Specially Adapted Housing - Top 10 Questions
How to Get Started in the Fort Bragg and Pope AFB Area
Veterans and servicemembers who have suffered a service-connected disability have access to a government grant to help purchase, retrofit, or build a home that can accomodate their needs.
The Specially Adapted Housing Grant offers a maximum amount of $50,000, and can be used up to three separate times.
Here's some of the quick facts, and how to apply for the Specially Adapted Housing Grant in the Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base area.
Which veterans or servicemembers may be eligible for the grant?
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant is available to servicemembers or veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability, which can include:
A. The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
B. Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.
C. The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with
(1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or
(2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.
Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
D. The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.
How can a veteran or servicemember find out if they are eligible for the grant, and who determines basic eligibility?
The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the veteran's or servicemember's basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant. The VA Rating Decision is subject to review and revision.
What other requirements must be filled for a veteran or servicemember to be able to recieve this grant?
a. It must be medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in the house.
b. The house must be adapted to be suitable to the veteran's or servicemember's needs for living purposes.
c. It must be financially feasible for the veteran or servicemember to acquire the house, with the assistance provided by the grant.
How soon after the injury or incident must the veteran or servicemember apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant? Is there a deadline?
There is no time limit on the use of the grant. We have worked with servicemembers who have just been wounded in Iraq, as well as veterans who now have disabilities as a result of actions in the Korean War.
The grant is "up to" $50,000. How does that work? How much specially adapted housing assistance can a veteran or servicemember receive?
An eligible veteran or servicemember may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house, up to the aggregate maximum amount allowable by law. Thus an $80,000 home will only be eligible for a $40,000 grant.
How many times may a veteran or servicemember receive specially adapted housing assistance?
Public Law 109-233 authorizes up to three usages of grant benefits. If future changes to the governing law provide for an increase in the maximum grant amount, veterans or servicemembers who have not used the assistance available to them up to the allowable three times may be entitled to the increase in the maximum grant amount at that time.
Are there restrictions? How may the grant be used?
An eligible veteran or servicemember has the option to use up to the full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:
Plan (1). The veteran or servicemember may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.
Plan (2). The veteran or servicemember may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.
Plan (3). The veteran or servicemember may remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.
Plan (4). When the veteran or servicemember has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the home.
What adaptations are considered necessary for specially adapted housing?
There are many requirements for a home to be considered qualified for specially adapted housing. Some may be waived, others may not. Each situation is to be approved by the Specially Adapted Housing representative through the VA office.
How To Apply For Benefits
Where does a veteran or servicemember go to find out if he/she is eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant?
Any VA office, but preferably the VA office where the veteran's or servicemember's claim records are located. A determination will be made as to basic eligibility and whether it is medically feasible for the veteran or servicemember to reside in a specially adapted home.
For the Raleigh/Durham/Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base area, these are the local Specially Adapted Housing Agents.
Fayetteville (Atlanta Regional Loan Center)
Joseph Falcetta
Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Center (262)
Bldg 41-T
2300 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(800) 771-6106 Ext. 17420
Fax: ( 910) 482-5139
Furman Keith
(800) 771-6106 Ext. 17145
Fax: ( 910) 482-5139
David Knight
(800) 771-6106 Ext. 15750
Fax: ( 910) 482-5139
Winston-Salem (Atlanta Regional Loan Center)
Lester Carter
VA Regional Office (262)
Federal Building
251 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27155
(336) 714-0763
Fax: (336) 631-5272
Gary McDowell
(336) 714-0762
Fax: (336) 631-5272
Rick Siavrakas
(336) 714-0890
Fax: (336) 631-5272
Or find more representatives here.
The process won't be quick, and will require good documentation. It may take 30 days or longer to have the initial application approved. Once the grant itself is approved, you and your builder or contractor will need to submit floor plans, drawings, schematics, location of the home, and other paperwork describing the home to be built or changes to be made. After these are submitted to the VA, it generally takes another 60 days for approval, before construction can begin.
Where Can I Find Out More?
Find out more about the Specially Adapted Housing program, download online application forms, and more. Click here.
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