Many veterans unaware of VA grant funding for home modifications, AARP survey finds

More than half (60 percent) of veterans ages 45 and older are unaware that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers grant funding to modify their homes.

That’s according to a new AARP survey which also found that 24 percent of veterans need financial assistance to make home modifications to continue living in their homes safely and independently.

AARP launched the Veterans Home Modification Benefit Guide to help veterans and service members navigate the VA’s $150 million in funding to buy, build or modify a home to meet their long-term needs. These grants can provide eligible veterans up to $117,000 to pay for renovations such as adding bathroom grab bars, installing ramps or widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

“A majority of veterans want to receive long-term care at home, but often lack the means to adapt their homes to meet their needs,” said Tim Lockwood, AARP Senior Advisor for Communications and Wyoming Air National Guard veteran. “This tool simplifies the often-challenging application process and helps veterans access critical financial support so they can live independently as they age.”

AARP’s Veterans Home Modification Benefits guide provides veterans, military families and their caregivers with detailed information on: Elligibility requirements and how to apply for the VA’s home modification grants and related programs and ways to identify necessary home modifications to meet current and future care needs.

The guide also provides information on how to get help from certified veterans’ representatives who are experienced and knowledgeable of the VA’s benefits process.

The survey also found that 91 percent of veterans 45 years of age and older say it is important for them to stay in their homes if they need long-term care. In addition, 77 percent of veterans ages 45+ surveyed are not familiar with the VA’s adaptive housing grants for disabled veterans.

According to the survey, 46 percent of veterans ages 45+ need bathroom modifications to age in place or provide care for a loved one at home. Current veteran caregivers ages 45+ report an even higher need for bathroom modifications (55 percent) to continue providing care.

To learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .