Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
Under the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program, Veterans with service-connected disabilities or Veterans with non-service-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.
Please take a moment to watch the HISA Video for more information.
Applying for a HISA Grant
In order to receive a 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
- 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
Examples of what HISA will pay for include:
- Allowing entrance or exit from Veteran's home
- Improving access for use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities
- Improving access to kitchen and bathroom counters
- Handrails
- Lowered electrical outlets and switches
- Improving paths or driveways
- Improving plumbing/electrical work for dialysis patients
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)
Limits on HISA Grants
The HISA program is available for both service-connected Veterans and non-service-connected Veterans. On May 5, 2010 the President signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Service Act of 2010, increasing the amounts available under the HISA grant:
- Home improvement benefits up to $6,800 may be provided for a:
- service-connected condition
- non-service-connected condition of a Veteran rated 50 percent or more service-connected
- Home improvement benefits up to $2,000 may be provided to all other Veterans registered in the VA health care system
Before HISA improvements |
After HISA improvements |