As a US veteran who desires to purchase their first home, Veteran first time home buyer grants are available. Find out how to get yours in this post!
Veterans have a variety of different grants and assistance programs available to you when you decide it’s time to buy their first home.
If you’re a veteran who’s ready to become a homeowner, read on for information on the different types of veteran first time home buyer grants available to you, and how to go about securing them.
What Are Veteran first time home buyer grants?
Veteran first time home buyer grants are financial assistance programs specifically for veterans who are buying their first home. Additionally, there are many grant programs available, offered by state and federal governments, private organizations, and banks.
Grants can provide anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars in assistance, making homeownership within reach for many veterans.
How do you qualify for veteran first time home buyer grants?
To qualify for veteran first time home buyer grants, you must meet certain requirements. The most common criteria are as follows:
-You must be a veteran or active duty military
-You must be a first-time homebuyer
-Your purchase must be in the United States
-Your purchase price must fall within the maximum limits set by the grant program
There may be other criteria depending on the grant program. For example, some programs require that you live in the home for a certain number of years after purchase, or that you use the home as your primary residence. Be sure to check the specific requirements of each grant program before applying.
How much money can you get from in grants?
Generally, the amount of money you can get from veteran first time home buyer grants varies depending on the program you choose. However, most grants range from $1,000 to $10,000.
What is most important, though, is that you have to remember that the money doesn’t have to be used exclusively for the purchase of a home—you can use it towards the down payment, closing costs or other associated expenses. So, don’t hesitate to explore your options and see what’s available to you.
Where can you find veteran first time home buyer grants?
There are a few different places you can start your search for veteran first time home buyer grants. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a great place to start, as they offer a number of grant programs specifically for veterans.
Another great resource is your state or local government—many states have grant programs specifically for veteran first timers. And finally, there are a number of private organizations that offer grants to veterans. So no matter where you are in the country, there is likely a grant program available to help you take that next step and become a homeowner.
Some Veteran First Time Homebuyer Grants
1. Specially Adapted Housing Grants
Is it possible for me to receive a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant?
You may find yourself eligible for a Specially Adapted housing grant if you intend to use the award money to purchase, construct or move out of your permanent residence.
Also, you must fulfill the following requirements to qualify:
- The home in which you currently live must be yours or will be yours with time
- You have a service-connected disability that qualifies you.
The following are examples of service-connected disabilities that qualify:
- The loss of more than one limb or the inability to use more than one limb
- An organic (natural) disease or injury that results in the loss or loss of use of a lower limb, as well as the residuals (long-term effects) of the disease or injury.
- Blindness in both eyes (visual acuity of 20/200 or less)
- Certain types of severe burns
- After September 11, 2001, you lose or lose use of one lower limb (foot or leg), making it unable to balance or walk without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
Attention: Each fiscal year (FY), Congress limits the number of Veterans and service members who can receive a grant based on the loss of one extremity after September 11, 2001. The fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.
If you qualify for a grant but don’t receive one this fiscal year because the cap has been met, you may be able to access this benefit in the future.
How much money does a SAH grant provide?
For FY 2022, you can obtain up to $101,754 if you qualify for a SAH grant. This is the current total maximum amount of SAH grants that can be awarded.
2. Special Home Adaptation Grants
Is it possible for me to receive a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant?
If you meet both of these requirements and are utilizing the grant money to purchase, build, or change your permanent home (a house in which you have to dwell for a long time), you may be eligible for a SHA grant.
Both of these statements must be correct:
- You or a family member owns or will own the home, and
- You have a service-connected disability that qualifies you for benefits.
The following are examples of service-connected disabilities that qualify:
- The loss of both limbs or the inability to utilize them
- Certain types of severe burns
- Some breathing or respiratory injuries
What kind of funding does a SHA provide?
For FY 2022, if you qualify for a SHA grant, you might get up to $20,387. This is the current total maximum amount of SHA grants that can be awarded.
Is it necessary for me to spend the entire grant money this year?
No. If you’re eligible for a SAH or SHA grant, you can spend the money up to six times over your lifetime.
You can spend as much or as little of your grant as you need this year, depending on the changes you need and the bid from your builder.
If you don’t use the entire award, you can apply for more money in the future. However, the overall maximum amount may be adjusted each year based on building costs. Also, for the last year you used the grant, you may receive up to the current total maximum amount.
3. Temporary Residence Adaptation Grant
Is it possible for me to obtain funds to relocate to a family member’s home where I currently reside?
If you match both of these criteria, you may be eligible for a Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) award.
Both of these statements must be correct:
- You are eligible for a SAH or SHA grant (see above), and
- You are temporarily residing in a family member’s house that has to be modified to fit your needs. (The house doesn’t have to be yours to get a TRA grant.)
How much money can you get from a TRA grant?
If you qualify for a SAH award, the TRA grant program can provide you with up to $40,983 in FY 2022.
If you qualify for a SHA award, the TRA grant program can provide you with up to $7,318 in FY 2022.
4. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grants
This benefit allows Veterans/Service members to make medically essential upgrades and structural adjustments to their principal property for the following purposes:
- Allowing them to enter or exit their dwellings
- Use of necessary restrooms and sanitary amenities (e.g. roll in showers)
- Increasing access to kitchen or bathroom sinks or counters (for example, by lowering counters/sinks)
- Construction of permanent ramping to improve entrance routes or drives in the immediate area of the residence to enable access to the home.
- Installation of home medical equipment necessitates upgrading plumbing or electrical systems.
Amounts of HISA Benefits
For the following, a lifetime HISA reward of up to $6,800 may be provided:
- Service members and veterans suffering from a service-connected illness
- Veterans with a 50 percent or higher service-connected non-service-connected condition
- Veterans with a non-service-connected condition may be eligible for a lifetime benefit of up to $2,000 per year.
HISA Process Map
A copy of the HISA process map can be downloaded here.
How do you apply for veteran first time home buyer grants?
The process of applying for veteran first time home buyer grants is pretty straightforward. You have been given an insight on websites to visit for each grant, so use them well.
However, before you visit the websites, make sure you have vital documents ready. They’ll likely ask you to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your name, contact details and veteran status. You may also be asked to provide documentation supporting your claim, such as copies of your military discharge papers or records of your homeownership.
So long as you can provide all the required information, you’re well on your way to securing a grant to help with your first home purchase.
What’s left is for you to start the application process as places are usually limited. So, what are you waiting for?
