By Paul Sordillo

Hull Veterans Service Officer

Are you aware of certain grants and allowances available to those veterans that have a qualifying service-connected disability?

First is a disability housing grant program for veterans that have loss, or loss of usage, of more than one limb, blindness in both eyes, and certain severe burns. The veteran maybe be able to qualify for the Special Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and could receive up to $117,014 (FY24). Another is the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant with qualifying service-connected disability that includes loss or loss of use of both hands, certain burns, and certain respiratory or breathing injuries. With this grant, you can get up to $23,444 (FY24). The Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) grant may be used to modify a family member’s home if you meet both of these requirements: You’re living temporarily in a family member’s home that needs changes to meet your needs (you don’t have to own the house), and you qualify for an SAH or SHA grant.

Second, there is funding for an automobile allowance and adaptive equipment. You may be eligible for a VA automobile allowance or adaptive-equipment benefits if you have a disability that’s related to your service (called a service-connected disability) and that includes at least one of these conditions: Loss or use of a limb, permanent decreased vision, and severe burns. The benefits include a one-time payment to help you buy a specially equipped vehicle and in some situations, adaptive equipment.

Is your skin medicine, prosthetic, or orthopedic device related to your service-connected disability damaging your clothes? We may pay you $1,024.50 to replace the damaged clothes. This may be a one-time payment, or we may pay this amount once a year.

This information is not all inclusive; it is abbreviated for the article. More in-depth and concise information can be obtained on VA.gov and search keywords such as adaptive housing or vehicle allowance. You can always visit with me to learn more.

Call or visit the veterans office (appointments recommended, but not necessary) for more details of the subject matter in this article, or any benefit question. Paul Sordillo, Hull’s Veterans Service Officer, can be reached at 781-925-0305 or psordillo@town.hull.ma.us.

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