## Chapter 1 Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Programs

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This chapter contains information about the Specially |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptations |
|            | > (SHA) Grant Programs, including:                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a description of each program, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the promotion of the programs.                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This chapter includes the following sections:         |
| ### In thi |                                                         |
| s Chapter  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| chapter .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------
  Section    Topic Name                                      See Page

  A          General Information on the Specially Adapted    1-A-1
             Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptations   
             (SHA) Grant Programs                            

  B          Promotion of the Programs                       1-B-1
  ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ------------

## Section A General Information on the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Programs {#section-a-general-information-on-the-specially-adapted-housing-sah-and-special-housing-adaptations-sha-grant-programs .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-1 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about the Specially |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing Adaptations |
|  {#introdu | > (SHA) Grant Programs, including:                      |
| ction-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   a description of the programs, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the legislative history.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This section includes the following topics:           |
| ### In thi |                                                         |
| s Section  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| section .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ---------- ------------------------------------------------ ------------
  Topic      Topic Name                                       See Page

  1          The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant        1-A-2
             Program                                          

  2          The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant      1-A-6
             Program                                          

  3          The Legislative History of the Programs          1-A-10
  ---------- ------------------------------------------------ ------------

#### The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program {#the-specially-adapted-housing-sah-grant-program .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the Specially   |
| troduction | > Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program, including:       |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-2 .u | -   a description                                       |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   the law by which the program is governed            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the eligibility requirements                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the time limitations for use                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the maximum grant amount                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the limitations, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the conditions for approval.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The ***SAH Grant Program*** provides financial        |
| # Descript | > assistance in obtaining adapted housing to veterans   |
| ion {#desc | > entitled to compensation for permanent and total      |
| ription .u | > disability due to service-connected conditions, which |
| nnumbered} | > cause the loss or loss of use of both lower           |
|            | > extremities and/or the loss of both upper             |
|            | > extremities, such as to preclude use of the arms at   |
|            | > or above the elbows.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The SAH Grant Program is often referred   |
|            | > to as the:                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   grant used to obtain a *wheelchair accessible       |
|            |     home*, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Paraplegic Housing (PH) benefit.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Go   | > 38 United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 21, Section   |
| verning La | > 2101(a) is the governing law for the SAH Grant        |
| w {#govern | > Program.                                              |
| ing-law .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Elig | > Veterans are eligible for the SAH grant when the      |
| ibility Re | > requirements in the table below are met.              |
| quirements |                                                         |
|  {#eligibi |                                                         |
| lity-requi |                                                         |
| rements .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| Req      | Description                                               |
| uirement |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| > P      | > Veterans who have service-connected disabilities due to |
| ermanent | > military service, entitling him/her to compensation for |
| > and    | > permanent and total disability due to:                  |
| > total  |                                                           |
| > di     | -   the loss or loss of use of both lower extremities,    |
| sability |     such as to preclude\                                  |
|          |     locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches,       |
|          |     canes, or a wheelchair                                |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the loss or loss of use of both upper extremities,    |
|          |     such as to preclude use of\                           |
|          |     the arms at or above the elbows                       |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, |
|          |     plus loss or loss of\                                 |
|          |     use of 1 lower extremity, or                          |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the loss or loss of use of 1 lower extremity together |
|          |     with                                                  |
|          |                                                           |
|          | ```{=html}                                                |
|          | <!-- -->                                                  |
|          | ```                                                       |
|          | -   residuals of organic disease or injury, or            |
|          |                                                           |
|          | -   the loss or loss of use of 1 upper extremity, which   |
|          |     affects the\                                          |
|          |     functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude     |
|          |     locomotion without\                                   |
|          |     the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.  |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| >        | > It must be medically feasible for the veteran to reside |
|  Medical | > in the house (the veteran does not require the          |
| > fea    | > attention that only a medical facility could provide).  |
| sibility |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| > Sui    | The house must be feasible to adapt to the veteran's      |
| tability | needs so that it is suitable for dwelling purposes.       |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| > F      | It must be financially feasible for the veteran to        |
| inancial | acquire and/or maintain the house, with the assistance    |
| > fea    | provided by the grant.                                    |
| sibility |                                                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > There is no time limitation or deadline to use the    |
| ### Time L | > SAH grant once the veteran is found entitled.         |
| imitations |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The maximum grant amount for the SAH grant is         |
| Maximum Gr | > \$50,000.00. However, the awarded grant amount varies |
| ant Amount | > and is determined by the plan type and calculation of |
|            | > the grant.                                            |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For information about plan types    |
|            | > and calculations, see Chapter 6, Section A,           |
|            | > "Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Plan Types and Grant |
|            | > Calculations."                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Limi | > The table below describes the limitations of the SAH  |
| tations of | > grant as stated in the governing law.                 |
|  the Grant |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Limi   | Description                                                 |
| tation |                                                             |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1      | > Assistance is limited to 1 house even if the maximum      |
|        | > amount of the grant is not used. The veteran cannot get a |
|        | > second grant for:                                         |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   another home, or                                        |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   further capital improvements on his/her present home.   |
|        |                                                             |
|        |     > ***Example***: If the total cost of the construction  |
|        |     > and land on a new home is \$80,000.00, the maximum    |
|        |     > grant is 50% of the \$80,000.00 equaling \$40,000.00. |
|        |     > The veteran is *not* able to claim the balance of the |
|        |     > grant (\$10,000.00) at a later date for use on either |
|        |     > the same or another home.                             |
|        |                                                             |
|        |     ***Reference***: For information about the calculation  |
|        |     of the maximum grant amount, see Chapter 6, Section A,  |
|        |     "Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Plan Types and Grant   |
|        |     Calculations."                                          |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2      | > If a veteran qualifies for both the SAH grant and the     |
|        | > Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant, then the maximum |
|        | > amount allowed for both grants is \$50,000.00.            |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Exception***: If the veteran already used the SHA      |
|        | > grant and then his/her physical condition changes to      |
|        | > allow him/her to qualify for the SAH grant, the veteran   |
|        | > may be entitled to the full grant amount.                 |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Note***: If eligible, the veteran may use up to the    |
|        | > maximum amount for both grants.                           |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3      | > The grant can only be used once.                          |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***IMPORTANT***: Because this is a one-time only grant,   |
|        | > it is critical that proposed construction and remodeling  |
|        | > include all adaptations necessary to meet not only the    |
|        | > veteran's present disability-related needs, but also any  |
|        | > additional needs he/she anticipates for the future.       |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Example***: The veteran is *not* provided with further |
|        | > benefits even when:                                       |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   he/she disposes of the home without ever having         |
|        |     occupied it due to\                                     |
|        |     circumstances beyond the veterans control, or           |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   the home is damaged or destroyed after the veteran      |
|        |     acquired it.                                            |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Cond | > There are a number of conditions that must be met for |
| itions for | > grant approval. A grant *cannot* be approved unless   |
|  Grant App | > the veteran and builder/contractor agree in writing   |
| roval {#co | > that the construction/remodeling is subject to:       |
| nditions-f |                                                         |
| or-grant-a | -   periodic inspections by a Department of Veterans    |
| pproval .u |     Affairs (VA) assigned\                              |
| nnumbered} |     Compliance Inspector (CI)                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   final field review by the SAH agent/VA qualified    |
|            |     personnel, and                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   certification by the contractor/builder that the    |
|            |     building/remodeling will\                           |
|            |     meet Minimum Property Requirements and local        |
|            |     building codes.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > In addition, the veteran must have a contractor that  |
|            | > meets the qualifications required by local            |
|            | > authorities. Furthermore, the contractor must obtain  |
|            | > a VA Builder ID number.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information about the       |
|            | > conditions that must be met for grant approval, see   |
|            | > Chapter 11, "Submitting Specially Adapted Housing     |
|            | > (SAH) Grant Applications for Approval."               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Program {#the-special-housing-adaptations-sha-grant-program .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the Special     |
| troduction | > Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Program, including:   |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-3 .u | -   a description                                       |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   the law by which the program is governed            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the eligibility requirements                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the time limitations for usage                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the maximum grant amount                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the limitations, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conditions for approval.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The ***SHA* *Grant Program*** provides financial      |
| Descriptio | > assistance in obtaining adapted housing to veterans   |
| n {#descri | > who have a service-connected disability that entitles |
| ption-1 .u | > him/her to a compensation for permanent and total     |
| nnumbered} | > disability due to:                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or  |
|            |     less, or                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.       |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The SHA Grant Program is often        |
|            |     > referred to as the Adaptive Housing (AH) benefit. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Gove | > 38 United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 21, Section   |
| rning Law  | > 2101(b) is the governing law for the SHA Grant        |
| {#governin | > Program.                                              |
| g-law-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Veterans are eligible for the SHA grant when the      |
| ### Eligib | > requirements in the table below are met.              |
| ility Requ |                                                         |
| irements { |                                                         |
| #eligibili |                                                         |
| ty-require |                                                         |
| ments-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| Requirement   | Description                                          |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| > Permanent   | > A service-connected disability that entitles the   |
| > and total   | > veteran to compensation for permanent and total    |
| > disability  | > disability due to:                                 |
|               |                                                      |
|               | -   blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity  |
|               |     or less, or                                      |
|               |                                                      |
|               | -   anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands     |
|               |     (below the elbow).                               |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| > Medical     | > It must be medically feasible for the veteran to   |
| > feasibility | > reside in the house (the veteran does *not*        |
|               | > require the attention that only a medical facility |
|               | > could provide).                                    |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+
| > Suitability | > The house must be adapted for the veteran's needs  |
|               | > so that it is suitable for dwelling purposes.      |
+---------------+------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > There is no time limitation or deadline to use the    |
| Time Limit | > SHA grant once the veteran is found entitled.         |
| ations {#t |                                                         |
| ime-limita |                                                         |
| tions-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The maximum grant amount for the SHA grant is         |
| # Maximum  | > \$10,000.00.                                          |
| Grant Amou |                                                         |
| nt {#maxim | > ***Reference***: For information about the plan types |
| um-grant-a | > and calculations, see Chapter 6, Section B, "Special  |
| mount-1 .u | > Housing Adaptations (SHA) Plan Types and Grant        |
| nnumbered} | > Calculations."                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The table below describes the limitations of the SHA  |
| ### Limita | > grant as stated in the governing law.                 |
| tions of t |                                                         |
| he Grant { |                                                         |
| #limitatio |                                                         |
| ns-of-the- |                                                         |
| grant-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Limi   | Description                                                 |
| tation |                                                             |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1      | > Assistance is limited to 1 house even if the maximum      |
|        | > amount of the grant is not used. The veteran cannot get a |
|        | > second grant for:                                         |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   another home, or                                        |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   further capital improvements on his/her present home.   |
|        |                                                             |
|        |     > ***Example***: If the total cost for the remodeling   |
|        |     > of an existing home for a blind veteran is            |
|        |     > \$5,290.00, the maximum grant is \$5,290.00. The      |
|        |     > veteran is *not* able to claim the balance of the     |
|        |     > grant (\$4,710.00) at a later date for use on either  |
|        |     > the same or another home.                             |
|        |                                                             |
|        |     > ***Reference***: For information about the            |
|        |     > calculation of the maximum grant amount, see Chapter  |
|        |     > 6, Section B, "Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Plan |
|        |     > Types and Grant Calculations."                        |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2      | > If a veteran qualifies for both the Specially Adapted     |
|        | > Housing (SAH) Grant and the SHA grant, then the maximum   |
|        | > amount allowed for both grants is \$50,000.00.            |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Exception***: If the veteran already used the SHA and  |
|        | > then his/her physical condition changes to allow him/her  |
|        | > to qualify for the SAH grant, the veteran may be entitled |
|        | > to the full grant amount.                                 |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Note***: If eligible, the veteran may use up to the    |
|        | > maximum amount for both grants.                           |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3      | > The grant can only be used once.                          |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***IMPORTANT***: Because this is a one-time only grant,   |
|        | > it is critical that proposed construction and remodeling  |
|        | > include all adaptations necessary to meet not only the    |
|        | > veteran's present disability-related needs, but also any  |
|        | > additional needs he/she anticipates for the future.       |
|        |                                                             |
|        | > ***Example***: The veteran is *not* provided with further |
|        | > benefits even when:                                       |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   he/she disposes of the home without ever having         |
|        |     occupied it due to\                                     |
|        |     circumstances beyond the veterans control, or           |
|        |                                                             |
|        | -   the home is damaged or destroyed after the veteran      |
|        |     acquired it.                                            |
+--------+-------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Program, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > There are a number of conditions that must be met for |
| ### Condit | > grant approval. A grant *cannot* be approved unless   |
| ions for G | > the veteran and builder/contractor agree in writing   |
| rant Appro | > that the construction/remodeling is subject to:       |
| val {#cond |                                                         |
| itions-for | -   periodic inspections by a Department of Veterans    |
| -grant-app |     Affairs (VA) assigned\                              |
| roval-1 .u |     Compliance Inspector (CI)                           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   final field review by the SAH agent/VA qualified    |
|            |     personnel, and                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   certification by the contractor/builder that the    |
|            |     building/remodeling will\                           |
|            |     meet Minimum Property Requirements and local        |
|            |     building codes.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > In addition, the veteran must have a contractor that  |
|            | > meets the qualifications required by local            |
|            | > authorities. Furthermore, the contractor must obtain  |
|            | > a VA Builder ID number.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information about the       |
|            | > conditions that must be met for grant approval, see   |
|            | > Chapter 12, "Submitting Special Housing Adaptations   |
|            | > (SHA) Grant Applications for Approval."               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### The Legislative History of the Programs {#the-legislative-history-of-the-programs .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about the legislative |
| troduction | > history of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and    |
|  {#introdu | > Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) Grant Programs,     |
| ction-4 .u | > including:                                            |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   *Public Law (PL) 80-702* (SAH law)                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the reason for the SAH Grant Program                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *PL 96-385* (SHA law)                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the reason for the SHA Grant Program, and           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a table describing the history of the laws          |
|            |     affecting SAH and SHA.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > After World War II, there were many legislative       |
| ##  Public | > initiatives introduced in the United States Congress  |
|  Law 80-70 | > to provide various types of benefits for disabled     |
| 2 (The SAH | > veterans. One of these initiatives included the       |
|  Law) {#pu | > special housing needs for those veterans who were     |
| blic-law-8 | > severely disabled due to spinal cord injuries with    |
| 0-702-the- | > paralysis of the legs and lower parts of the body.    |
| sah-law .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > On June 19, 1948, the 80^th^ Congress passed *PL      |
|            | > 80-702*, which established the SAH Grant Program to   |
|            | > provide maximum benefits for construction or          |
|            | > remodeling of a home for 50 percent of the cost up to |
|            | > a maximum of \$10,000.00.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The SAH Grant Program was set up to address the:      |
| Reason for |                                                         |
|  the SAH G | -   higher cost of a specially adapted home that was    |
| rant Progr |     considerably more than                              |
| am {#reaso |                                                         |
| n-for-the- |     the cost of a conventional home, causing the        |
| sah-grant- |     disabled veteran to have a                          |
| program .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |     distinct disadvantage in comparison to other, less  |
|            |     disabled veterans in                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     purchasing a suitable home, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   therapeutic and rehabilitative needs for the        |
|            |     veteran.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Legislative History of the Programs, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > In 1948, Congress realized that the SAH Grant Program |
| ### Public | > was only the beginning and it would probably be       |
|  Law 96-38 | > liberalized in the future to include other, disabled  |
| 5 (The SHA | > veterans. On October 7, 1980, Congress passed *PL     |
|  Law) {#pu | > 96-385*, which established the SHA Grant Program to   |
| blic-law-9 | > provide benefits for veterans who had a               |
| 6-385-the- | > service-connected disability entitling them to        |
| sha-law .u | > compensation for permanent and total disability due   |
| nnumbered} | > to:                                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or  |
|            |     less, or                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.       |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > The SHA Grant Program provided financial          |
|            |     > assistance for the cost of certain adaptations    |
|            |     > and/or equipment, *not* to exceed a maximum of    |
|            |     > \$5,000.00.                                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The SHA Grant Program was set up to assist the needs  |
| Reason for | > of certain disabled veterans.                         |
|  the SHA G |                                                         |
| rant Progr |                                                         |
| am {#reaso |                                                         |
| n-for-the- |                                                         |
| sha-grant- |                                                         |
| program .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The table below describes the history of laws         |
| # Laws Aff | > affecting the SAH and SHA Grant Programs.             |
| ecting SAH |                                                         |
|  and SHA G |                                                         |
| rant Progr |                                                         |
| ams {#laws |                                                         |
| -affecting |                                                         |
| -sah-and-s |                                                         |
| ha-grant-p |                                                         |
| rograms .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------- ----------- ---------------------------------------------
  Public Law \# Date        Laws Affecting Specially Adapted Housing

  *80-702*      06/07/48    Established the initial law with a maximum
                            grant of \$10,000.00.

  *81-286*      09/07/49    Included double amputees.

  *86-239*      09/09/59    Included blindness and loss of 1 lower
                            extremity.

  *87-645*      10/01/62    Increased the presumptive period from 3 to 7
                            years.

  *88-401*      08/04/64    Removed the requirement that the veteran must
                            be confined to a wheelchair.

  *91-22*       06/06/69    Increased the grant amount from \$10,000.00
                            to \$12,500.00.
  ------------- ----------- ---------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

The Legislative History of the Programs, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Laws Affecting SAH and SHA Grant Programs (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| Public Law | Date      | Laws Affecting Specially Adapted Housing    |
| \#         |           |                                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *91-506*   | 10/23/70  | Covered total cost of remodeling under 38   |
|            |           | United States Code (U.S.C.) 802(a)(3) to    |
|            |           | 100% remodeling.                            |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *92-95*    | 08/11/71  | Established Veterans Mortgage Life          |
|            |           | Insurance (VMLI).                           |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *92-341*   | 07/10/72  | Increased the grant amount from \$12,500.00 |
|            |           | to \$17,000.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *93-569*   | 12/31/74  | Increased the grant amount from \$17,000.00 |
|            |           | to \$25,000.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *94-433*   | 10/01/76  | Increased VMLI from \$30,000.00 to          |
|            |           | \$40,000.00 (100% of remodeling).           |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *94-581*   | 10/21/76  | Established the initial law for Home        |
|            |           | Improvement and Structural Alterations      |
|            |           | (HISA) Grant Program.                       |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *95-117*   | 10/03/77  | Included in the 801(a) Grant the loss of 1  |
|            |           | lower and 1 upper extremity.                |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *95-476*   | 10/18/78  | Increased the grant amount from \$25,000.00 |
|            |           | to \$30,000.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *96-385*   | 10/07/80  | Provided \$5,000.00 to the 802(b) Grant for |
|            |           | blindness in both eyes or loss of use of    |
|            |           | both hands.                                 |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *97-66*    | 10/01/81  | Increased the grant amount from \$30,000.00 |
|            |           | to \$32,500.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *98-543*   | 01/01/85  | Increased the:                              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   801(a) Grant from \$32,500.00 to        |
|            |           |     \$35,500.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   801(b) Grant from \$5,000.00 to         |
|            |           |     \$6,000.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *99-177*   | 03/01/86  | Reduced the maximum grant amount under both |
|            |           | 38 U.S.C. 801(a) and 38 U.S.C. 801(b) by 8% |
|            |           | by the Balanced Budget & Deficit Control    |
|            |           | Act:                                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   the 801(a) Grant reduced from           |
|            |           |     \$35,500.00 to\                         |
|            |           |     \$32,660.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   the 801(b) Grant reduced from           |
|            |           |     \$6,000.00 to \$5,520.00.               |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

The Legislative History of the Programs, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Laws Affecting SAH and SHA Grant Programs (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| Public Law | Date      | Laws Affecting Specially Adapted Housing    |
| \#         |           |                                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *99-177    | 10/02/86  | Rescinded the grant reduction.              |
| (II)*      |           |                                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *99-576*   | 10/27/86  | Authorized eligible veterans under 38       |
|            |           | U.S.C. 801(b) to elect to use the grant to  |
|            |           | assist in the acquisition of a residence,   |
|            |           | which has already been adapted with special |
|            |           | features.                                   |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *100-322*  | 04/01/88  | Increased the:                              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   801(a) Grant from \$35,500.00 to        |
|            |           |     \$38,000.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   801(b) Grant from \$6,000.00 to         |
|            |           |     \$6,500.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *102-83*   | 08/06/91  | Recodified 38 U.S.C. 801 becomes 38 U.S.C.  |
|            |           | 2101.                                       |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *102-405*  | 10/02/92  | Increased the HISA Grant from:              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   \$2,500.00 to a maximum of \$4,100.00   |
|            |           |     for service-\                           |
|            |           |     connected, disabled veterans, and       |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   \$600.00 to a maximum of \$1,200.00 for |
|            |           |     nonservice-\                            |
|            |           |     connected, disabled veterans.           |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *102-568*  | 10/29/92  | Increased VMLI coverage from \$40,000.00 to |
|            |           | \$90,000.00.                                |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *105-178*  | 06/09/98  | Increased the:                              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   2101(a) Grant from \$38,000.00 to       |
|            |           |     \$43,000.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   2101(b) Grant from \$6,500.00 to        |
|            |           |     \$8,250.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *107-103*  | 12/27/01  | Increased the:                              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   2101(a) Grant from \$43,000.00 to       |
|            |           |     \$48,000.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   2101(b) Grant from \$8,250.00 to        |
|            |           |     \$9,250.00.                             |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *108-183*  | 12/16/03  | Increased the:                              |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   2101(a) Grant from \$48,000.00 to       |
|            |           |     \$50,000.00, and                        |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | ```{=html}                                  |
|            |           | <!-- -->                                    |
|            |           | ```                                         |
|            |           | -   2101(b) Grant from \$9,250.00 to        |
|            |           |     \$10,000.00.                            |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+
| *108-454*  | 12/10/04  | -   Authorized eligible veterans under 38   |
|            |           |     U.S.C. 2101 to\                         |
|            |           |     receive the 2101(a) Grant amount of     |
|            |           |     \$50,000.00 for the                     |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | > loss or loss of use of both upper         |
|            |           | > extremities,\                             |
|            |           | > such as to preclude use of the arms at or |
|            |           | > above the\                                |
|            |           | > elbows.                                   |
|            |           |                                             |
|            |           | -   Authorized eligible veterans under 38   |
|            |           |     U.S.C. 1151 to\                         |
|            |           |     receive the 2101(a) Grant amount of     |
|            |           |     \$50,000.00 or\                         |
|            |           |     2101(b) Grant amount of \$10,000.00.    |
+------------+-----------+---------------------------------------------+

## Section B Promotion of the Programs {#section-b-promotion-of-the-programs .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview-2 .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This section contains information about promoting the |
| troduction | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing   |
|  {#introdu | > Adaptations (SHA) Grant Programs.                     |
| ction-5 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > This section includes the topic "Marketing the        |
| # In this  | > Programs."                                            |
| Section {# |                                                         |
| in-this-se |                                                         |
| ction-1 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### Marketing the Programs {#marketing-the-programs .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information about marketing the   |
| troduction | > Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Housing   |
|  {#introdu | > Adaptations (SHA) Grant Programs, including:          |
| ction-6 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   taking initiative                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   who to target, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   methods for promoting the program.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Be proactive in marketing the SAH and SHA Grant       |
| ### Take I | > Programs.                                             |
| nitiative  |                                                         |
| {#take-ini |                                                         |
| tiative .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Wh   | > Target your marketing efforts to:                     |
| o to Targe |                                                         |
| t {#who-to | -   the local media                                     |
| -target .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   entities providing services for disabilities        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   individuals who work with people with disabilities  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   individuals who call and request information on the |
|            |     grant programs                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   service organizations, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   disabled veteran clinics.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Me   | > The methods for promoting the SAH and SHA Grant       |
| thods for  | > Programs include:                                     |
| Promoting  |                                                         |
| the Progra | -   resources                                           |
| m {#method |                                                         |
| s-for-prom | -   seminars                                            |
| oting-the- |                                                         |
| program .u | -   media coverage                                      |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   the *Certificate of Appreciation*, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   national conventions.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Marketing the Programs, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Reso | > Freely provide the following information to           |
| urces {#re | > individuals interested in the program:                |
| sources .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > ***SAH Grant Program***:                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Pamphlets*                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   *26-69-1, Questions and Answers on Specially        |
|            |     Adapted Housing and\                                |
|            |     Special Housing Adaptations for Veterans*           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *26-13, Handbook for Design: Specially Adapted      |
|            |     Housing*                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   SAH Web site at                                     |
|            |     [www.homeloan                                       |
|            | s.va.gov/sah.htm](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *Special Homes for Special Veterans*, videotape.    |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***SHA Grant Program***:                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Pamphlets 26-69-1*, also available in the       |
|            |     following formats:                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   Audiotape                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Braille                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   enlarged print, and                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   SHA Web site at                                     |
|            |     [www.homeloan                                       |
|            | s.va.gov/sah.htm](http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### Se   | > Conduct seminars on the SAH and SHA Grant Programs    |
| minars {#s | > with National, State, or local veteran organizations  |
| eminars .u | > that are regularly in contact with disabled veterans, |
| nnumbered} | > including:                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   American Veterans (AMVETS)                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   Disabled American Veterans (DAV)                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   American Legion (AL)                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Blind Veterans of America (BVA)                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA), and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA Medical Centers (VAMC).                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***IMPORTANT***: Regional Loan Center (RLC)       |
|            |     > management must be advised prior to conducting    |
|            |     > seminars for the SAH and SHA Grant Programs.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

Marketing the Programs, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Whenever possible, take the initiative with local     |
| ####  Medi | > news organizations (newspaper, television, radio) to: |
| a Coverage |                                                         |
|  {#media-c | -   show the success of a project, and                  |
| overage .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   promote the SAH and SHA Grant Programs.             |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > Encourage selected builders, contractors, lending |
|            |     > institutions, and veterans to participate in      |
|            |     > local news coverage of:                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administering   |
|            |     the programs, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the veteran moving into his/her new home.           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***IMPORTANT***: Local management must be advised |
|            |     > of any media coverage for the SAH and SHA Grant   |
|            |     > Programs and may also wish to participate in the  |
|            |     > process. Once approved by local management,       |
|            |     > advise Central Office (CO) for concurrence and    |
|            |     > possible participation.                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Note***: Photographs and/or video taken before   |
|            |     and after the project or at different construction  |
|            |     stages may be used for media coverage, if approved  |
|            |     by local management.                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > *VA Form 26-8503, Certificate of Appreciation* was    |
| # The Cert | > initially intended to acknowledge exemplary program   |
| ificate of | > participants, but also serves as a method of          |
|  Appreciat | > promoting the programs. Provide this certificate to   |
| ion {#the- | > individuals who have:                                 |
| certificat |                                                         |
| e-of-appre | -   demonstrated an outstanding effort in assisting the |
| ciation .u |     veteran                                             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   significantly aided VA in fulfilling its mission,   |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   participated with VA's requirements of the SAH or   |
|            |     SHA Grant Programs.                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > These individuals may include:                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   building contractors                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   supplementary lenders                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   architects                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA compliance inspectors                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   escrow agents                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Veterans Service Center staff, or                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Veterans Service Organizations staff.               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+