Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant is a benefit available to eligible disabled Veterans with qualifying service-connected conditions. This program is designed to support long-term housing needs and can be used multiple times throughout a Veteran’s life, up to a set funding limit.

What Is the SHA Grant?

The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant helps eligible disabled Veterans buy, build, or modify a permanent residence to better meet their needs. In some cases, the grant can also be used to adapt the home of a qualifying family member where the Veteran plans to live full-time.

The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and does not need to be repaid, making it a valuable benefit for eligible Veterans.

Unlike a one-time benefit, SHA grants can be used up to three times, as long as the total amount does not exceed the program’s maximum benefit cap. This flexibility allows Veterans to complete smaller projects first and apply for additional funding later if their housing needs change.

Veterans who do not use the full grant amount initially can reapply to access their remaining benefit in future years, up to the current maximum allowed by the VA.

What Can the SHA Grant Be Used For?

The SHA grant can be used to fund a range of home modifications that improve accessibility and help Veterans live more comfortably and independently.

Common uses include:

• Installing wheelchair ramps or modifying entrances
• Widening doorways and hallways
• Updating bathrooms for accessibility, such as walk-in showers or grab bars
• Lowering countertops or cabinets for easier access
• Modifying flooring to reduce fall risk or improve mobility
• Installing specialized heating, cooling, or ventilation systems for respiratory conditions

In addition to modifying an existing home, the grant can also be used to help purchase or build a home that already meets the Veteran’s accessibility needs.

All improvements must be medically necessary and aligned with the Veteran’s qualifying disability.

Who Qualifies For SHA Grants?

The SHA grant is available to disabled Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities. Not all disabilities qualify. Eligibility is limited to conditions that significantly impact a Veteran’s ability to function in a standard home environment.

To qualify, a Veteran must have one of the following:

• Blindness in both eyes (with visual acuity of 20/200 or less)
• Loss of both hands
• Loss of use of both hands
• Certain severe burns
• Certain respiratory or breathing injuries

These conditions typically require meaningful home modifications to improve accessibility, safety, or day-to-day living.

The VA determines eligibility based on a Veteran’s disability rating and medical documentation. If approved, the Veteran can use the grant to help create a more suitable living environment based on their needs.

SHA Grant Maximum Amount and Limits

Those who qualify for the SHA grant are eligible for a maximum of $25,350 for fiscal year 2026. This amount can change each year based on VA adjustments.

Those who have never been awarded an SHA grant are eligible for any amount (minimum grant award amounts may apply) up to the maximum.

As stated above, any unused portion of the full grant may be available to apply for (you will need to re-apply for the program each time) in consecutive years. While the VA may adjust the amount of the grant maximum award each year, you are offered grants up to the current total maximum amount for the last year you use the grant.

How To Apply for an SHA Grant

You can apply for Special Housing Adaptation grants via the VA eBenefits portal using your DS Logon or Premium account. Those without a DS Logon or Premium account will be required to set one up first. You can also apply by mail by completing VA Form 26-4555, Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing, or Special Home Adaptation grant.

You must send the completed application to your nearest VA Regional Loan Center.

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