Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service
Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Program (HISA)
What is HISA |
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
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After HISA improvements
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What HISA WILL pay for |
These are examples of what HISA WILL pay for
- 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
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HISA Will Not pay for |
These are examples of what HISA WILL NOT pay for
- 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)
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Limits on HISA grants |
The HISA program is available for both service-connected veterans
and nonservice-connected veterans.
- 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.
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Applying for an HISA grant |
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
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