**VA Pamphlet 26-69-1: Questions on Specially Adapted Housing and
Special Housing Adaptations (Online Version)**

**[Part 1 - Specially Adapted Housing]{.underline}**

**(This electronic version of VA Pamphlet 26-69-1 was revised October
2007.)**

***Eligibility & Statutory Requirements***

**1. What is the governing law relating to specially adapted housing for
disabled veterans or servicemembers?**

Title 38, United States Code, chapter 21. The original statute was
Public Law 702, 80th Congress, dated June 19, 1948. Public Law 109-233,
The Veterans Housing Opportunity and Benefits Act of 2006, dated June
15, 2006, amended Public Law 702 and expanded benefit eligibility.

**2. Which veterans or servicemembers are basically eligible for the
grant?**

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to veterans or
servicemembers who have a service-connected disability due to military
service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total
disability due to:

a\. The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to
preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a
wheelchair.

b\. Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or
loss of use of one lower extremity.

c\. The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with

(1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or

(2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or
propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces,
crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

d\. The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to
preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.

**3. Who determines the veteran's or servicemember's basic eligibility
for the grant?**

The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans
Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the veteran's or
servicemember's basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant.
The VA Rating Decision is subject to review and revision.

**4. Are there any other statutory requirements for eligibility?**

Yes:

a\. It must be medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to
reside in the house.

b\. The house must be adapted to be suitable to the veteran's or
servicemember's needs for living purposes.

c\. It must be financially feasible for the veteran or servicemember to
acquire the house, with the assistance provided by the grant.

***Specially Adapted Housing Benefit***

**5. Is there a time limitation or deadline for applying for a Specially
Adapted Housing Grant?**

No, there is no time limit on the use of the grant.

**6. How much specially adapted housing assistance can a veteran or
servicemember receive?**

An eligible veteran or servicemember may receive a VA grant of not more
than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house, up to the
aggregate maximum amount allowable by law.

7\. How many times may a veteran or servicemember receive specially
adapted housing assistance?

Public Law 109-233 authorizes up to three usages of grant benefits. If
future changes to the governing law provide for an increase in the
maximum grant amount, veterans or servicemembers who have not used the
assistance available to them up to the allowable three times may be
entitled to the increase in the maximum grant amount at that time.

**8. How may the grant be used?**

a\. An eligible veteran or servicemember has the option to use up to the
full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:

Plan (1). The veteran or servicemember may elect to construct a home on
land to be acquired for that purpose.

Plan (2). The veteran or servicemember may build a home on land already
owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (3). The veteran or servicemember may remodel an existing home if
it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.

Plan (4). When the veteran or servicemember has already acquired a
specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant
may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the
home.

b\. Under Public Law 109-233, a temporary grant (TRA) may be available
to veterans who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a
family member. This assistance may be used to adapt the family member's
home to meet the veteran's special needs at that time. TRA is currently
not available to servicemembers. TRA grants are not subject to the
suitability and financial requirements noted in questions 4(b) and (c).

**9. Under Plan (4) above, question No. 8, if a veteran or servicemember
already has a specially adapted home that is owned free and clear, how
much of the grant, if any, would the veteran or servicemember be
entitled to receive?**

It depends on the needs of the veteran or servicemember. Additional
adaptations may be installed, if they are determined to be necessary.
Should the veteran or servicemember decide to buy or build another
specially adapted home, the total benefit, or portions of the maximum
grant allowable not yet used, could be applied toward installation of
adaptations on that house.

**10. If the maximum grant amount is not used for a specially adapted
house, may a second grant be obtained for another home or for further
capital improvements on the veteran's or servicemember's present home?**

Yes. Under the amended governing law, in accordance with Public Law
109-233, the grant, up to the maximum amount, can be used up to three
times. For the purpose of the following examples, the current maximum
allowable grant amount is \$50,000 (the current maximum allowable at the
time of this publication).

Example (1). If the total cost for the construction and land were
\$80,000, the maximum grant would be 50 percent of the \$80,000, or
\$40,000. The veteran or servicemember would then be able to claim a
further grant of \$10,000 at a later date for the repair or replacement
of current adaptations, for the installation of additional adaptations,
or for the purchase, construction, or adaptation of another home (as
long as he or she has not already received the grant a total of three
times).

Example (2). If the veteran or servicemember had \$50,000 of prior grant
usage at the time of an increase in the maximum grant amount to
\$60,000, the \$10,000 difference may be used to assist in acquiring
another adapted home or installing additional adaptations in the same
home (as long as he or she has not already received the grant a total of
three times).

**11. Is a veteran or servicemember who obtains a specially adapted home
entitled to exemption from State real estate taxes?**

This depends upon the particular State. There are many States that do
provide such relief from taxes, either in whole or in part. The
Specially Adapted Housing Agent will be able to provide a veteran or
servicemember with more detailed information.

**12. What adaptations are considered necessary for specially adapted
housing?**

a\. Unless there are no-step entries or slopes having less than an 8
percent grade (1:12), at least two
[ramps](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#ramps) (a vertical
platform or similar type lift may be used in lieu of one ramp, but the
lift must have a battery or generator backup system) suitable for entry
and exit are required, one of which shall be located so as not to expose
the veteran or servicemember to a potential fire hazard, such as
placement necessitating passage through a kitchen, garage or utility
room containing heating equipment. Ramps or lifts must be permanently
installed, treated to prevent slipping when wet, and the slope not to
exceed 8 percent. The minimum width acceptable is 3 feet 6 inches (4
feet for new ramps), and railings must be provided if the height and
length of the ramp indicate any potential for a hazard. Ramp and lift
platforms must be a minimum of 5 feet by 5 feet in size to allow for
turning the wheelchair and be equipped with protective railings if the
height of the platform presents a potential hazard. There will be no
difference in elevation between the interior floor level and exterior
platforms. Ramp platforms must be provided every 30 feet of the ramp or
walkway and at every 90-degree turn.

b\. In all new construction,
[doorways](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html) must be at least
36 inches wide. Doorways in existing homes must be at least 32 inches
wide.

c\. Halls must be a minimum of 48 inches wide in all new construction.
Hallways in existing homes must be at least 42 inches wide.

d\. A [garage or
carport](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#carportl) should be of
sufficient width and height to allow unrestricted wheelchair
maneuverability alongside a car and ease of entry and exit with all
accessible vans.

e\. Passageways between the home proper and the garage or carport should
be sheltered to prevent exposure of the veteran or servicemember to
inclement weather.

f\. At least one
[bathroom](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#bath)[,]{.underline}
convenient to the veteran's or servicemember's bedroom, must contain
very generous floor areas providing free wheelchair maneuverability
(with at least a 5 foot turning radius), with placement of all fixtures
in a manner permitting the veteran or servicemember unimpeded 4 foot
access to each fixture.
[Bathroom](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#bath) flooring
material must be non-slip under both wet and dry conditions. Washbasins
of the hung type, rather than pedestal, should be affixed at a height
enabling the wheelchair to maneuver below the fixture to allow close
approach for washing and shaving convenience. Washbasin drainpipes must
be installed to minimize the possibility of abrasions. A mirror, at a
suitable level for use from the wheelchair, must be provided and may be
achieved by a lower medicine cabinet to which the veteran or
servicemember is to have access.
[Faucets](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#faucets) for the tub
and shower also must be accessible from the wheelchair for water
temperature control before, as well as during, immersion. Adequate
thermostatic or pressure-balance controls must be installed to avoid
sudden change in the water temperature. Adequate grab bars, capable of
bearing the veteran's or servicemember's weight and conveniently placed,
must be installed for the tub and shower. Stall showers must be large
enough (5'x 5') to allow for a built-in bench, if desired. There must be
no curb between the stall and
[bathroom](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#bath) (floor drain can
be placed in a back corner of the stall), and the shower stall opening
should be the same width as other
[doorways.](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html) The toilet
fixture or seat should be raised, if necessary, for the veteran's or
servicemember's convenience; armrest, installed in a manner to support
the veteran's or servicemember's weight in transferring must be
included, and provisions should be made for a suitable back support.

g\. All hot water pipes, steam pipes, room radiators, or similar items,
which may constitute a

hazard insofar as burns, abrasions, etc., are concerned, must be
concealed or properly covered.

h\. Wall switches and electrical outlets should be within reach from the
wheelchair, minimum 18 inches and maximum 48 inches, from the floor.
Fuse boxes, thermostats, and other utility and appliance controls must
be within reach from the wheelchair. Windows should be operable from the
wheelchair. Automatically operated garage doors are a great convenience,
direct control activated by key or button, being indicated as more
satisfactory than remote control by radio or light beam.

i\. [Carpeting](http://homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html#carpet) installed
in specially adapted housing must be of a low pile, closely woven type.

j\. At least one automatic smoke detector/fire detection system and/or
carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in the unit.

NOTE: Veterans or servicemembers who are fitted with lower extremity
prostheses, or who have loss or loss the use of both arms at or above
the elbow, alleviating wheelchair use, may not need some of the above
listed requirements. This pamphlet does not go into detail regarding
unusual or complex problems, which conceivably can arise. For more
information, contact [your local VA Specially Adapted Housing
Agent](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sahagent.htm). Additional information
may be also obtained from [your VA Regional Loan
Center](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/rlcweb.htm).

**13. What are some other design factors to be considered?**

a\. [Level](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html) building site.

b\. Ample concrete [walks.](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html)

c\. Relatively maintenance free.

d\. [Sliding](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/SAHphotos.html) interior
doors, easily operable from wheelchair.

e\. Zone controlled heating system.

f\. Special adaptation of the kitchen area for the veteran's or
servicemember's use, if desired.

***How To Apply For Benefits***

**14. Where does a veteran or servicemember go to find out if he/she is
eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?**

Any VA office, but preferably the [VA
office](http://www.vba.va.gov/ro_list.htm) where the veteran's or
servicemember's claim records are located. A determination will be made
as to basic eligibility and whether it is medically feasible for the
veteran or servicemember to reside in a specially adapted home.

**15. How is the veteran or servicemember advised that he/she is
eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?**

A notice of eligibility (rating decision) for specially adapted housing
will be sent to the veteran or servicemember. A VA Specially Adapted
Housing Agent will visit the veteran or servicemember and counsel
him/her in every way possible in using the grant. The veteran or
servicemember will also be furnished a [supplemental application
form](http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/26-4555c.pdf) (VA Form 26-4555c,
Veteran's Supplemental Application for Assistance in Acquiring Specially
Adapted Housing) to be filled out when he/she is ready to obtain the
grant. When the veteran's or servicemember's request for the grant is
approved, he/she will receive a commitment letter from VA setting forth
the terms and conditions under which the funds will be made available.
Any contract executed by the veteran or servicemember must include the
condition that it is subject to VA approval and his/her obtaining the
grant.

**16. Will VA help an eligible veteran or servicemember to pick out a
lot, obtain the services of an architect, obtain bids for construction,
and arrange necessary financing?**

Yes. Specially Adapted Housing Agents are specialists in this field and
will counsel and make suggestions and recommendations to the veteran or
servicemember at every stage of grant administration to help obtain a
specially adapted house.

**17. Is design assistance for specially adapted housing available from
the Department of Veterans Affairs?**

VA Pamphlet 26-13, Handbook for Design: Specially Adapted Housing,
provides guidelines, recommendations, and illustrations to assist the
physically handicapped veteran or servicemember and the
architect/designer to construct or remodel a home so that its design
fully meets all of the veteran's or servicemember's special needs.

***Financing the Home***

**18. Can a veteran or servicemember apply for a GI home loan from a
private lender to cover the difference between the total cost of the
house and the grant?**

Yes, if he/she is a veteran or servicemember of World War II or later
who has GI housing
[entitlement](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/veteran.htm) and can qualify
for a GI home loan.

**19. If private financing is not available, can VA make the veteran a
direct loan to cover the difference between the total cost of the house
and the grant?**

Yes, provided the veteran has GI home loan entitlement and qualifies
from a credit standpoint. The maximum direct loan is currently \$33,000.

***Other Similar Benefits***

**20. Is life insurance available, which would pay off the mortgage on a
specially adapted house in case the veteran dies before repaying the
loan?**

Yes. Most veterans who receive a Specially Adapted Housing Grant are
eligible for [Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance
(VMLI)](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/vmli.pdf) covering the unpaid
principal, not to exceed \$90,000, on the mortgage loan. VA
representatives will explain this program and assist eligible veterans
in applying for this protection using VA Form 29-8636 (Veterans Mortgage
Life Insurance Statement). However, VMLI can only be issued to veterans
age 69 and younger. Once issued, VMLI will remain in effect, regardless
of age, if there is mortgage indebtedness. Questions concerning VMLI
should be directed to the Insurance Center located in Philadelphia at
1-800-669-­8477.

**21. Are there other benefits similar to specially adapted housing to
which a disabled veteran may be entitled?**

Yes, an eligible veteran may be entitled to the Home Improvement and
Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit, which has a maximum of \$4,100
for a service-connected disability and \$1,200 for a
nonservice-connected disability. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aids
Service at the nearest VA health care facility will furnish additional
information concerning this benefit upon request (including how to file
VA Form, 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home
Improvement and Structural Alterations).

**22. If a veteran or servicemember is eligible for a Specially Adapted
Housing Grant, may he/she also receive a Special Housing Adaptations
Grant?**

No. If a veteran or servicemember qualifies for both benefits, the law
limits him/her to the use of the larger grant.

NOTE: A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) video entitled, ["Special Home
for Special
Veterans,"](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/ram/specialhomesforspecialvets.asx)
was developed to introduce the Specially Adapted Housing program to
eligible veterans or servicemembers and give VA employees, program
participants, and others an overview of the Specially Adapted Housing
program. Copies of this video may be obtained by contacting the [VA
Specially Adapted Housing
Agent](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sahagent.htm) or [your VA Regional
Loan Center.](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/rlcweb.htm) The toll free
number for VA is 1-800-827-1000.