What is the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant?

A Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant is a one-time benefit designed to help veterans and service members make necessary adaptations to a family member’s home to accommodate their needs.

Eligibility

To qualify for a TRA grant, you must:

• Be eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant.
• Be temporarily living in a family member’s home that requires modifications to meet your specific needs.

Grant Amount

The maximum TRA grant amount is $30,934. You may use:

• Up to $14,000 of the total amount if eligible for an SAH grant.
• Up to $2,000 of the total amount if eligible for an SHA grant.

How to Apply

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for either the SAH or SHA Grant.
2. Gather Required Documents: You’ll need proof of your service-connected disability and documentation related to your temporary residence.

Online
Submit your application directly through the VA’s online portal.

By Mail

• Download VA Form 26-4555
  Mail the filled-out form to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
PO Box 4444
Janesville, WI 53547-4444

If you’re having difficulty accessing the form, contact the VA toll-free at 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. They can mail a claim form directly to you.

In Person
You can also complete the application in person. Download and fill out VA Form 26-4555 and bring it to your nearest VA regional office.

• Locate a VA Regional Office

is a vital resource provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help service members and veterans with severe service-connected disabilities adapt a family member’s home to meet their accessibility needs.

This grant offers financial support for temporary modifications, making day-to-day living more manageable during transitional periods.

Unlike permanent housing adaptation grants, the TRA Grant focuses on making short-term residences safe and functional. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or living with family temporarily, the TRA Grant can ease the financial burden of home modifications.

Key Features of the TRA Grant

• Offers up to $44,299 for eligible veterans with severe service-connected disabilities.
• Designed for veterans living temporarily in a family member’s home.
• Provides funding for essential modifications like ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms.
• Requires no repayment, making it a cost-free benefit for eligible applicants.

“Veterans often need solutions during transitional periods, and the TRA Grant bridges that gap,” explains Linda Harris, a VA housing specialist. “It’s not just about physical accessibility; it’s about maintaining dignity and independence.”

Eligibility for the TRA Grant

To qualify for the TRA Grant, you must meet specific service-related and disability criteria. Here’s an overview of the requirements:

If you qualify for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grants, you’re also eligible for the TRA Grant. The maximum funding available depends on the primary grant eligibility:

• Up to $44,299 for SAH-eligible veterans.
• Up to $7,910 for SHA-eligible veterans.

Examples of Covered Modifications

The TRA Grant can be used for a wide range of adaptations. These include:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: Installing ramps, widened doorways, or stairlifts.
• Bathroom Modifications: Adding roll-in showers, grab bars, and lower sinks for accessibility.
• Kitchen Adjustments: Lowering countertops or installing pull-out shelves.
• Safety Enhancements: Adding railings, non-slip flooring, or widened pathways.

“Every veteran’s needs are unique,” says Mark Johnson, a certified VA housing contractor. “The flexibility of the TRA Grant allows us to create customized solutions that truly make a difference.”

Key Differences Between TRA, SAH, and SHA Grants

While the TRA Grant shares similarities with the SAH and SHA grants, its focus on temporary housing sets it apart. Here’s a comparison:

Why the TRA Grant Matters

Temporary housing situations are common for veterans recovering from injuries or transitioning to permanent homes. Without the TRA Grant, families may struggle to afford necessary modifications. The grant ensures that veterans have access to safe and functional living environments, even if the arrangement is temporary.

“I worked with a veteran recovering from a spinal injury,” shares Anna Fields, a VA benefits coordinator. “The TRA Grant allowed his sister’s home to be adapted with a wheelchair ramp and accessible bathroom, giving him the independence to live comfortably during his recovery.”

Common Challenges and Solutions When Using the TRA Grant

Navigating the TRA Grant process can sometimes feel overwhelming, but understanding the common challenges can help you avoid pitfalls.

Challenge: Documentation Requirements

Solution: Ensure all documents, including medical records and proof of residence, are accurate and up to date before applying.

Challenge: Application Delays

Solution: Use the eBenefits portal for faster processing and track your application status regularly.

Challenge: Limited Funding

Solution: Work closely with your contractor to prioritize essential modifications within the grant limits.

The Bottom Line

The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant is a critical benefit for veterans with service-connected disabilities who need temporary housing modifications.

Whether it’s a wheelchair ramp or an accessible bathroom, this grant ensures that veterans can live comfortably and independently while residing in a family member’s home.

By understanding the application process and leveraging the grant’s flexibility, veterans can make informed decisions that enhance their quality of life during transitional periods.

FAQs About the TRA Grant

What is the Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant?

The TRA Grant helps eligible veterans with severe disabilities modify a family member’s home for temporary living. It provides up to $44,299 in funding for SAH-eligible veterans and $7,910 for SHA-eligible veterans.

Can the TRA Grant be used for multiple homes?

Yes, the grant can be used to adapt more than one home, as long as the total does not exceed the maximum funding limit.

How do I apply for the TRA Grant?

Submit VA Form 26-4555 online through the eBenefits portal or by mail to your regional VA office. Include all required documentation.

What adaptations are covered under the TRA Grant?

The grant covers modifications like ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessibility features needed for daily living.

Are surviving spouses eligible for the TRA Grant?

No, the TRA Grant is exclusively for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Surviving spouses may explore other VA programs.

How long does it take to receive approval?

Approval times vary, but the VA typically processes applications within 4-6 weeks, provided all documentation is complete.

Do I need to repay the TRA Grant?

No, the TRA Grant is a VA benefit and does not require repayment.

Can the TRA Grant be combined with other VA grants?

Yes, veterans can combine the TRA Grant with other VA benefits, like the SAH or SHA Grant, as long as total funding does not exceed program limits.