What is VA Specially Adapted Housing?
Disabled veterans and service members deserve decent and dignified housing options that fit their needs, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs in place to help make this happen. But what exactly is VA specially adapted housing, and how does it help disabled veterans in Pennsylvania maintain their independence?
Certain grants can help the disabled veteran or service member in your life achieve their goal of owning a home that’s specially adapted to their mobility needs. When it comes time to remodel an existing home or build an ADA-compliant home from scratch, contractors in Pennsylvania can provide guidance and expertise during the process.
What are the benefits of specially adapted housing?
If you or a loved one has served the country as a member of the armed forces and sustained a permanent injury or disability as a result, including loss of extremities or blindness, you are likely entitled to specially adapted housing grants. These give you or your loved one access to all the benefits of specially adapted housing, with less cost out of pocket.
In a specially adapted house, everything from the width of the hallways or doorways to the height of the counters may be modified to be most useful to the inhabitant of the home. Additionally, ramps may be added to the front and back entrances of the home to allow for wheelchair access when necessary.
Other modifications include the size of the bathroom and access to a roll-in shower with chair accessibility features. Carpets must be low-pile or woven to accommodate wheels. Doors are largely sliding to prevent veterans from having to open doors that require them to back up in their wheelchair to operate. Finally, electrical outlets and maintenance switches must be within reach of a wheelchair as well.
How to finance a VA specially adapted home by grant
One final benefit of specially adapted housing for veterans is that it is a cost-effective way to give your loved one a sense of independence and freedom in their home. There are grants available to veterans and service people that provide access to homeownership that suits their needs and requirements.
Grants typically provide for up to 50 percent of the total cost of the renovation or home purchase or building price. Veterans and service members can access this grant up to three times over the course of their life.
Applying for grant benefits is a process that varies depending on where you live and will be housed. Federal requirements may be supplemented by state and local requirements, which a knowledgeable contractor in Pennsylvania can assist you with.
Contractors provide end-to-end guidance and installation
You will likely need assistance to navigate the lengthy and often complicated requirements for VA specially adapted housing in Pennsylvania. Don’t go it alone—enlist expert help! That way you can be sure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
WSL Incorporated is the trusted team you need for ultimate peace of mind. Contact us today to get guidance on installation requirements and start moving the building or renovation process forward.