HISA - Home Improvement Structural Alteration Grant

The VA Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Benefit (HISA) offers financial assistance to disabled veterans who have service-connected medical conditions and, in some cases, non-service-connected conditions that require medically necessary modifications to their homes. The home may be owned or rented by the veteran.

This benefit can help pay for medically necessary home improvements and structural alterations to a veteran’s or service member’s primary residence for the following purposes:

• Permitting entry into or exit from the primary residence
• Enabling use of essential lavatory and sanitary facilities, including roll-in showers
• Providing access to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters by lowering counters or sinks
• Enhancing entrance paths or driveways near the home through the construction of permanent ramps
• Upgrading plumbing or electrical systems when required for the installation of home medical equipment

HISA Benefit Amounts

The HISA program provides a lifetime benefit for veterans and service members.

Up to $6,800 may be approved to:

• Address a service-connected disability
• Address a compensable disability treated “as if” it were service-connected and for which the veteran is entitled to medical services under 38 USC 1710(a)(2)(c)

Up to $2,000 may be approved to:

• Address a disability not described above

What HISA Excludes

Certain structural alterations are not covered under HISA, including exterior decking, hot tubs, spas, removable equipment, and routine maintenance.

Applying for a HISA Benefit

When applying for the HISA benefit, a complete HISA application package should include the following:

• A prescription written or approved by a VA physician
• A completed VA Form 10-0103
• For renters: property owner authorization
• A written itemized estimate of costs
• A color photograph of the area prior to improvement