Grants, Loans & Programs That Help Pay for Accessible Home Modifications

One of the most common questions we hear from buyers searching BarrierFreeHome.com is: “How much will the modifications cost — and can I actually afford this?”

It’s the right question. And the answer is almost always better than buyers expect. There are significant federal programs, VA benefits, state grants, nonprofit programs, and lending options specifically designed to fund accessible home modifications — and most people have never heard of most of them.

Federal Programs

1. VA Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

Maximum benefit: Up to $117,014 (FY2026, adjusts annually)
For veterans with specific service-connected disabilities
Can be used up to 3 times over the veteran’s lifetime

The SAH Grant is the most generous single accessibility funding source available to qualifying veterans. Qualifying disabilities typically involve loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, certain blindness conditions, or specific combinations.
Eligible uses: New construction of a fully accessible home • Purchase of a move-in ready adapted home • Ramp construction and doorway widening to 36″ minimum • Roll-in shower installation • Accessible kitchen modifications • Exterior accessible pathways
How to apply: File VA Form 26-4555 through your regional VA office or at va.gov.

2. VA Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant

Maximum benefit: Up to $23,444 (FY2026)
For veterans with upper extremity or blindness-related service-connected disabilities

Serves veterans with blindness in both eyes, loss or loss of use of both hands, or certain severe burn injuries. Funds adapt an existing home owned by the veteran or a family member.

3. VA Home Improvements & Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

Up to $6,800 (service-connected disability)
Up to $2,000 (non-service-connected or SC rated under 50%)
Broader eligibility than SAH/SHA — available to more veterans

Available to veterans with non-service-connected disabilities requiring modifications for medical reasons. A prescription from a VA physician is required.
Covered: Accessibility repairs • Adaptive bathrooms • Entrance modifications • Any structural alteration medically prescribed
STACKING TIP: SAH/SHA and HISA can be combined. Work with your VA benefits counselor to maximize all VA benefits before turning to other sources.

4. USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program

Loans up to $40,000 at 1% interest / 20-year term
Grants up to $10,000 for homeowners 62 and older
For very-low-income rural homeowners

Assists rural homeowners who cannot secure affordable credit elsewhere. The grant component addresses health and safety hazards, which includes accessibility modifications that reduce fall risk.
How to apply: Contact your local USDA Rural Development office at rd.usda.gov

5. Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

Benefit: Varies by state — can be comprehensive
For Medicaid-eligible individuals who need nursing-home-level care
Many states have waiting lists; apply early

HCBS Waivers are Medicaid-funded programs that allow people who would otherwise qualify for institutional care to receive services and supports at home instead.
Commonly covered: Grab bars • Wheelchair ramps • Roll-in showers • Assistive technology • Doorway and hallway widening
How to apply: Contact your state Medicaid office or search Benefits.gov for your state’s HCBS Waiver programs

6. HUD Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP)

Typically $5,000–$10,000 per household via local partners
For low-income homeowners age 62 and older

Distributed through local nonprofit and government partners — not directly by HUD. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or HUD field office to find programs in your area.

State & Local Programs

State-level programs are among the most financially valuable and least-known resources available. Verify current availability with your state housing agency, as programs and funding levels change.

State Program Highlights

California: CalHome Program (low-interest loans including accessibility); California Department of Rehabilitation funds assistive technology and home modifications.

Texas: TDHCA HOME Investment Partnerships Program includes accessibility modifications. Many counties administer CDBG-funded programs.

Minnesota: Fix Up Loan Program and Deferred Loan Program specifically for accessibility improvements. Strong HCBS Waiver coverage.

Massachusetts: MassHousing home modification loan programs; Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission funds accessibility modifications.

Florida: State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, administered county-by-county, frequently funds accessibility modifications.

How to find your state’s programs: Search “[your state] home accessibility grant” • Contact your state housing finance agency directly • Call your local Area Agency on Aging: 1-800-677-1116 • Contact your county community development department

Nonprofit & Community Programs

Rebuilding Together

Free home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners. Service availability depends on local affiliate capacity. — rebuildingtogether.org

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Approximately 620 AAAs nationwide provide direct funding or referrals for home modifications. Find your local AAA: eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.

Centers for Independent Living (CIL)

Over 400 CILs nationwide provide advocacy, services, and often funding assistance including home modification guidance and financial help. Find your local CIL: ilru.org

State Assistive Technology Programs

Every state has an AT Program providing equipment loans, low-cost devices, and guidance on accessibility technology. Find your state’s program: ataporg.org

Private Lending Options

FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage

Rolls the cost of home repairs and accessibility modifications into a single mortgage at purchase. Best for buyers purchasing a home that needs significant modifications before move-in.

FHA Title I Property Improvement Loans

No equity required. Up to $25,000 for single-family homes, repayable over up to 20 years. Best for homeowners without significant equity.

Home Equity Loan or HELOC

For existing homeowners with equity. Repayment periods often 10–20 years. Interest may be tax-deductible (consult a tax professional). Best for those with equity who need modifications not covered by grants.

How to Stack Multiple Programs

The most financially effective approach is combining multiple programs — which many people overlook because they assume they can only use one source at a time. In many cases, you can stack VA, state, nonprofit, and lending sources together.

Start with the largest potential grant programs first. If you’re a veteran, maximize VA benefits (SAH/SHA + HISA) before turning to other sources.
Identify state and local programs through your state housing agency and local Area Agency on Aging.
Layer in nonprofit assistance (Rebuilding Together, Habitat, CIL) for any remaining gaps.
Use lending only for what grants can’t cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum VA grant for accessible home modifications?

The VA SAH Grant provides up to $117,014 (FY2026, adjusted annually). The VA SHA Grant provides up to $23,444. The VA HISA Grant provides up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities. Multiple VA grants can sometimes be combined — work with your VA benefits counselor.

Can I use multiple programs at the same time?

Yes — stacking multiple programs is the most financially effective approach. VA grants can often be combined with state or local programs for costs not covered by the VA benefit. HCBS Waivers and HUD OAHMP programs often cover different modification categories and can be used together.

What if I’m buying a home that needs modifications before I can move in?

The FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage is designed specifically for this situation — it rolls modification costs into the purchase mortgage so modifications can be financed at the time of purchase.

Where do I start if I’m overwhelmed by the options?

Start with two calls: (1) your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116; and (2) your state housing finance agency. If you’re a veteran, contact your VA benefits counselor first.

BarrierFreeHome.com is America’s dedicated marketplace for accessible, wheelchair-accessible, and barrier-free homes. The right home — and the funding to make it fully yours — are both within reach. Search at BarrierFreeHome.com.