Specially Adapted Housing Program

Specially Adaptedi Housing Program
Which veterans are eligible for the grant?
Veterans who have service-connected disability due to military service, entitling them to compensation for permanent and total disability due to:
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, OR The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows. Disability which includes blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, OR
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, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
What is the nature of the benefit? An eligible veteran may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted housing unit up to a maximum of $50,000. How may the grant be used?
The veteran may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.
The veteran may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.
The veteran may remodel the existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.
When the veteran has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against any unpaid balance of the cost of the home.
Veterans who have obtained a grant of less than $50,000, may obtain subsequent grants for the difference ($50,000 minus the amount of the previous grant).
What should a lender do? Any veteran who believes he/she may be eligible for a specially adapted housing grant, should be referred to any VA office, preferably the VA office where the veteran's claim records are located. VA claims examiners will determine whether the veteran is eligible and whether it is medically feasible for the veteran to reside in a specially adapted home. The referral should be done prior to completing the loan application, ordering the appraisal, or the credit report. The determination process, if it has not been previously completed, can take several weeks to complete.