United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS)

For additional PSAS information, see PSAS Links above.

Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Program (HISA)

What is HISA

Before HISA improvements
Bathroom before HISA modification

After HISA improvements
Bathroom ater HISA improvements with bathtub replaced with open shower and toilet handles added

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.

Also see the
NEW HISA VIDEOS on the videos page

or the HISA brochure:

Applying for an HISA grant

What HISA WILL pay for

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

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

Limits on HISA grants

HISA Will Not pay for

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.

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)