HISA Grant vs SAH Grant in Central Texas: Which VA Benefit Covers Your Home Modifications
The HISA grant is the right choice for most Central Texas veterans needing accessibility upgrades under $6,800—roll bars, ramp installs, or widened doorways at your current home in San Antonio, Austin, or Killeen. SAH and SHA grants cover larger structural projects but require higher disability ratings and longer approval timelines.
HISA Grant (Service-Connected)
- Best for: Veterans with any service-connected disability needing modest home accessibility modifications
- Key advantage: Up to $6,800 lifetime benefit with no minimum disability rating required for eligibility
- Watch out: Lifetime cap means you cannot reapply once the full amount has been used
HISA Grant (Non-Service-Connected)
- Best for: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need home modifications for any qualifying medical condition
- Key advantage: Does not require a service-connected rating—only active VA healthcare enrollment needed
- Watch out: Lifetime maximum is $2,000, which limits scope to smaller projects like grab bars or thresholds
SAH Grant
- Best for: Veterans rated 100% for qualifying conditions like loss of limb or permanent blindness
- Key advantage: Up to $109,986 for major structural changes including building an adapted home from scratch
- Watch out: Strict eligibility—only specific disabilities at specific ratings qualify for this program
SHA Grant
- Best for: Veterans with permanent blindness or loss of hands living in a family member’s home
- Key advantage: Up to $44,299 to adapt someone else’s residence where you live full-time
- Watch out: Cannot be combined with SAH—veterans must choose one program or the other
How do I apply for a HISA grant at the San Antonio or Austin VA?
Submit VA Form 10-0103 to your local VA medical center’s prosthetics department. The Audie Murphy VA in San Antonio and the Austin VA Outpatient Clinic both process HISA applications—expect 30 to 60 days for approval after your provider documents the medical need.
Can I use a HISA grant and a SAH grant together?
Yes. HISA and SAH are separate programs with independent lifetime caps. A veteran rated for SAH eligibility can also receive HISA funds for modifications not covered under the SAH scope, effectively stacking both benefits on the same property.
What home modifications does the HISA grant cover in Texas?
HISA covers grab bars, wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, widened doorways, stairlifts, and improved ventilation for respiratory conditions. The modification must be medically justified and installed at your primary residence—rental properties in Killeen, Austin, or San Antonio qualify with landlord approval.
What Is the HISA Grant and Who Qualifies?
The HISA grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) is a VA benefit that pays for medically necessary home modifications — no repayment required. It’s administered through VA Prosthetics, not the VA loan program, and it’s available to Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.
Qualification hinges on one factor: whether your modification is tied to a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected condition treated by the VA. Both paths lead to funding, but the dollar amounts differ significantly. Veterans in San Antonio can apply through the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (Audie Murphy VA Medical Center), while those near Fort Cavazos use the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple.
- Service-connected Veterans: Any Veteran with a disability rating who needs home modifications related to that rated condition qualifies for the higher HISA tier
- Non-service-connected Veterans: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who need modifications for any condition the VA is treating qualify for the lower tier
- No income threshold: Unlike many state programs, HISA has no means test — your disability rating or enrollment status is what matters
- Homeowners and renters: You can use HISA whether you own your home or rent, as long as the landlord approves the modification
- One lifetime benefit: HISA is a lifetime grant, not annual — once you use the funds, they don’t reset
How Much Does the HISA Grant Pay in 2026?
HISA pays up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities and up to $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions. These are lifetime maximums, not annual allowances.
Those numbers haven’t changed in years, and they don’t adjust for inflation. In Central Texas, $6,800 covers a basic bathroom modification — grab bars, a roll-in shower conversion, or a ramp — but won’t stretch to a full kitchen remodel. In San Antonio’s 78228 or 78207 ZIP codes where median home prices sit around $185,000, contractors typically quote $3,500–$5,200 for a standard walk-in shower conversion. In Austin’s 78745 or 78748, the same job runs $4,800–$7,200 due to higher labor costs. Plan accordingly: the grant likely covers one major modification, not a full accessibility overhaul.
Key distinction: HISA is a lifetime cap, not per-project. If you use $4,000 for a ramp today, you have $2,800 remaining for future modifications — ever. Choose your first project strategically, especially if your condition may progress.
How Does HISA Compare to SAH and SHA Grants?
HISA is the smallest of the three VA home modification grants. SAH and SHA offer dramatically more funding but require higher disability thresholds that most Veterans don’t meet.
The SAH grant (Specially Adapted Housing) provides up to $117,014 in 2026 for Veterans with severe service-connected disabilities — loss of use of both legs, blindness in both eyes, or certain burn injuries. The SHA grant (Special Housing Adaptation) offers up to $47,130 for conditions like loss of use of one hand combined with certain respiratory injuries. HISA fills the gap for Veterans whose disabilities don’t reach SAH/SHA severity but still require home modifications.
| Grant | 2026 Maximum | Disability Requirement | Resets Annually? | Typical Use in Central TX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAH | $117,014 | Severe SC (loss of limbs, blindness, severe burns) | Yes — up to 6 uses | Full accessible home build or major renovation |
| SHA | $47,130 | Specific SC combinations (hands + respiratory, etc.) | Yes — up to 6 uses | Bathroom/kitchen overhaul, widened doorways throughout |
| HISA (SC) | $6,800 | Any service-connected disability needing modification | No — lifetime cap | Single bathroom mod, ramp, or grab bar installation |
| HISA (NSC) | $2,000 | Enrolled in VA healthcare, condition being treated | No — lifetime cap | Grab bars, handrails, minor threshold modifications |
For Veterans near Fort Cavazos in Killeen — where median home prices run $235,000–$270,000 and many homes were built in the 1980s–2000s without accessibility features — HISA often serves as the starting point. If your condition worsens and you later qualify for SAH or SHA, those grants don’t subtract what you already received through HISA.
What Home Modifications Does HISA Cover in Central Texas?
HISA covers any structural change your VA physician deems medically necessary. The key word is “structural” — the modification must involve a permanent alteration to the home, not portable equipment.
Your VA doctor writes a prescription (VA Form 10-0103) stating the medical necessity. Then VA Prosthetics reviews and approves the specific modification. Common approvals for Central Texas Veterans include accessibility improvements for aging ranch-style homes in neighborhoods like Converse, Universal City, and Copperas Cove — areas with high Veteran populations near Joint Base San Antonio and Fort Cavazos.
- Bathroom modifications: Roll-in showers, grab bars, raised toilets, anti-slip flooring — the most common HISA use in San Antonio, typically $3,500–$6,500 installed
- Ramps and entryway access: Wooden or aluminum ramps, threshold modifications, widened doorways — contractors in Killeen quote $1,800–$4,200 depending on length and materials
- Flooring changes: Replacing carpet with hard-surface flooring for wheelchair use — runs $2,200–$4,800 for a main living area in a typical 1,400 sq ft Killeen home
- Kitchen accessibility: Lowered countertops, pull-out shelving, accessible cabinet hardware — usually $2,500–$5,000 for targeted modifications
- Electrical and HVAC: Lowered light switches, accessible thermostat placement, improved ventilation for respiratory conditions
- Structural reinforcement: Ceiling track lifts, support beam installation for transfer systems — often exceeds the $6,800 cap alone
Note what HISA does not cover: cosmetic upgrades, appliance purchases, portable equipment (like shower chairs), or general home maintenance. The modification must be permanent and prescribed.
How Do You Apply for a HISA Grant in Texas?
Apply through your local VA medical center’s Prosthetics department — not through eBenefits, not through a VA Regional Office, and not through your lender. The process takes 30–90 days in Central Texas depending on facility backlog.
Start by telling your VA primary care provider you need a home modification. They’ll evaluate whether the request is medically justified and complete VA Form 10-0103 (the prescription). That form goes to Prosthetics, which reviews it, assigns a case, and either sends an inspector to your home or approves based on submitted photos and contractor estimates. For San Antonio Veterans using the Audie Murphy campus, expect the initial Prosthetics appointment within 2–3 weeks of the physician referral. The Temple VA (Central Texas system serving Killeen/Fort Cavazos) currently runs about 3–4 weeks for that first appointment.
After approval, you select a licensed contractor, get a quote, and submit it to Prosthetics. They’ll approve the quote (or negotiate it down), and you schedule the work. Payment goes directly to the contractor after the VA inspects the completed modification.
Pro tip for Central Texas Veterans: Get your contractor quote before the Prosthetics appointment. The approval process moves faster when you bring a written estimate from a licensed, insured contractor. Ask Prosthetics if they maintain a preferred vendor list — both the San Antonio and Temple VA offices have contractors who’ve completed HISA work before and know the paperwork requirements.
Can You Combine HISA with Other VA or Texas Benefits?
Yes. HISA stacks with multiple other programs, and combining them is often the only way to fund a meaningful modification in 2026’s pricing environment.
Texas Veterans can layer HISA with the Texas Veterans Commission’s housing assistance, Bexar County’s Minor Home Repair Program (for San Antonio residents earning below 80% AMI), and nonprofit programs like Rebuilding Together or the Purple Heart Homes initiative. Military families stationed at Fort Cavazos may also access the Army’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) resources for additional modification support. The key rule: HISA funds cannot duplicate payment for the same work another program already covered, but they can cover different portions of a larger project.
| Program | Max Benefit | Stackable with HISA? | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAH/SHA Grant | $117,014 / $47,130 | Yes — different qualifying conditions | Must meet severe disability criteria |
| Bexar County Minor Home Repair | $15,000 | Yes — for different scope of work | Income below 80% AMI, Bexar County homeowner |
| Texas Ramp Project | Free ramp build | Yes — ramp is separate modification | Any Texas resident with mobility disability |
| Rebuilding Together (SA chapter) | Varies by project | Yes | Low-income homeowners, Veterans prioritized |
| Purple Heart Homes | Full project funding | Yes — for uncovered portions | Service-connected disabled Veterans |
A common strategy I see with Veteran buyers in San Antonio’s 78244 and 78109 ZIP codes: use HISA for the bathroom conversion ($5,000–$6,800), apply to Bexar County’s program for the ramp and wider doorways ($8,000–$12,000), and tap a nonprofit for grab bars and handrails throughout ($1,500–$2,500). Total project value: $15,000–$21,000 out of pocket cost: zero.
What Should Central Texas Veterans Watch Out For?
Three pitfalls catch Veterans off guard: the lifetime cap, contractor selection, and timing the application relative to a home purchase.
First, the lifetime cap means you cannot get more HISA funds once you’ve exhausted them — even if your condition deteriorates or you move to a different home. Veterans in their 30s and 40s with progressive conditions (like degenerative disc disease rated at 20%–40%) should think carefully about whether to use HISA now for a convenience modification or preserve it for a future necessity. Second, using an unlicensed contractor or one unfamiliar with VA paperwork can stall your project for months. The VA requires specific documentation and inspection protocols. Third, if you’re buying a home with a VA Loan in Austin or San Antonio, do not assume the HISA application will close before you move in. Average processing in Central Texas runs 60–90 days — plan your purchase timeline accordingly.
- Don’t burn the cap on small fixes: Grab bars and handrails cost $200–$600 total — consider paying out of pocket and saving HISA for a $5,000+ modification later
- Verify contractor licensing: Texas requires a general contractor to carry liability insurance; check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation database before signing
- Document everything: Photograph your home’s current condition before work begins — the VA inspection compares before/after, and disputes without documentation delay payment to your contractor
- Timing with home purchase: If you’re closing on a home near Fort Cavazos or in San Antonio, start the HISA physician referral immediately after closing — don’t wait until you’re “settled in”
- Rental properties: Get written landlord permission before applying — Prosthetics will ask for it, and verbal agreements don’t satisfy VA requirements
Is the HISA Grant Worth Pursuing in 2026?
Yes — if you have a specific, medically necessary modification in mind and you’ve calculated whether the lifetime cap covers it. Free money with no repayment obligation is always worth pursuing when you qualify.
The practical question isn’t whether HISA is “worth it” but whether it’s sufficient for your needs. At $6,800 maximum for service-connected Veterans, HISA handles one targeted modification in Central Texas pricing. A walk-in shower conversion in a Copperas Cove home built in the 1990s runs $4,200–$5,800. A concrete ramp with handrails at a San Antonio property costs $2,800–$4,500 depending on grade and length. These are real quotes from 2026 — not national averages.
For Veterans weighing whether to apply now or wait: if you need the modification today for safety or independence, apply today. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for older Veterans, and a $4,000 bathroom modification is cheap insurance against a $45,000 hip replacement and six months of recovery. The math isn’t close.
If you’re buying a home in San Antonio, Austin, or the Killeen–Fort Cavazos corridor and you know you’ll need accessibility modifications, factor HISA into your purchase strategy. Buy the home that needs a $5,000 HISA-funded shower conversion rather than the one that needs $25,000 in accessibility work you’ll have to finance. The grant is small but strategic — use it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HISA grant from the VA?
The HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) grant is a VA benefit that pays for disability-related home modifications. It covers structural changes like wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, widened doorways, and grab bars. Veterans in San Antonio and Central Texas apply through their local VA prosthetics department—South Texas Veterans Health Care System handles Bexar County claims. Unlike SAH or SHA grants, HISA doesn’t require the disability to be service-connected to qualify at the lower tier.
How much does the HISA grant pay?
Up to $6,800 lifetime for service-connected disabilities, or $2,200 lifetime for non-service-connected conditions. These are one-time lifetime caps—not annual amounts. In the San Antonio and Austin markets, $6,800 typically covers a bathroom conversion or ramp installation but won’t fund a full kitchen remodel. Veterans often pair HISA with SAH or SHA grants to cover larger projects at homes near Fort Cavazos or Randolph AFB.
Who is eligible for a HISA grant?
Any Veteran or Servicemember with a VA-enrolled disability that requires home modifications. For the $6,800 tier, the disability must be service-connected. The $2,200 tier covers non-service-connected conditions treated by the VA. You must own the home or have landlord authorization for the modifications. Veterans in Killeen, Austin, and San Antonio apply through their assigned VA medical center’s prosthetics department—not through a VA Regional Loan Center.
What home modifications does the HISA grant cover?
Structural alterations required by a medical condition—wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, widened doorways, stair lifts, accessible flooring, and grab bars. It does not cover cosmetic upgrades or general maintenance. Central Texas contractors familiar with HISA work typically submit the cost estimate directly to the VA prosthetics team. The modification must be pre-approved before work begins—Veterans who start construction before approval risk losing reimbursement entirely.
Can you use a HISA grant with a VA Loan?
Yes. HISA is separate from VA Loan entitlement and doesn’t affect your mortgage eligibility. Veterans buying near Fort Cavazos or in San Antonio can close with a VA Loan and immediately apply for HISA to modify the new home. You can also stack HISA with SAH (up to $117,014) or SHA (up to $23,444) grants if you qualify for both. The grants serve different scopes—HISA handles smaller structural changes while SAH covers major adaptive construction.
How do I apply for the HISA grant in Texas?
Contact your VA medical center’s prosthetics department and request a HISA application. In San Antonio, that’s the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (Audie Murphy campus). Austin and Killeen Veterans go through the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in Temple. You’ll need a physician’s prescription for the modification, a contractor’s cost estimate, and proof of home ownership. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks once all documents are submitted.
