Housing Assistance Programs for Veterans: What Veterans Need to Know

Securing safe, stable housing is one of the most important steps a Veteran can take toward long-term well-being. Thankfully, there are a variety of housing assistance programs available specifically for Veterans—ranging from home loans and grants to support for homelessness prevention. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life, seeking to buy your first home, or adapting your living space to meet service-connected needs, there are resources out there to help.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most impactful programs:

VA Home Loan Program

The VA Home Loan program is one of the most well-known benefits available to eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. This program makes it easier to purchase, build, or refinance a home with benefits such as:

• No down payment (in most cases)

• Competitive interest rates

• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

• Limited closing costs

• Reusable benefit (can be used more than once)

  
  

This program is offered through private lenders but backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping Veterans secure favorable loan terms.

VA Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for special housing grants to help make their homes accessible and comfortable.

Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

Helps Veterans with severe disabilities:

·       Build a specially adapted home

·       Remodel an existing home for accessibility

·       Pay off an existing mortgage on a home that was already adapted

Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) Grant

Offers financial assistance for Veterans with certain disabilities to:

• Adapt an existing home

• Adapt a home a Veteran intends to purchase

• Help a family member adapt their home for the Veteran

Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

This grant is available to eligible Veterans using the SAH or SHA benefit who are temporarily living in a family member's home and need modifications to accommodate their disability.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The SSVF program is designed to prevent homelessness among low-income Veteran families. It provides case management and temporary financial assistance for things like:

• Rent

• Utility payments

• Moving costs

• Childcare and transportation

Local nonprofit organizations usually administer this program in communities across the country. 

HUD-VASH Program

A joint effort between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA, the HUD-VASH program combines housing vouchers with VA case management and supportive services to help homeless Veterans find and maintain permanent housing.

 Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, adapt your current living space, or find stable shelter during a difficult time, there are housing programs available to support you. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and application process.  Some of these benefits are only available to service-connected disabled Veterans.

If you don’t have a VA disability rating yet, call us. At United Veteran Benefits Agency, we’re here to guide you through the VA benefits process from start to finish. If you have any questions, visit the homepage of our website or call 1-888-482-2524.