your home adaptations.

1. Confirm Eligibility – Check your disability rating and ensure it meets SAH criteria. Consult with a VA representative or Veteran Service Organization (VSO) if you’re unsure.
2. Fill Out VA Form 26-4555 – Download the form from the official VA website or call 800-827-1000 to request a paper copy.
3. Submit Your Application – Online via VA’s eBenefits portal or va.gov; by mail to your nearest VA Regional Loan Center; or in-person at a VA Regional Office.
4. Work With an SAH Agent – If your application is approved, the VA will assign you an SAH agent who can help you find reputable contractors and develop an adaptation plan.
5. Monitor Your Claim – Track your application status online or call 800-827-1000 for updates.

Extra Tip: Include a contingency clause in any construction contract stating that final funding depends on SAH approval. This protects you financially if the grant is delayed or denied.

Other VA Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans

In addition to SAH, the VA offers Special Housing Adaptation (SHA), Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA), and Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grants—each with unique eligibility and funding limits.

It’s worth exploring all available VA grants to maximize your benefits. Each program targets different levels of disability and housing needs:

1. Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant – For veterans with less severe disabilities needing help with daily tasks; up to $22,444 (2024). Examples include installing grab bars, non-slip floors, or lowering countertops.
2. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant – For eligible veterans temporarily living in a family member’s home; up to $44,299 (SAH) or $8,415 (SHA). Ideal for those awaiting a permanent housing solution.
3. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant – Covers medically necessary improvements, even for non-service-connected disabilities (with some restrictions); up to $6,800 (service-connected) or $2,000 (non-service-connected). Examples include roll-in showers and lowered cabinets.

How Expanded SAH Grants Could Benefit Veterans with PTSD

By recognizing PTSD as a qualifying condition, SAH grants could fund home adaptations—like soundproofing and enhanced security—that significantly improve veterans’ mental well-being.

Veterans with PTSD often contend with heightened sensitivities to noise, light, or unexpected stimuli. They may also face challenges feeling safe in unfamiliar or poorly secured environments. Potential home adaptations under an expanded SAH might include:

• Soundproofing – Reduces external noise triggers.
• Enhanced Lighting – Minimizes harsh contrasts or sudden changes that can induce stress.
• Security Systems – Cameras, alarms, or smart locks that improve a sense of safety.
• Sensory Rooms – Calm, quiet spaces to decompress during high anxiety moments.

These modifications help make a house feel like a true refuge. Advocacy groups such as Wounded Warrior Homes emphasize that mental health considerations deserve the same level of support as physical needs. If expansion efforts succeed, more veterans dealing with PTSD could gain access to grants that help them adapt their homes accordingly.

FAQs About SAH Grants for Disabled Veterans

1. What is the maximum SAH grant amount in 2025? – The maximum SAH grant for 2025 is $117,014, covering up to 50% of adaptation or construction costs.
2. Can SAH grants be used multiple times? – Yes, you can use SAH grants up to six times as long as you do not exceed the total grant cap of $117,014.
3. Who qualifies for an SAH grant? – Veterans with severe, permanent, and total service-connected disabilities—primarily affecting mobility or vision—qualify under current rules.
4. How do I apply for an SAH grant? – Complete VA Form 26-4555 and submit it online via va.gov, by mail to a VA Regional Loan Center, or in-person at a VA office.
5. Can SAH grants help veterans with PTSD? – Not at present—current guidelines focus on physical disabilities, but future expansions may include PTSD.
6. What’s the difference between SAH and SHA grants? – SAH grants ($117,014) target severe mobility or vision issues, while SHA grants ($22,444) assist with less severe conditions.
7. Are there grants for temporary housing? – Yes, TRA grants provide up to $44,299 (for SAH-eligible vets) or $8,415 (for SHA-eligible vets) to adapt a family member’s home.
8. Can non-service-connected disabilities qualify for grants? – HISA grants can assist medically necessary improvements even for non-service-connected conditions, though funding is lower ($2,000).
9. How long does the SAH application process take? – Typically 30–90 days. Check status via va.gov or call 800-827-1000.
10. Can SAH grants reduce a mortgage balance? – Yes, you can apply funds to pay down an existing mortgage on an adapted home.

The Bottom Line

Specially Adapted Housing Grants have already transformed the lives of countless veterans, allowing them to navigate their homes with ease and dignity. As home construction costs rise and more veterans seek assistance, proposals to expand SAH funding and eligibility become increasingly urgent.

By staying informed about these evolving benefits—and how they interact with other VA grants like SHA, TRA, and HISA—you can better plan for your financial and personal needs.

Whether you’re modifying an existing home, building a new one, or temporarily living with a family member, today’s resources and tomorrow’s expansions could open doors to safer, more comfortable living.