Qualifying for the VA HISA Grant (Up to $6,800!)

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The VA HISA grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) is a vital resource that helps eligible veterans make necessary home modifications. 

Do you qualify? 

While the application is straightforward, there are eligibility requirements every veteran should be aware of.  

This post will break down the HISA grant, who qualifies, how to apply, what it covers, and how long the process takes. 

Keep reading to learn more!

Summary of Key Points

• The VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant provides financial support to disabled veterans who need home modifications due to service-connected medical conditions and, in some cases, non-service-connected conditions.  

• Modifications through the HISA grant can be applied to homes owned or rented by the veteran.  

• To apply for home modifications through the HISA program, you must complete and submit the HISA grant form and a prescription from your VA healthcare provider. 

• Depending on eligibility status, veterans may receive up to $6,800 for home improvement modifications.  

What is the HISA Grant?

The HISA Grant is designed to assist veterans with medically necessary home improvements, whether they own or rent their residence.  

Whether you need a VA grant for a walk-in shower, ramps, or other structural improvements, this program can provide financial assistance. 

Service-connected and non-service-connected veterans may qualify, with different funding limits based on eligibility. 

Who is Eligible for a HISA Grant?

A veteran qualifies for a HISA grant if they: 

1. Have a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability, if they also have a service-connected disability rated at least 50% (no combining of disability percentages is allowed), and 

2. Require home modifications to accommodate their disability (as determined by a medical evaluation from the VA) and 

3. Have a compensable disability treated “as if” service-connected under 38 U.S.C. § 1710(a)(2)(C) (e.g., disability acquired through VA treatment or vocational rehabilitation) 

Not enrolled in VA health care? Sign up today!  

How Can You Use the HISA Grant?

The HISA Grant helps you make medically necessary improvements and structural changes to your primary residence for the following purposes: 

• Providing access to enter or exit in the immediate area of your home 

• Enabling the use of essential bathroom facilities (e.g., roll-in showers) 

• Making kitchen or bathroom sinks/counters accessible (e.g., lowering them) 

• Improving entrance paths or driveways with permanent ramps 

• Upgrading plumbing or electrical systems for medical equipment installation 

For example, the grant helps fund veterans’ bathroom remodeling to improve accessibility and safety in their homes.  

HISA will NOT pay for the following: 

• Walkways to exterior buildings 

• Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi 

• Exterior decking 

• New construction 

• Removable equipment (i.e., porch lifts, stair glides, and portable ramps) 

Note: The HISA fact sheet provides detailed information about eligibility, covered modifications, and the application process. 

HISA Benefit Amounts

Veterans and service members are eligible for a lifetime benefit under the HISA grant. 

The amount approved depends on the type of disability: 

$6,800 will be approved for veterans to: 

• Modify their home for a service-connected disability. 

• Address a compensable disability treated “as if” it was service-connected, including disabilities acquired through VA-provided treatment or vocational rehabilitation under 38 USC 1710(a)(2)(c). 

• Adapt their home for a non-service-connected disability if they have a service-connected VA disability rated at least 50% (disability percentages cannot be combined). 

$2,000 will be approved for veterans needing modifications for a disability not covered under the above criteria. 

Note: All HISA projects must be medically justified for the service-connected and/or non-service-connected disability. 

How to Apply for the VA HISA Grant

To apply, you must submit a HISA grant application using VA Form 10-0103. This form requires details about the needed modifications, medical justification, and cost estimates from HISA grant contractors. 

When applying for this benefit, a completed HISA application package must include the following: 

1. A prescription written or approved by a VA physician which includes: 

• The beneficiary’s name, address, and telephone number; 

• A description of the prescribed project, including the home area to be improved or structurally altered, type of modification, all alternatives to the modifications, and items requiring installation. 

• The diagnosis and medical justification for the prescribed improvement or structural alteration. The medical rationale should demonstrate the project’s clinical appropriateness (the beneficiary’s clinical needs should support the type of home improvement or structural alterations being prescribed). 

2. A completed and signed  VA Form 10-0103, VETERANS APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations 

• Make a request on your application if you apply for an advanced payment. 

3. FOR RENTERS: A signed and notarized statement from the owner authorizing the improvement or structural alteration 

4. A written itemized estimate of costs for labor, materials, permits, and inspections for the home improvement and structural alteration 

5. A color photograph of the unimproved area 

Adding this is important as it helps set proper expectations for applicants, ensuring they understand that the VA may conduct a site inspection before approving or reimbursing modifications. 

Download VA Form 10-0103 

HISA Grant Timeline

Applying for the grant involves several steps: 

1. Check eligibility based on medical necessity 

2. Consult with your VA healthcare provider to obtain a prescription 

3. Gather required documents, including contractor estimates 

4. Complete and submit the HISA grant application 

5. Wait for VA review and approval 

6. Begin home modifications once approved 

Note: Working with experienced HISA contractors ensures that modifications meet VA standards and are completed efficiently.  

Additional Resources for Veterans

Veterans seeking financial aid for home modifications should consider additional VA home improvement grants that might supplement the HISA grant veterans can access.  

For example, Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) offers housing grants for veterans and service members with certain service-connected disabilities so they can buy or change homes and live more independently. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

What are VA home improvement grants?

VA home improvement grants help eligible veterans modify their homes to improve accessibility and meet medical needs. 

How do I apply for the HISA grant?

To apply, you must complete and submit VA Form 10-0103, a prescription from your VA provider, contractor estimates, and proof of home ownership or landlord consent if you rent. 

How long does it take to get a HISA grant?

Processing times vary, but applications generally take a few weeks to a few months. Ensuring all documents are correctly submitted can speed up the approval process. 

How much is the HISA grant for veterans?

The HISA grant provides up to $6,800 for veterans with a service-connected disability or a qualifying non-service-connected disability if they have a service-connected rating of at least 50%.  

For veterans with non-service-connected disabilities that don’t meet those criteria, the grant provides up to $2,000. 

What types of home modifications does the HISA grant cover?

The grant covers modifications like roll-in showers, grab bars, widened doorways, ramps, and plumbing or electrical upgrades needed for medical equipment. 

What doesn’t the HISA grant cover?

The HISA grant doesn’t cover general home improvements that aren’t deemed medically necessary, such as new flooring, roofing, or kitchen upgrades.  

You can’t use grant funds for exterior decking, patios, swimming pools, or hot tubs. In addition, modifications made for convenience rather than medical necessity, such as widening a driveway beyond what is necessary for home access, are not eligible.

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