If you’re a U.S. military veteran who suffers from a disability due to your service, there’s hope and you don’t have to go through this alone. At 101 Mobility, we proudly support our veterans and their families. That’s why we’re excited to share tips about home modification grants for veterans. Learn more about VA HISA grants, determining HISA grant eligibility, HISA grant-covered improvements, and filling out a HISA grant application.
What Is a VA HISA Grant?
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant is a VA home improvement grant. It helps provide upgrades and structural alterations within the homes of veterans in order to create more accessible and safe spaces. It covers a variety of medically necessary home modifications and is administered through the VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service.
Who Qualifies for a VA HISA Grant?
Wondering about HISA grant eligibility? There are a variety of ways you may be able to qualify for a VA HISA grant. Read the eligibility checkpoints below to learn more about home modification grants for veterans and see how you can get the help you need—and deserve.
- Veterans and Servicemembers: The number one and most important requirement for a VA home improvement grant is that you must be a veteran or currently serving as a member in the U.S. military.
- Disabilities That Qualify: Service-connected disabilities will help you qualify, but non-service-connected disabilities may also fall in the eligible territory if you have a 50% disability rating given by the VA. In addition, other compensable disabilities may also qualify. Common qualifying disabilities include amputations, spinal cord injuries, and additional medical issues that greatly reduce mobility. Learn more on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
HISA grant eligibility also dictates that the home improvements be medically necessary for mobility, access, or safety, and you’ll also need a prescription from a VA doctor.
How Much Funding Can You Receive Through a VA HISA Grant?
VA HISA grants can cover up to $6,800 in home improvement benefits for those with service-connected disabilities and for those with non-service-connected disabilities who have a 50% or higher disability rating. In addition, up to $2,000 is available for other veterans who may not be eligible through the main requirements. Wondering what you qualify for through a VA home improvement grant? Contact your local Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service to learn about lifetime benefit amounts.
What Home Modifications Are Covered Under a VA HISA Grant?
No matter what your unique needs are, there are a variety of accessible home modifications for veterans covered under HISA that can greatly help improve your mobility and quality of life. Check out the list below to learn more about HISA grant eligibility and HISA grant-covered improvements.
A VA HISA grant will cover improvements for these purposes:
- Allowing entrance to or exit from the primary residence
- Better use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities
- Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters
- Improving entrance paths or driveways surrounding the home to facilitate better access through construction of permanent ramping
- Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of home medical equipment
Home modifications that may be covered include:
- Stairlifts and Home Elevators: To help you safely move through the levels in your home and avoid navigating challenging staircases. Learn more about when you should buy a stairlift.
- Wheelchair Ramps: To help you access the entryway of your home and other raised obstacles.
- Bathroom Modifications: Roll-in showers and grab bars to make bathing more safe and greatly reduce fall risk.
- Additional Solutions: More accessible sinks, lowered countertops, widened doorways, automatic door openers, and more.
A VA HISA grant will not cover:
- Walkways to exterior buildings
- Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi installation
- Exterior decking
- New construction
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a VA HISA Grant
Determined your HISA grant eligibility and ready to get started on your journey to better mobility? Learn how to apply for a VA HISA grant and how to fill out a HISA grant application.
- Step 1: Obtain a medical prescription written or approved by a VA doctor that includes the necessary information, like your name, address, number, related diagnosis, and the specific project needed.
- Step 2: Complete and submit VA Form 10-0103, a HISA grant application, being sure to specify if you need advanced payment. If you rent your home, you’ll also need a signed statement from your landlord approving the planned improvements or structural changes.
- Step 3: Gather cost estimates from licensed contractors, detailing costs for labor, materials, inspections, and more along with a photo of the area where improvements will be made.
- Step 4: Await VA approval of your HISA grant application while they determine your HISA grant eligibility and evaluate the situation.
- Step 5: Once you receive the approval of your HISA grant application and are granted funds, you can schedule and complete the necessary home improvements
Think you need more extensive home improvements? You may qualify for other home modification grants for veterans, like a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. Learn more about this offering, explore our VA mobility checklist to learn more about all your options, or reach out to a VA rep for additional information.
How 101 Mobility Supports Veterans
At 101 Mobility, we’re dedicated to supporting those who have served and their deserving families. We offer an array of VA-qualified product lines from stairlifts to ramps and a wide range of additional products designed to improve your home’s accessibility and make your day to day a bit easier. Not sure where to start? We offer free in-home consultations where we’ll assess your home and unique needs, helping you find the right tools to live more comfortably.
We also offer additional support for our veterans, like through our VetFran program, where we give discounts in order to help veterans more easily get the opportunity to franchise with us, and then provide ongoing support every step of the way. Through our work, we’ve even been named a top franchise for veterans by the Franchise Business Review. Learn more about our ongoing efforts in our mission to support veterans. In addition, we work closely with the VA, partnering with over 120 VA Medical Centers in order to deliver customized mobility solutions to veterans through two GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts.
If you’re a veteran who needs help making their home more accessible, or a caregiver helping out a loved one, you don’t have to take on this challenge alone. Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about VA HISA grants and HISA grant eligibility to get the help you deserve.
Learn more about home modification grants for veterans or fill out your HISA grant application today. Plus, reach out to us anytime and don’t forget to explore our veteran resource center for more valuable tips.
