For veterans facing limited mobility, maintaining independence at home is a top priority. However, navigating the stairs can become a significant barrier to that freedom. If you or a loved one are exploring options for home accessibility, you may be asking: “Will the VA pay for a stairlift?”
The short answer is yes! There are resources available to help make the process easier. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers specific grants and benefits designed to support veterans with mobility challenges.
At 101 Mobility, we are honored to support our U.S. veterans who have made great sacrifices. We act as your trusted partner to simplify the eligibility process, navigate the paperwork, and provide professional installation.
Who Qualifies for a VA Stairlift?
Determining stairlift eligibility usually begins with a medical assessment. Generally, to qualify for VA-funded mobility equipment, the solution must be medically necessary for mobility, access, or safety.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Medical Necessity: You must have a medical need that specifically limits your ability to safely navigate stairs.
- VA Documentation: You must receive care through the VA or have valid VA medical documentation on file.
- Clinician Prescription: The stairlift must be prescribed or recommended by a VA clinician.
- Common Qualifying Conditions: Veterans often qualify if they experience mobility challenges such as lower-limb injuries, balance issues, or amputations.
The best way to start is to consult your VA healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs.
VA Programs That May Cover Stairlifts
There are specific VA home modification grants designed to help veterans fund accessibility solutions like stairlifts.
HISA Grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations)
The HISA grant is one of the most common ways veterans fund stairlifts. It is a disabled veteran grant for the home that helps cover medically necessary upgrades and structural alterations. Organized by the Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service, HISA grant eligibility is open to all veterans or active-duty service members with qualifying disabilities. Common qualifying disabilities include amputations, spinal cord injuries, and additional medical issues that greatly reduce mobility.
- What it Covers: Specific solutions that meet VA HISA grant requirements include stairlifts, home elevators, wheelchair ramps, and grab bars.
- Eligibility: Available to veterans with service-connected disabilities and those with non-service-connected disabilities.
- Maximum Benefit Amounts:
- Up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Up to $2,000 for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
An SAH grant is designed for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities, such as the loss of use of more than one limb or blindness.
- Purpose: To build, buy, or adapt a home to accommodate a disability.
- Grant Amount: If you qualify in 2026, you can receive up to $126,526.
- Considerations: This grant is highly competitive. Only 120 Veterans and service members each fiscal year can qualify for a grant based on the loss of one extremity.
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant
Similar to the SAH, this grant assists veterans with specific service-connected disabilities, such as the loss of use of hands or certain severe burns.
- Purpose: Helps adapt a home the veteran owns or a family member owns.
- Grant Amount: If you qualify in 2026, you may receive up to $25,350.
How 101 Mobility Helps Veterans Access VA Benefits
At 101 Mobility, we don’t just sell products; we are a VA home accessibility provider dedicated to providing life-changing support to veterans. We understand that navigating VA paperwork can be frustrating, which is why we are here to help every step of the way.
- Expert Guidance: We have expertise regarding VA requirements and working with Veterans Service Organizations.
- Documentation Support: We assist by providing detailed quotes and necessary documentation for your VA grant applications.
- VA Partnerships: We partner with over 120 VA Medical Centers nationwide through our GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts.
- Veteran-Owned Franchise Options: We are proud that many of our franchise owners are veterans themselves, bringing a unique perspective and shared bond to their work.
What Veterans Say About Working with 101 Mobility
We believe the best way to measure our commitment is through the feedback of the heroes we serve.
“This company cares. In our world of disability & immobility, that’s EVERYTHING!… I trust 101 Mobility… You will be our last mobility company. Thank you for being honest & for caring in a world where SO MANY take advantage of people in our situation.” — Gina S., Disabled Veteran & Retired Officer
“I mentioned how one of the first things I noticed… was that they are a ‘Veteran founded’ company… Once we had a good idea of which lift would work best for mom, Rick said he was going to ‘revise’ his original quote and offer Mom a Veteran discount. That really means a lot to us!” — Lisa H.
“My husband is a disabled Veteran and the DAV (Disabled American Veterans, a veterans support organization) selected 101 Mobility to install a Bruno vertical platform lift in our garage… I was so grateful for the service and professionalism of both Bill Schwartz (Owner) and Dale Romano (Mobility Specialist)… Dale went above and beyond with the installation to make sure that my husband’s mobility needs were met… I would highly recommend 101 Mobility to anyone in need of Mobility and Accessibility Solutions.”
Steps to Get Started
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact 101 Mobility for a free in-home consultation to assess your needs and home layout.
- Obtain Medical Justification: Visit your VA doctor to get a prescription detailing why the stairlift is medically necessary.
- Gather Documentation: We will help you gather cost estimates and fill out the necessary forms, such as VA Form 10-0103 for HISA grants.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your paperwork through the eBenefits portal, VA.gov, or your local VA medical center.
- Professional Installation: Once approved, our team will professionally install your stairlift to ensure your safety and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Stairlift Eligibility
Does the VA pay for stairlifts?
Yes. Through programs like the HISA grant, the VA can cover or subsidize the cost of stairlifts to improve entrance to the home or access to essential facilities.
Who qualifies for a VA-funded stairlift?
Veterans with a medical prescription from a VA doctor generally qualify. While service-connected disabilities provide higher grant limits, veterans with non-service-connected disabilities who have a 50% or higher VA rating are also eligible.
What documentation do I need to apply?
You typically need a medical prescription from a VA physician, VA Form 10-0103, and a cost estimate from a licensed contractor like 101 Mobility.
Can 101 Mobility install stairlifts purchased through the VA?
Yes. We are a VA home accessibility provider and work closely with the VA to provide and install mobility solutions for veterans.
How do I start the VA stairlift application process?
Start by determining your eligibility and obtaining a medical justification from your VA doctor. Then, contact 101 Mobility to get the specific project quotes required for your application.
