Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
This grant provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to Veterans/Servicemembers’ primary residence for the following purposes:
- Allowing entrance to or exit from their homes
- Use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities (e.g. roll in showers)
- Allowing accessibility to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters (e.g. lowering counters/sinks)
- Improving entrance paths or driveways in immediate area of the home to facilitate access to the home through construction of permanent ramping
- Improving plumbing or electrical systems made necessary due to installation of home medical equipment
HISA will not pay for:
- Walkways to exterior buildings
- Spa, hot tub, or Jacuzzi
- Exterior decking
- New construction
HISA Grant Amounts
Lifetime HISA benefit up to $6,800 may be provided for:
- Veterans and Servicemembers who have a service connected condition
- Veterans who have a non-service connected condition rated 50% or more service connected
Lifetime benefit up to $2,000 may be provided for Veterans who have a non-service connected condition
What does HISA exclude?
Some excluded HISA structural alterations are exterior decking; purchase or installation of spa/ hot tubs/ Jacuzzi type tubs; home security systems; removable equipment or appliances such as portable ramps; porch lifts, and stair glides; and routine repairs.
HISA Process Map
For a complete map of the HISA process, a copy can be downloaded here.
Additional Information
Applying for a HISA Grant
When applying for the HISA benefit, a completed HISA application package must include the following:
(1) A prescription written or approved by a VA physician which includes:
- The beneficiaries name, address and telephone number
- Identify the improvement or structural alteration
- The diagnosis and medical justification for the improvement or structural alteration
(2) A completed and signed VA Form 10-0103, VETERANS APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE In Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations
- If applying for an advanced payment, request on application
(3) FOR RENTERS: A signed and notarized statement from the owner authorizing the improvement or structural alteration
(4) A written itemized estimate of costs for labor, materials, permits, and inspections for the home improvement and structural alteration
(5) A color photograph of the unimproved area
NOTE: An inspection of the site by VA may be warranted.
Before HISA improvements  |
After HISA improvements  |