SAH and SHA Adaptive Housing Grants Explained

These are VA grants to adapt a home to a service-connected disability. There are two, and which one applies depends on the disability.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) — up to $126,526 in FY 2026. For the most significant adaptations: building, buying or modifying a home so it is usable.

Special Home Adaptation (SHA) — up to $25,350 in FY 2026. For smaller adaptations to an existing home.

Both figures are adjusted annually for construction costs, so the fiscal year matters when you read a number.

The feature people do not know about: you do not have to use it all at once. Grant funds can be used up to 6 different times across your lifetime. So an initial adaptation now does not forfeit help with a later move or a change in your needs.

Who is eligible?

For SAH you must own or be about to own the home, and have a qualifying service-connected disability. Qualifying conditions include loss or loss of use of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes, certain severe burns, and — for service on or after September 11, 2001 — loss of one lower extremity, though that route is limited to 120 veterans a year.

For SHA you or a family member must own or be about to own the home, with a qualifying disability including loss or loss of use of both hands, certain severe burns, or particular respiratory injuries.

The family-ownership difference is worth noting: SHA can apply where a family member owns the home, which SAH does not.

That 120-per-year cap on the post-9/11 lower-extremity route is a real constraint rather than a formality, so applying early in the fiscal year matters if that is your basis.

How do I apply?

  • Check which grant your disability qualifies for: The condition lists differ, and so do the amounts by a factor of five.
  • Note the fiscal-year figures: Amounts are adjusted annually for construction costs, so confirm the current year's maximum.
  • Do not spend it all at once if you do not need to: You can use the grant up to six times across your lifetime.
  • Apply early if you are on the post-9/11 lower-extremity route: That basis is capped at 120 veterans a year.
  • Check whether family ownership works for SHA: SHA can apply where a family member owns the home; SAH cannot.
  • Combine it with a Disabled Facilities equivalent if you rent: These grants assume ownership, so a renter needs a different route.

Common questions

How much are the VA adaptive housing grants?

In FY 2026, up to $126,526 for a Specially Adapted Housing grant and up to $25,350 for a Special Home Adaptation grant. Both are adjusted annually for construction costs.

Can you use an adaptive housing grant more than once?

Yes — up to 6 different times across your lifetime, so an adaptation now does not forfeit help later.

What is the difference between SAH and SHA?

SAH is the larger grant for the most significant adaptations and requires that you own the home. SHA is smaller and can apply where you or a family member owns it. The qualifying conditions differ too.

Is there a limit on how many people can get SAH?

The post-9/11 loss-of-one-lower-extremity route is limited to 120 veterans a year. Other qualifying routes are not capped that way.

Do you need to own the home?

For SAH, yes. For SHA, you or a family member must own it or be about to.

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