Many veterans live in homes that need repairs or changes to stay safe and comfortable. Some face barriers due to service-connected disabilities, while others may struggle with the cost of basic upkeep. In 2025, a range of grant programs may help cover these needs. Support is available through the VA, federal and local housing agencies, and veteran-focused nonprofits.
VA Grants for Veteran Home Repairs
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for several VA grants to help make their homes safer and more accessible. These programs cover different needs, from permanent home adaptations to temporary living arrangements.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
This grant assists veterans in making significant modifications to their homes to live independently. It’s intended for those with severe service-connected disabilities, such as the loss of multiple limbs or blindness in both eyes. Eligible veterans must own or plan to own the home being modified. The maximum grant amount for fiscal year 2025 is $121,812.
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
SHA grants support veterans who need home modifications to improve mobility. They’re available to veterans—or their family members—who own or will own a home and have qualifying conditions like the loss of use of both hands or certain severe burns. The maximum amount in 2025 is $24,405.
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
If a veteran is temporarily living in a family member’s home, a TRA grant can help adapt that home for accessibility. Veterans must already qualify for either an SAH or SHA grant. The available funding in 2025 is up to $49,062 for those eligible for SAH and up to $8,760 for those eligible for SHA.
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant
HISA grants cover medically necessary home improvements, like installing ramps or widening doorways. To qualify, veterans need a prescription from a VA doctor and must be enrolled in VA health care. The funding limit is $6,800 for service-connected conditions and $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions.
USDA Grants and Loans for Rural Veterans
Veterans living in rural areas may qualify for financial assistance through the USDA’s section 504 home repair program. This program offers both low-interest loans and grants to help very low-income homeowners repair, improve, or modernize their homes.
What the Program Offers
- Loans: Up to $40,000 at a fixed 1% interest rate, repayable over 20 years.
- Grants: Up to $10,000 for homeowners aged 62 or older to address health and safety hazards.
- Combined Assistance: Eligible applicants may receive both a loan and a grant, totaling up to $50,000 in assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Section 504 program, applicants must:
- Own and occupy the home.
- Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
- Have a household income that does not exceed the very low-income limit for their area.
- For grants, be 62 years of age or older and unable to repay a loan.
State and Local Home Repair Programs
In addition to federal assistance, many states and municipalities offer programs to help veterans repair or modify their homes. These initiatives vary by location but often include grants, low-interest loans, or other forms of support tailored to veterans’ needs.
To explore available programs in your area:
- Contact your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs or housing agency.
- Call 211 or visit 211.org for local referrals.
- Reach out to your local VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic.
Washington State
- Home Rehabilitation Grant Program (HRGP): Administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, HRGP provides funding to assist low-income homeowners in rural areas with repairs that address health, safety, and durability issues.
Michigan
- Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity – Critical Home Repair Program: This provides emergency home repair assistance to income-eligible individuals and families, including veterans. The program offers affordable, no-interest repayment plans and potential loan forgiveness for very low-income households.
Connecticut
- House of Heroes Connecticut: This nonprofit provides free, volunteer-driven home repairs for military and public safety veterans. The program focuses on safety and accessibility needs. To qualify, veterans must own and occupy the home and demonstrate financial or physical hardship.
Nonprofit Help for Veterans
Several nonprofit organizations offer veteran home repair grants and free modification assistance. These programs often complement federal and state initiatives, providing additional support to those in need.
Habitat for Humanity: Repair Corps
Habitat for Humanity’s Repair Corps program, funded by The Home Depot Foundation, assists veterans with critical home repairs. Services may include roof repairs, HVAC system fixes, accessibility modifications like wheelchair ramps, and other essential home improvements. The program is open to all military veterans with an honorable or general discharge, and applicants must own and occupy the home in need of repairs.
Rebuilding Together: Veterans at Home
Rebuilding Together’s Veterans at Home program provides no-cost home modifications and repairs to veterans and their families, aiming to improve safety, accessibility, and independence. Services can include installing grab bars, repairing flooring, and addressing other health and safety concerns. The program operates through a network of local affiliates across the country.
Purple Heart Homes
Purple Heart Homes offers two primary programs:
- Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP): This assists service-connected disabled veterans who own homes that no longer meet their physical needs, focusing on modifications that enhance safety and accessibility.
- Veterans Home Ownership Program (VHOP): This provides renovated and modified homes to veterans who do not currently own a home, ensuring the properties meet their specific needs.
Eligibility typically requires a service-connected disability and an honorable discharge.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Semper Fi & America’s Fund offers financial assistance for home modifications to critically wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. Support can include funding for wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications, and other accessibility improvements. The fund also provides assistance for other needs, such as transportation and specialized equipment.
How to Apply for Veteran Home Repair Grants
Applying for home repair assistance can take time, but getting organized early can help. Most programs require proof of military service, income, and medical or housing needs. Here are some steps to guide the process:
- Gather your documents: Collect paperwork such as your DD-214 (discharge papers), recent tax returns or pay stubs, proof of homeownership, and any medical records related to a disability if needed.
- Find the right programs: Start by visiting the VA website, your state’s veterans affairs office, or calling 211 to learn which programs you may qualify for. Veteran service organizations and local housing agencies can also help you navigate the options.
- Submit the application: Fill out the application forms for each program carefully. Some may be online, while others might require paper forms or help from a representative. Double-check that all required documents are included.
- Follow up: Stay in touch with the program administrator to confirm your application was received. If something is missing, fix it quickly to avoid delays.
- Be patient and prepared: Some programs may take weeks or months to process. Keep copies of everything you submit, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way.
Next Steps for Getting Help
Veterans who need home repairs or accessibility updates have more options than they might realize. With support from the VA, nonprofit groups, and local housing programs, it’s possible to get help with costs that might otherwise feel out of reach.
Start by looking into the programs that fit your situation, whether that means a VA grant for a service-connected disability or local assistance for urgent repairs. Gathering your documents and reaching out for guidance can help you move forward with confidence.
