A variety of programs are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help qualifying disabled veterans with housing situations. A number of VA grants are available to qualifying veterans to help them purchase and/or make modifications to their existing homes to suit their disabilities. For detailed information on these loan programs, see: http://www.americanheromortgage.com/loans-for-military-veterans
• The VA offers qualifying disabled veterans a Specially Adapted Housing Grant or a 2101(a) Grant to help offset the costs involved in specially adapted housing. Veterans who are entitled to or currently receiving compensation for “permanent and total” service-connected disabilities are eligible for these grants.
These grants were created with the purpose of helping qualifying disabled veterans to purchase a home that has already been adapted for disabled use. The grant can also be used to pay towards the cost of modifying a house to make it accessible for disabled use. The cumulative amount of these grants can change on an annual basis.
• The VA Temporary Residence Adaptation or TRA Grant is available to qualifying disabled veterans who may be eligible for 2101(a) Specially Adapted Housing Grant or the SAH (Special Home Adaptation 2101(b) Grant. The TRA Grant was created by the VA to help towards the cost of modifying the property of a family member to meet the needs of a service member or veteran’s special needs.
These types of grants have a diverse range of applications. A veteran must first qualify for eligibility before applying for the grant itself.
Other home loan benefits available from Veterans Affairs to qualifying disabled vets include:
– Special consideration for VA insured mortgages. For example, qualifying disabled veterans will not be required to pay the VA loan funding fee.
What Qualifies a Disabled Veteran for a VA Grant?
Every case and circumstance is different according to the VA. However, even though each veteran needs to have his/her particular case reviewed individually to be considered for a grant, the VA publishes a list showing which cases will be basically eligible for a 2101(a) grant. This is a basic guide only and it does not mean that veterans who meet the requirements on the list will automatically be eligible. As determined by the VA the medical conditions listed will qualify a veteran for benefits if they are able to produce documentation stating one of the conditions on the list.
The official disability rating by the VA is used to determine a qualifying disabled vet, but is subject to review and not considered to be “permanent” after the determination has been made. This indicates the possibility that a veteran can appeal the decision to decline a grant, but the VA will probably request a new review.
Home Loans and Grants
Grants and home loans from the VA can help veterans to stay in their homes. If a veteran is planning to buy a home he/she can check with the VA for available home loans. Home Loans from the Department of Veterans Affairs do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance.
A VA loan can also access home equity to supply a veteran with cash for home improvements to suit disability needs, college costs, and other financial concerns.
An existing VA home loan can also be refinanced with an IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan).
Veterans with severe, service-related disabilities may qualify for grants to modify an existing home, widen doors, install ramps or make required modifications to allow them to live more independently.
Homeless Veterans
Help is available for homeless or at risk-veterans. The VA is able to assist with housing, employment, healthcare (including mental health services), and foreclosure assistance.
