Home Improvement Grant Available for Disabled Veterans

During a recent Veterans Benefits Fair that was held in San Antonio, the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) received overwhelming interest in the Texas Veterans Home Improvement Program. As you may know, Veterans and military members may receive loans up to $50,000 to be used for improvements made to a Veteran or military member’s primary residence.

The VLB frequently receives inquiries from Veterans wishing to apply for home improvement loans for adapted housing. Examples of such improvements include:

• Improved entrance paths or driveways in the immediate area of the home.
• Entrance ramps to ease access to the home.
• Modified showers, sinks and counters for better accessibility.
• Upgraded plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of home medical equipment.

For home improvements being made to meet Veteran disability needs, the Texas VLB encourages eligible Veterans to seek grants made available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA provides a lifetime benefit up to $6,800 for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA). This grant must be used for modifications performed on a Veteran’s primary residence. Unlike a home improvement loan, the HISA grant will not need to be repaid. The HISA grant is available to Veterans or military members who have service connected conditions as well as Veterans who have non-service connected condition ratings of 50% or more. A lifetime benefit of up to $2,000 may be provided for Veterans who have a non-service connected condition, which includes all other Veterans registered in the VA health care system.

To apply for a HISA Grant, Veterans can refer to the following steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with your VA primary care physician. Be sure to share details about your specific need (e.g. walk-in shower) and request a prescription for a HISA grant.
2. Allow time for your primary care physician to submit a medical consult to a prosthetics department. The prescription your primary physician submits will include the specific item required, diagnosis and your contact information.
3. Expect to receive a hard copy of the HISA application — VA Form 26–4555 — by mail if you are eligible.
4. Return your completed application along with one estimate for repairs and/or modifications.
5. Receive an award letter for a grant benefit between four and six weeks from the time the application is submitted.

For more information about the HISA grant, please visit: http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp. We also welcome you to contact the Texas Veterans Call Service Center at 1–800–252–8387 or visit TexasVeterans.com.