The grant covers 50% of the housing expenses and has been recently changed so that veterans can use the benefit more than once, up to a life-time limit of $50,000. A limited amount of the funds may also now be used to modify a caretaker’s home.

Among items discussed at the meeting was the council’s CAPS designation, which teaches how to make housing accessible, offering the VA a pool of builders and remodelers with the expertise to meet the needs of disabled veterans. How the VA can work with local home builders associations and Remodelors Councils was also discussed.

The requirements used by the VA to determine whether a veteran is eligible for the housing grant are largely related to limitations in mobility. Additionally:

• It must be medically feasible for the veteran to reside in the house.
• The adaptations to the house must be those that make it suitable for the veteran to live there currently and in the future.
• It must be financially feasible for the veteran to acquire the house, with the assistance provided by the grant.

Veterans participating in the program usually select their builder or remodeler, although a local VA housing agent can make referrals. Typically, the builder or remodeler works with both the VA agent and veteran on the design (which must be approved by the VA), and funds are distributed directly from the VA to the builder/remodeler.

Those interested in working with the VA on the Specially Adapted Housing grant program should contact their area VA housing agent. To find a VA housing agent in your area visit  http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sahagent.htm.

The Specially Adapted Housing grant is one of several VA housing programs and may be used in conjunction with these programs to build or adapt a home:

• The VA Guaranteed Home Loan (no downpayment on a home valued up to $417,000) and Native American Direct Loan programs through the VA Loan Guaranty Service.
  
  
• Direct Loan program of up to $33,000 through the VA Loan Guaranty Service.
  
  
• The Independent Living Program (ILP) through the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service. This program is aimed at insuring that eligible veterans are able, to the fullest extent possible, to live independently and participate in family and community life, increasing their potential to return to work. A limited number of participants are approved each year, and the dollar amount of benefits varies, depending on the approved plan for housing.
  
  
• The Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, through the Prosthetics & Sensory Aids Service (Veterans Health Administration), provides a $4,100 grant to make certain modifications to the veteran’s home related to ongoing medical treatment.

For more information, e-mail Jim Lapides at jlapides@nahb.com, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8451.

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