Important: Unlike Medicare, the VA does provide assistance for stairlifts and home modifications for eligible veterans. Several programs may help cover some or all of the cost.

VA Programs for Home Modifications

The VA offers several programs that can help veterans pay for stairlifts and other accessibility modifications. Your eligibility depends on your service-connected disability rating and specific situation.

1. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant

The HISA grant is one of the most commonly used VA benefits for stairlift purchases. It provides funding for home modifications that are medically necessary.

HISA Grant Details:

Service-Connected Disability: Up to $6,800 lifetime benefit
Non-Service-Connected (enrolled in VA healthcare): Up to $2,000 lifetime benefit
Can be used for stairlifts, ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, and more
One-time benefit (can be split across multiple projects until exhausted)

How to Apply: Submit VA Form 10-0103 through your VA healthcare provider or prosthetics department. A prescription or recommendation from your VA doctor is typically required.

2. Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant

The SAH grant is a larger benefit for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. It can be used for major home modifications, including stairlifts.

SAH Grant Details:

2024 Maximum: Up to $109,986
For veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities including:

Loss or loss of use of both legs
Loss or loss of use of both arms
Blindness plus loss of use of a leg
Severe burn injuries
Certain respiratory conditions requiring assistive devices

Can be used up to 6 times (with a lifetime maximum)

3. Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant

The SHA grant is for veterans with different qualifying conditions than the SAH grant.

SHA Grant Details:

2024 Maximum: Up to $22,036
For veterans with service-connected disabilities including:

Blindness in both eyes
Loss or loss of use of both hands
Severe burn injuries
Certain respiratory conditions

Can be used up to 6 times (with a lifetime maximum)

4. Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant

If you're living temporarily in a family member's home, the TRA grant may help with modifications to that residence.

TRA Grant Details:

For veterans who qualify for SAH or SHA but are living temporarily in a family member's home
TRA under SAH: Up to $44,299
TRA under SHA: Up to $8,009

How to Get Started

Here's a step-by-step process for accessing VA benefits for a stairlift:

Confirm your eligibility: Review your service-connected disability rating and determine which programs you may qualify for. Your VA healthcare team can help assess eligibility.
Get a medical recommendation: Work with your VA physician to document the medical necessity of a stairlift for your condition.
Contact VA Prosthetics: The VA Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service handles many home modification requests. Contact them at your local VA medical center.
Submit required forms: Complete VA Form 10-0103 (HISA) or apply through the SAH/SHA process depending on your situation.
Get quotes: Once approved, get quotes from approved vendors or work with the VA's contracted suppliers.

Combining Benefits

In some cases, veterans may be able to combine multiple funding sources:

HISA grant funds plus personal funds
VA benefits plus state vocational rehabilitation
VA benefits plus non-profit assistance

Discuss options with your VA benefits coordinator to maximize available resources.

Additional Resources for Veterans

VA Home Loan Guaranty Service: 1-877-827-3702
VA Regional Loan Centers: Can provide information on SAH/SHA grants
VA Prosthetics: Contact your local VA medical center
Veterans Service Organizations: DAV, VFW, American Legion can help navigate benefits

State and Local Resources in Texas

Texas veterans may have access to additional resources:

Texas Veterans Commission: Can help navigate federal and state benefits
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Offers some home modification assistance
Local veteran service officers: Available in most Texas counties to assist with benefits claims

We Work with Veterans

At Sunshine Stairlifts, we have experience working with veterans and the VA benefits process. We can provide the documentation and quotes needed for your benefits application. We're honored to serve those who have served our country.

VA Benefits for Stairlifts & Home Modifications