A soldier, particularly a disabled veteran, undergoes dramatic transformations during deployment. Life will never be the same after witnessing the horrors of war and being injured. Disabled veterans must overcome several challenges when they attempt to readjust to civilian life after suffering a permanent or serious disability while serving their country.
Beyond just the immediate branch of service, many veterans, especially those from the national guard, face challenges like finding employment opportunities and securing a suitable housing situation.
For this reason, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides housing grants for veterans with PTSD. This grant can be used to change homes or remodel a veteran's house to suit their needs as they readjust to normal life.
This guide discusses the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant the VA offers to U.S. army veterans. Furthermore, we'll also touch on other housing programs available for eligible veterans.
Importance Of Housing Grants For Veterans With PTSD
Besides the obvious financial assistance, securing affordable housing becomes pivotal for those facing service-related injuries. Various nonprofit organizations and community partners work in tandem with the VA to ensure veterans have a stable place to live, whether it's temporary residence adaptation or permanent housing.
Housing grants for veterans with PTSD are incredibly important to help cover the cost of housing and provide additional security in an often uncertain future. PTSD requires heightened levels of care that can be difficult to accommodate, and many veterans struggle to cover the cost of rent on their own.
Moreover, with the help of these grant programs, veterans can tap into an array of benefits. It’s not just about housing for veterans but also about ensuring they have access to services such as counseling services and supportive services. Often, supportive housing programs play a critical role in ensuring long-term housing stability for these brave individuals.
Housing grants allow owners to make modifications and repairs while ensuring they can stay in their homes. With these grants, veterans also find more stability in feeling safe and secure in a home that fits their needs.
These housing grants are essential to providing war veterans with a better quality of life.
Understanding The Specially Adapted Housing Grant
In the United States, over 20 million veterans, of which an estimated 500,000 suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives grants to veterans with PTSD to help them purchase, construct, or adapt homes to meet their needs.
It's worth noting that there are different types of housing grants available, including the disability housing grant and the adaptive housing grant program. Each of these offers varying levels of assistance for housing loans and construction of housing based on specific eligibility criteria.
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant gives qualified veterans up to $109,986 to cover expenses related to constructing or modifying an existing home to meet adaptive needs. The grant can also be used to pay for the mortgage of a specially adapted house. The maximum grant amount varies per year, and the best way to know how much you can get is by checking the VA website.
Some veterans may also qualify for rental assistance programs, which are designed to help with the cost of construction or additional funding needs based on their current employment status.
There are also specific eligibility requirements before a veteran can get this grant.
Eligibility Requirements
While the application process for these grants is straightforward, it's crucial to ensure you meet all the set eligibility criteria before proceeding. Whether you served in the active service or are facing breathing injuries, having the backing of a health care provider can further solidify your case.
The primary criteria to be awarded a SAH grant is for the veteran to own a home. They must also have a service-connected disability such as the following:
- Loss or impairment of both legs that requires the veteran to use canes, crutches, or a wheelchair to help with mobility
- Blindness in both eyes or lower visual acuity in one eye despite using corrective lenses
- Loss of use of one leg
- Loss of one leg and the loss or loss of use of one arm (residual organic disease and injury are also counted)
- Loss or loss of use of both arms
- Severe burn injury
If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for the SAH grant.
Every fiscal year, the VA only awards 120 veterans and service members with the SAH grant. If you don't qualify for the current year due to the limit, you can still qualify for future years.
How To Apply
Before applying for the SAH grant for veterans, be sure that you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. Applying also involves completing a form so if you need assistance, make sure to get it.
You also need your Social Security Number and a VA file or claim number.
There are several ways to apply for this housing grant. You can do it online, by mail, or in person.
Applying Online
To apply online, you simply need to visit the eBenefits website.
- Sign in with your DS Logon account.
- Access the application form.
- Fill out all the required information.
- Click Submit.
If you don't have a DS Logon account, you can also register on the website.
Applying By Mail
It's also possible to send in a manually completed form by mail.
- Download the application form from the VA website.
- Print the form.
- Write the requested information legibly.
- Mail the form to the nearest regional loan center. You can visit this website to look for a regional loan center near you.
- Wait for the application to get approved.
If you're having trouble downloading the form or understanding part of the application, you can always call the VA's toll-free number at 800-827-1000. They are available to answer your queries from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm ET.
You can also request a claim form to be mailed to your address.
Applying In Person
Applying in person is often the easiest way for most veterans to get access to housing grants. The process is similar to applying by mail. You need to download the application form from the website and complete it.
Once you've accomplished the form, you can visit the nearest VA regional office to submit it in person. You may also call the VA toll-free hotline for assistance.
After you've sent in your applications, you need to wait for the VA office to process them and make a decision. They will write a formal letter and mail it to your address with their decision.
You can also check the status of your application on their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the different housing grants for veterans with PTSD can be confusing. Here are the commonly asked questions about them and their answers:
The SAH grant can be used to modify or construct a house specially adapted to the needs of a disabled veteran. These modifications must ensure that veterans can adjust to normal life despite their disabilities.
Funding varies per year. For 2023, the maximum grant is $109,986.
You can as long as you have a permanent home (that you own) and a service-related disability.
SHA is a different grant from the SAH. SHA only offers up to $22,036 total grant.
You can get social security benefits for PTSD if you meet the criteria specified by the SSA and can provide medical documentation related to your disability. You should also be able to prove that you have limitations to work.
Take Advantage Of Housing Grants For Veterans With PTSD Today!
Veterans don't have to adjust to life on their own. They've served the country well, and their service deserves every gratitude and aid the people of the United States can provide. Through the VA's housing grants for veterans with PTSD, veterans can enjoy independent living and soon readjust to civilian life. It may be difficult to go back to normal life after witnessing the atrocities of war, but with the housing grant provided by the VA, a semblance of normal life is possible.
Take advantage of the VA's housing grants to hasten your coping ability to normal life.
The government also helps veterans take care of their teeth. Check out this article on dental grants for veterans to learn more.
