To apply for the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, veterans must follow a specific process, as the HISA grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how veterans can apply for the grant:
1. Eligibility Check
- HISA Grants are available to veterans with service-connected disabilities or those who have a permanent disability related to their military service.
- Veterans must have an Honorable Discharge and need to be enrolled in the VA health care system to be eligible.
- The grant can be used for home modifications to make it easier for a veteran to live with their disability (e.g., wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, bathroom modifications).
Note: If a veteran is not already enrolled in the VA health care system, they must complete that process first.
2. Consult with a VA Health Care Provider
The veteran must work with their VA physician, who will help determine if the requested home improvements are medically necessary for the veteran’s condition.
The VA doctor will provide a recommendation for the type of home modification needed to address the veteran’s disability. This is an essential step, as the VA physician’s approval is required to demonstrate that the home modifications are medically necessary.
3. Complete the Application
The application for the HISA grant is typically done through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the veteran will need to submit specific paperwork. The forms required may vary depending on the veteran’s location, but generally, the following is needed:
- VA Form 10-0103: Application for the HISA grant.
- A recommendation from the veteran’s healthcare provider detailing the need for specific home improvements.
- Any supporting documentation that confirms the veteran’s disability or condition.
The VA health care provider or case manager will assist with completing the necessary paperwork.
4. Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), either:
- Directly through the local VA medical center or outpatient clinic.
- Via mail or fax, depending on the local VA office's procedure.
5. Application Review
Once the VA receives the application, they will review the veteran’s eligibility and the specific requested home modifications. This may take some time, as the VA will need to verify the veteran’s service-connected disability and evaluate the medical necessity of the requested improvements.
6. Approval and Grant Award
If the veteran’s application is approved, the VA will provide a grant award for the home improvements. HISA grants are awarded up to a certain limit, depending on the veteran’s needs:
- Standard HISA Grant: Up to $6,800 for veterans with a service-connected disability.
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant: Up to $20,000, but this is only available to veterans with severe service-connected disabilities.
7. Completion of Home Modifications
Once the grant is awarded, the veteran can use the funds to complete the necessary home improvements. Veterans are responsible for hiring contractors and ensuring the modifications are completed. The VA may also provide guidance on how to select qualified contractors.
8. Reimbursement Process
In some cases, the veteran may have to pay for the improvements upfront and then request reimbursement. However, the VA may work with contractors directly to pay for the improvements without requiring out-of-pocket expenses from the veteran.
Additional Information:
- Additional Resources: For more details, veterans can visit the official VA website or contact their local VA medical center for assistance with the application process.
- Special Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants: If the veteran requires more extensive modifications, such as building a wheelchair-accessible home, they may qualify for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant, which has different application processes and eligibility requirements.
For veterans looking to apply, it’s crucial to stay in close contact with a VA healthcare provider to ensure all documentation is completed accurately and promptly.