HISA vs. SAH/SHA
SAH/SHA — Major Adaptive Construction ($25K–$126K)
Requires specific qualifying conditions (limb loss, blindness, severe burns). For major structural changes. Generally requires homeownership.
HISA — Targeted Modifications ($6,800 SC / $2,000 Non-SC)
Any SC condition creating a medical need for modification qualifies. Works in rented homes. Covers smaller but critical modifications. Starts with a VA OT referral — not a disability claim.
What HISA Covers
Covered Modifications
Roll-in showers and barrier-free bathroom access. Wheelchair ramps (interior and exterior). Grab bars and handrails. Widened doorways for wheelchairs. Electrical modifications for VA-prescribed medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen concentrators). Plumbing modifications for medical equipment. Stair lifts and vertical platform lifts.
How to Get Started
Start with Your VA Physician — Not a Contractor
Ask for a referral to Occupational Therapy (OT) for a home assessment. The VA OT documents medical necessity and submits the HISA request. Do NOT hire a contractor or begin work before receiving written VA authorization — unauthorized work will not be reimbursed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can renters use the HISA grant?
Yes — HISA applies to rented homes with written landlord permission. This makes it significantly more accessible than SAH/SHA grants, which generally require homeownership.
Can HISA and SAH/SHA be used together?
Yes — they are separate programs with separate funding caps. A veteran doing a full SAH renovation can also use HISA for a specific medical equipment modification in another room.