Funding & Grants — Veterans

VA HISA Grant: Eligibility & How to Apply (2025–2026)

Updated June 2025 — For veterans, service members, and their caregivers

What Is the VA HISA Grant?

The Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit is a VA healthcare benefit — not a disability compensation or pension benefit — that reimburses or pre-authorizes home modifications that your VA-treating provider has determined are medically necessary for your continued care or rehabilitation. It's separate from the larger VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants, and critically, it does not require a service-connected disability to qualify.

HISA is administered by VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and is available to any veteran who is enrolled in VA healthcare and whose VA provider recommends the modification. For caregivers of veterans with severe disabilities, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) may provide supplemental home modification funding — but HISA is the first program to explore for most veterans.

Current HISA Grant Amounts (FY2025)

Grant limits are set by VA regulation and may be adjusted. Verify current amounts at your local VAMC's Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) office.

What Modifications Does HISA Cover?

HISA covers structural alterations and improvements that are medically necessary — meaning your VA physician, occupational therapist, or physical therapist has determined the modification is needed for your care, safety, or rehabilitation at home. Common approved modifications include:

• Wheelchair ramps (permanent or modular)
• Roll-in shower or walk-in shower conversions
• Grab bar installation (including wall blocking)
• Doorway widening for wheelchair access
• Stair lifts and vertical platform lifts
• Bathroom reconfigurations for wheelchair or transfer access
• Lowered countertops and accessible kitchen modifications
• Paving a pathway from parking to entry (if medically necessary)
• Exterior lighting (if related to vision impairment or fall prevention)

What HISA Does NOT Cover

• General home repairs unrelated to medical necessity (roof replacement, HVAC, etc.)
• Cosmetic improvements
• Modifications not recommended by a VA provider
• Modifications already completed before HISA approval is received (in most cases; pre-authorization is strongly advised)
• Modifications to property the veteran does not own or have a right to occupy (exceptions exist for some living arrangements)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the VA HISA Grant

Step 1: Enroll in VA Healthcare (If Not Already Enrolled)

HISA is a VA healthcare benefit, so you must be enrolled in VA healthcare to apply. If you're not enrolled, start at va.gov/health-care/apply/ or call 1-877-222-8387. Enrollment is separate from disability compensation — many veterans who don't receive disability pay are still eligible for VA healthcare.

Step 2: Get a Recommendation from Your VA Provider

This is the most important step. Your VA-treating physician, occupational therapist (OT), or physical therapist (PT) must document that the home modification is medically necessary for your care or rehabilitation. Ask specifically: "Can you write a recommendation for a HISA grant for [specific modification]?" The provider submits this recommendation internally in your VA medical record.

If you don't have a regular VA provider, schedule an appointment at your local VAMC or VA community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC). VA OTs are particularly experienced with home modification assessments — ask for an occupational therapy home assessment if possible.

Step 3: Contact the Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) at Your VAMC

HISA grants are processed through your local VAMC's Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service. Call your VAMC and ask for the Prosthetics department. Tell them you want to apply for a HISA benefit and that your VA provider has recommended a home modification. They will explain the local process and provide the required forms.

The primary form used is VA Form 10-0103 (Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations). Ask the Prosthetics office if this is still the current form — processes and forms do change.

Step 4: Obtain Contractor Bids

You typically need to provide at least one (sometimes two or three, depending on the VAMC) contractor bids for the proposed modification. The contractor does not need to be a VA-approved vendor, but must be licensed and insured in your state. Some VAMCs maintain a list of contractors who have worked with HISA patients before and understand the process — ask if such a list is available.

The bid must specifically describe the work being done and include itemized costs. A vague estimate ("ramp installation — $3,000") is less likely to be approved quickly than a detailed scope of work matching the provider's recommendation.

Step 5: Submit Your HISA Application

Submit the completed application form along with your contractor bid(s) to the Prosthetics department. Keep copies of everything. The application will be reviewed by the PSAS and, in some cases, by a clinical reviewer to confirm medical necessity aligns with the proposed work.

Step 6: Receive Approval or Request for Additional Information

Processing times vary by VAMC — some process HISA applications in 2–4 weeks; others take 6–8 weeks or longer during high-volume periods. If your application is denied or returned for more information, the PSAS will typically notify you in writing with the reason. Common reasons for delays include missing provider documentation, contractor bid issues, or questions about medical necessity.

Step 7: Work Begins After Authorization

Do not begin work until you have written authorization from the VA. Starting work before authorization risks being unable to receive reimbursement. After authorization, the VA typically pays the contractor directly or reimburses you after work completion, depending on the local VAMC's process.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Closeout

After the modification is complete, your VAMC may require a final inspection or documentation confirming the work was completed as proposed. Retain all contractor invoices and permits (if required). The contractor invoice and any permits close out the HISA case.

HISA vs. SAH vs. SHA: Which Should You Apply For?

HISA is the most accessible because it doesn't require a service-connected disability. SAH and SHA provide much larger amounts but require very specific qualifying conditions and a formal eligibility determination. If you think you may qualify for SAH or SHA, see our VA SAH/SHA grant guide.

Can You Combine HISA with Other Programs?

Yes — and for larger modification projects, you should explore stacking programs. HISA can be used alongside:

• State veterans' assistance programs — many states have their own veteran home modification funds
• Medicaid HCBS waivers — if the veteran also qualifies for Medicaid, home modification waivers may cover costs HISA doesn't
• USDA Section 504 — for income-qualified rural veterans, USDA may cover modifications beyond the HISA limit
• Federal tax deductions — medically necessary home modifications may be deductible as medical expenses on Schedule A (consult a tax professional)

See our guide to combining multiple funding sources for a strategic framework.

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