Improving Homes for Our Veterans: A Guide to VA Grants in Fayetteville, NC
Veterans and service members in Fayetteville, NC often face unique challenges when it comes to housing, especially those living with service-connected disabilities or aging in place. Fortunately, there are federally backed grant programs available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help cover the cost of home modifications and improvements.
If you’re a veteran living near Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, Spring Lake, or surrounding areas, you may qualify for one of three major VA home improvement grants: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Home Adaptation (SHA), or the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant.
1. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
The SAH grant helps veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities live independently in a barrier-free home. Grant funds can be used to:
- Construct a specially adapted home
- Modify an existing home
- Pay toward the unpaid principal on a previously adapted home
Eligibility:
Veterans must own the home and have qualifying conditions such as loss of use of both legs, certain severe burns, or blindness in both eyes. The maximum grant amount as of 2024 is $109,986.
2. Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
The SHA grant is intended for veterans with mobility-related conditions that are service-connected but do not meet the SAH threshold. It allows for adaptations such as:
- Installing grab bars or ramps
- Modifying bathrooms or kitchens
- Widening doorways
Eligibility:
Veterans must have qualifying conditions like loss of use of both hands or respiratory injuries. The 2024 maximum SHA grant is $22,036.
3. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant
Unlike SAH or SHA, the HISA grant is available to veterans with both service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities. It helps with medically necessary home improvements like:
- Roll-in showers
- Lowered countertops
- Entrance ramps
- Widened hallways and doors
Eligibility:
Veterans need a prescription from a VA physician outlining the medical need. The HISA limit is $6,800 for service-connected disabilities and $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions.
How to Apply for VA Home Modification Grants
To get started, you’ll need to work through the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville or your VA-assigned health care provider. A typical application includes:
- VA Form 26-4555 (SAH/SHA)
- VA Form 10-0103 (HISA)
- Documentation from a physician or occupational therapist
- Proof of home ownership and construction plans (when applicable)
The Fayetteville VA Medical Center can provide in-person help and guidance through the process.
Local Tips for Fayetteville Veterans
- Use your VA home care team as a resource, they can refer you to the proper program and fill out part of the paperwork.
- Be clear about whether you rent or own, SAH and SHA grants are only for homeowners, while HISA can apply to rental properties with landlord approval.
- Work with a contractor experienced in VA grant construction and accessibility guidelines to avoid delays.
Final Thoughts
VA grants like SAH, SHA, and HISA offer critical support for veterans who need their homes to work better for their health and mobility. If you or a family member is a veteran living in the Fayetteville area, learning about these programs is the first step toward a safer, more functional home.
For more detailed information, visit the VA’s Housing Grants for Veterans page or contact the Fayetteville VA Medical Center directly.
We’re Here for You
If you’re beginning the process and need a local contractor familiar with VA grant requirements and accessibility modifications, M&D Construction is here to help. We’ve worked with veterans and their families across the Fayetteville area to complete quality, code-compliant adaptations that meet VA standards. We’re happy to walk you through the process, provide estimates, or coordinate with your grant approval team.