Many veterans need help fixing their homes, especially when repairs are expensive or related to a service-connected disability. Home repair grants for veterans are funds you do not have to pay back. These grants help cover costs like fixing a leaking roof, replacing an old furnace, repairing unsafe wiring, upgrading plumbing, or making the home easier and safer to move around in. Some programs also pay for large accessibility changes such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and bathroom modifications.
These grants come from trusted sources like the VA, USDA, HUD, and local government or nonprofit groups. Many programs focus on low-income veteran homeowners or disabled veterans who need safe and stable housing. In this guide, you will learn what home repair grants for veterans are, who qualifies, how much money is available in 2026, and how to apply step by step.
Why veterans get special help
Veterans can get special help because they served our country. Some veterans have service-connected injuries that make daily life hard. The VA and other agencies offer grants so veterans can live safely in their homes. Local groups also run home repair grant programs for veterans. This money can help veterans stay in their homes and be independent.
Main VA grants that help fix homes
The VA has special grants that pay for home changes and repairs for veterans with certain disabilities. The main grants are Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Housing Adaptation (SHA), and Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA).
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)
The SAH grant helps veterans who have very serious service-connected disabilities. This grant can be used to build a new adapted home or change an existing home so the veteran can live safely. The maximum total SAH funding changes each year. For fiscal year 2026, the VA’s rules show the SAH program limits and how the amount is set by law. These amounts are adjusted and can be large when a veteran needs many changes. For exact limits and rules, always check the VA site or the federal rules.
Special Housing Adaptation (SHA)
The SHA grant is for veterans whose disabilities meet the specific rules for adaptations. This grant helps with changes like widening doors, installing ramps, or upgrading bathrooms. The SHA grant maximum is adjusted yearly. For 2026, the SHA maximum figure is listed in VA guidance and public resources. If you think you qualify, the VA can tell you the current maximum and what repairs are allowed.
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Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA)
The TRA grant helps veterans who live temporarily with their families. It pays for changes in a family member’s home so the veteran can live there safely. TRA has its own limit, which is also set each year. The VA and federal notices list the TRA maximum amounts and who can apply. If you live in a family member’s house while healing or recovering, TRA might help.
How much money can veterans get from home repair grants?
Amounts change year to year because they are adjusted for construction costs and the federal fiscal rules. Some veterans use the whole grant to build a new adapted home. Other veterans use part of the grant to pay for ramps, wider doors, or bathroom changes.
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For precise 2026 amounts, check the VA and federal notices. The federal notice that adjusts grant limits for fiscal year 2026 shows the maximum assistance levels used by VA programs. This federal source is the official place to confirm exact numbers for SAH, SHA, and TRA.
USDA Section 504: home repair grants for rural veterans
If you live in a rural area and have a low income, the USDA Section 504 program can help. This program offers loans and grants to repair homes and remove health or safety hazards.
The Section 504 rules say the maximum grant is $10,000 for repairs. If your home was damaged in a presidentially declared disaster area, the grant limit can go up to $15,000. Loans under Section 504 can go higher. Loans can be up to $40,000 and can be combined with a grant for larger work. These programs are for very low-income homeowners in rural areas.
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HUD and local Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
HUD runs programs that give money to cities and counties. These cities then fund local home repair programs. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is one example. Local governments use CDBG money to help low- and moderate-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility changes.
CDBG money does not come directly to veterans. A city or county decides how to use it. Many local programs use CDBG funds to repair roofs, fix heating, or make homes wheelchair accessible. If your city has a small home repair program, it may use CDBG funds. Contact your city’s housing office to learn if they have a veteran priority or special rules.
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Other federal and local home repair grants for veterans
Other federal programs, nonprofit groups, and local charities also help veterans. Some banks and foundations run veteran home repair grants. Habitat for Humanity and other groups sometimes offer repair grants or heavily reduced labor for veterans. Local veteran service organizations can help with paperwork and referrals. The Federal Home Loan Bank and local housing coalitions often run special veteran programs that fund accessibility ramps and emergency home repairs.
Who qualifies for home repair grants?
Qualification rules vary by program. VA grants usually require a service-connected disability or a qualifying condition. The VA will ask for medical records and proof of service.
USDA Section 504 home repair grants require that you live in a rural area and that your income is very low. HUD programs require that you meet local income rules for low or moderate-income households.
Local charity programs often require proof that you own your home, that the house is your primary home, and that you cannot pay for repairs. Some programs require veterans to live in a specific county or meet age rules.
If you are not sure about one rule, call the program office. A local veterans service officer can help you with eligibility questions and the forms you need.
What repairs can these grants pay for?
Grants can pay for many kinds of repairs. VA grants pay for accessibility changes, major home adaptations, and sometimes to buy or build a new adapted home. USDA Section 504 grants pay to remove health and safety hazards, or to modernize an older home. CDBG funds often pay for small emergency home repairs, ramps, roofs, and furnace repairs.
Emergency repairs might include fixing a leaking roof, replacing a dangerous electrical panel, or installing a working heater in winter. Accessibility repairs might include widening doorways, adding grab bars, or installing a stairlift.
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How to apply for home repair grants for veterans
Start with the VA website or your local VA regional office. Ask for the housing grants department. The VA can explain which grant fits your needs and give you the application forms.
You will usually need proof of military service, disability documents if you have a service-connected condition, and proof that you own or will own the home. You may also need contractor estimates and photos of the needed work.
Applying can take time. The VA reviews medical and service records and inspects the home if needed. If you are eligible, the VA will tell you how much help you can get and what repairs are covered. For the official rules, the federal notices, and the VA housing pages are the best places to check.
How to apply for USDA Section 504 grants
Contact your local USDA Rural Development office. The office will help you apply and explain the income rules. You will need proof of income, proof that you own the home, and estimates for the repair work.
If you are approved for a grant, the money must be used to remove health and safety hazards or to make your home more livable. The USDA also offers low-interest loans that can be combined with a grant for larger repairs. The official USDA site lists the loan and grant maximums.
How to access HUD and local CDBG funds
Contact your city or county housing office. Ask if the local government has a home repair or emergency repair program for veterans. Tell them you are a veteran and ask if there are veteran-specific funds.
Local community groups, nonprofits, and churches sometimes work with the city to help veterans. These groups may help with applications or offer small grants for specific repairs.
Tips to increase your chance of approval
Start the application early. Gather all papers like service records, disability letters, house deed, income documents, and contractor estimates. If you can show the repair is urgent or related to a disability, mention this clearly.
Work with a veterans service officer or a local nonprofit. They can help you fill out forms and push the application forward. Keep short, clear notes of every call you make and every person you talk to about your application.
Examples of typical grant amounts and uses
Some programs have clear dollar limits. USDA Section 504 grants can help up to $10,000 for repairs. In disaster zones, this limit can go to $15,000. Loans can go up to $40,000 and can be combined with grants for more money. VA grants have different caps per program and are adjusted each year. Local CDBG funds vary widely and depend on city budgets. Always check the program’s website for the latest limits
Recent updates and why they matter
Grant rules and amounts change almost every year. The federal government updates the maximums for VA housing grants to match construction costs. USDA and HUD rules can also change. That means a number you see today could be different next year.
For 2026, federal notices and VA pages list the updated limits and instructions. If you see different numbers online, check the VA or federal notice dates to be sure you have the newest amounts. Using official government pages is the best way to get correct numbers.
Local nonprofit and charity home repair grants for veterans
Many local charities help veterans fix homes. Habitat for Humanity, veteran foundations, and local service clubs sometimes pay for roofs, ramps, or safety upgrades. These help programs often cover work that is small but urgent. Local groups may have income rules, but many have special programs just for veterans.
Call local veteran centers and ask about repair programs. These groups can also refer you to contractors who do low-cost work for veterans.
Final steps and a simple checklist
Gather your documents: proof of military service, home ownership papers, income proof, and contractor estimates. Call the VA and ask about SAH, SHA, or TRA if you have a service-connected disability. If you live in a rural area, call USDA Rural Development about Section 504 grants. Call your local housing office and ask about CDBG funds. Reach out to local nonprofits and veteran groups for help with paperwork and referrals.
Getting grant money takes time, but it can make your home safer and more comfortable. The programs are made to help veterans live with dignity. If you need help, ask a veterans service officer or a local nonprofit. They know the process and can stand with you while you apply.