Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, veterans with service-connected disabilities or veterans with nonservice-connected disabilities may receive assistance for any home improvement necessary for the continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. A HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of his/her disability. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant or a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant.

Before HISA improvements

After HISA improvements

• Allowing entrance or exit from veteran?s home
• Improving access for use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities
  Before After
• Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters
• Handrails
• Lowered Electrical outlets and switches
• Improving paths or driveways
• Improving plumbing/electrical work for dialysis patients

• Walkways to exterior buildings
• Widening of driveways (in excess of a 7ft x 6ft area)
• Spa, hot tub or Jacuzzi
• Exterior decking (in excess of 8ft x 8ft)

• Home improvement benefits up to $4,100 may be provided to service-connected veterans.
• Home improvement benefits up to $1,200 may be provided to nonservice-connected veterans.

In order to recieve an HISA grant, the veteran must first have a prescription from a VA or fee-basis physician. This must include:

• Specific items required.
• The diagnosis with medical justification.
• The veteran?s name, address, SSN and phone number(s).

To apply, the veteran must first provide:

• A completed VA Form 10-0103, VETERANS APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE In Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations If a leased or rented property, written permission from the owner
• Quotes from at least 3 licensed contractors (if required by state law), to include:
• The contractors name, address, telephone and Federal tax ID number or social security number
• The veteran?s name, address and telephone number./li>
• Plans and drawings
• An itemized list of estimated materials, cost and labor cost.
• All permits required (it is the contractors responsibility to obtain these)
• A picture of the work site prior to construction