If you’re a disabled veteran living in the Pacific Northwest, you may already know that your home wasn’t built with your current needs in mind. A narrow bathroom doorway. Steps where there should be a ramp. A shower that’s nearly impossible to use safely. These aren’t small inconveniences — they’re daily barriers that affect your independence and quality of life.
The good news: the VA offers two grants specifically designed to pay for accessibility improvements to your home. The VA HISA grant (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) and the SAH grant (Specially Adapted Housing) can fund everything from grab bars to full-scale accessible bathroom remodels — and in some cases, they can be used together.
This guide breaks down exactly how these grants work, who qualifies, how to apply in Oregon and Washington, and how to find a local contractor in the Portland area who actually knows how to work within the VA system. Whether you’re just starting to research or you’ve already been denied once and want to try again, this is the most practical resource you’ll find for veterans in the PNW.
These two programs are related but serve different purposes. Understanding the difference is the first step to figuring out which one — or which combination — applies to your situation.
The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant is designed to fund medically necessary improvements to your primary residence. As of the current VA guidelines, the grant provides up to $6,800 for veterans with a service-connected disability and up to $2,000 for veterans with a non-service-connected disability.
HISA is focused on accessibility modifications — things like:
HISA does not cover general cosmetic upgrades, standard home repairs, or luxury renovations. Every modification funded must be medically justified by your VA healthcare provider.
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant is a much larger program and is aimed at veterans with specific, severe service-connected disabilities. As of current VA data, the SAH grant can provide up to $109,986 (amounts are adjusted annually for inflation) to help you build, buy, or modify a home to suit your disability-related needs.
There’s also a related option called the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, which provides a smaller amount (up to approximately $22,036 as of the most recent adjustment) and is available to veterans with different qualifying disability types.
The key difference: HISA is broadly available for medically necessary modifications. SAH is reserved for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that specifically affect mobility or limb function.
Common misconception: Many veterans assume they have to choose one or the other. In some cases, veterans may qualify for both HISA and SAH, and using them strategically together can significantly expand what you can accomplish.
Getting clear on eligibility before you apply saves time and frustration. Here’s what you need to know for each program.
To be eligible for the HISA grant, you must:
The higher benefit amount ($6,800) is reserved for veterans with a service-connected disability. Non-service-connected veterans are still eligible but receive the lower benefit of $2,000.
Important: HISA can be used for rented properties as well, but your landlord must agree in writing to allow the modifications.
SAH eligibility is more specific. You must have a permanent and total service-connected disability that includes one of the following:
Eligibility for the SAH grant must be confirmed by the VA, and it’s a separate determination from your disability rating. Having a high disability rating alone doesn’t automatically qualify you — the type of disability matters.
For PNW veterans: Oregon and Washington veterans should verify eligibility through their nearest VA Regional Office. Portland’s office handles claims for much of Oregon, while the Seattle VA Regional Office covers Washington state.
Applying for these grants involves more steps than most people expect. Here’s how to move through the process without getting stuck.
Before anything else, you need to be enrolled in VA healthcare. If you’re not already, start at VA.gov or visit the Portland VA Medical Center (3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97239).
For the HISA grant, your VA healthcare provider must document that the requested modifications are medically necessary. Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss your home modification needs. Bring notes on what daily activities are difficult or impossible in your current home — the more specific, the better.
For Portland-area veterans, SAH applications typically go through the VA Regional Office at 100 SW Main St, Portland, OR 97204.
Before your application is fully approved, you’ll need to submit contractor estimates. This is where local knowledge matters. Find a contractor experienced with VA grant work — they’ll know what documentation the VA expects and how to itemize bids correctly. (More on this below.)
The VA will review your application, medical documentation, and cost estimates. For HISA, approvals typically come from your VA medical center. For SAH, a VA inspector may visit your home.
Do not start any construction before receiving written approval. Starting work early is one of the most common reasons grants are denied or reimbursements are withheld.
PNW tip: Oregon and Washington both require building permits for most structural modifications. Your contractor should handle permit applications, but confirm this upfront — it affects the timeline and VA documentation requirements.
Once your grant is approved, the money doesn’t simply land in your bank account. The VA typically pays contractors directly or reimburses you after work is completed, depending on the program.
For HISA: Funds are generally paid directly to the approved contractor after the VA reviews proof that the work was completed as specified. Keep all invoices, permits, and before/after photos.
For SAH: The process is more involved and often requires coordination with a VA loan technician who inspects work at various stages.
Budgeting tips:
Before you meet with a contractor, do a walkthrough of your home with a clear-eyed assessment of where the barriers actually are. A good accessibility remodel isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about how you actually move through your space.
Questions to guide your assessment:
Common PNW-specific considerations: Older homes in Portland and across the Pacific Northwest — particularly those built before 1980 — often have narrower hallways, raised thresholds, and exterior steps that weren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Knowing this upfront helps set realistic expectations for scope and cost.
A certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) — a designation from the National Association of Home Builders — can conduct a more formal home assessment if you need professional guidance before applying.
Not every remodeling contractor has experience working within the VA grant system. Hiring someone who doesn’t understand the documentation requirements, the approval workflow, or VA inspection standards can delay your project or jeopardize your funding.
What to look for in a Portland-area contractor:
Where to find vetted contractors:
Alta Casa works with veterans in the Portland metro area on accessible kitchen and bathroom remodels, including projects funded through VA grants. Learn more about our accessible remodeling services →
Working with veterans on VA-funded remodels in the Portland area reveals patterns that generic guides miss.
The most common mistake: Veterans submit applications without contractor estimates in hand. The VA needs to know what the work will cost before it can approve it, and vague or incomplete estimates cause delays of weeks or months.
The most overlooked opportunity: Many veterans only think of HISA as a “grab bar and ramp” program. But medically necessary modifications can include full accessible bathroom rebuilds, threshold elimination throughout the home, and exterior ramp systems — all of which fall within the grant’s scope if properly documented.
A note on Oregon permitting: Portland’s Bureau of Development Services requires permits for most structural work, including adding grab bars to load-bearing walls, installing roll-in showers, and modifying doorway widths. Contractors who work regularly with veterans in Portland know to build permit lead times into the project schedule — often two to four weeks for standard permits. Factor this into your timeline expectations.
Advice for applicants who’ve been denied: The most common denial reasons are insufficient medical documentation and work that was started before approval. Both are fixable. Request a detailed explanation of the denial in writing, address the specific gaps, and reapply. The VA does have an appeals process, and local VSOs (Veterans Service Organizations) can help you navigate it.
Even well-prepared applications run into obstacles. Here’s what to watch for and how to respond.
Challenge: Application denial. Ask for the reason in writing. Most denials are due to missing documentation, not ineligibility. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your file and help you build a stronger resubmission.
Challenge: Contractor won’t work within VA timelines. Some contractors are reluctant to wait for VA approval before starting work. Don’t let anyone pressure you into starting construction early. If a contractor won’t work within the VA’s framework, find one who will.
Challenge: Modifications exceed grant limits. If your project costs more than HISA or SAH covers, you have options: phase the project across grant years, supplement with a VA-backed home loan, explore state-level programs like Oregon’s Oregon Veterans’ Home Loan program, or look into nonprofit assistance through organizations like Homes for Our Troops.
Challenge: Landlord won’t approve modifications. If you rent and your landlord is refusing, consult a housing attorney familiar with disability rights. The Fair Housing Act may provide protections depending on the nature of the modifications.
VA HISA and SAH grants represent meaningful financial support for disabled veterans who need their homes to work for them, not against them. The process requires patience, documentation, and the right local partners — but the result is a safer, more independent life at home.
If you’re a veteran in Portland, Oregon, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The right contractor, a knowledgeable VSO, and a clear understanding of the process make all the difference.
Start with what you can control: get your VA healthcare enrollment in order, talk to your provider about medically necessary modifications, and connect with a local contractor who knows how to work within the VA system.
Ready to start your VA-funded remodel? Alta Casa works with veterans in Portland and the surrounding PNW on accessible kitchen and bathroom modifications. Contact us for a free consultation — we’ll help you understand your options and prepare for the VA grant process. → Schedule Your Free Consultation
HISA covers medically necessary modifications like grab bars, wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers, and accessible bathroom or kitchen modifications. SAH can fund broader structural changes or even help purchase/build an accessible home. Neither program covers general cosmetic upgrades or standard home maintenance.
Timelines vary. HISA approvals can take several weeks once your application and contractor estimates are submitted. SAH approvals may take longer and often involve a VA site inspection. Building in two to three months of lead time before your target start date is a reasonable baseline, especially in Portland, where permit processing adds additional time.
Yes. Both HISA and SAH grants are federal programs available to eligible veterans in all states, including Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The application routing differs slightly by state — Oregon veterans typically go through the Portland VA Regional Office, Washington veterans through Seattle.
The federal grant amounts are the same regardless of state. However, each state may have additional programs that can be stacked with VA grants. Oregon has the Oregon Veterans’ Home Loan program; Washington has its own state-level veteran housing resources. Local nonprofit programs also vary by region.
Request a written explanation of the denial. Common reasons include incomplete medical documentation or missing contractor estimates. Contact a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) — available for free through organizations like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion — who can help you address the gaps and resubmit or file an appeal.
They serve different but complementary purposes. A veteran who qualifies for both can potentially use SAH for major structural work and HISA for smaller, medically necessary modifications. Coordination is important — talk to your VA case manager about sequencing to maximize both benefits.
Ask specifically whether a contractor has completed VA HISA or SAH-funded projects before. Request references from veteran clients. Verify Oregon CCB licensing at oregon.gov/ccb. Local VSOs and the Portland VA Medical Center’s social work team sometimes maintain informal referral lists.
For HISA, you can rent — but your landlord must provide written permission for modifications. For SAH, the grant is tied to purchasing, constructing, or modifying a home you own. Check with your VA benefits counselor for specifics based on your situation.
