March 16, 2021

Rep. Lawson Requests Increased Benefits for Disabled Veterans Through HISA Grant

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) recently sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough requesting a permanent raise of the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant maximum amount for disabled veterans.

In the letter, Rep. Lawson asks that HISA grant maximums be increased to $10,000 for veterans with service-connected disabilities and $5,000 for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities. Currently, veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible for only a $6,800 maximum grant amount, non-service-connected disability are eligible for up to $2,000.

“There’s no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedent effects on everyone,” Rep. Lawson said. “The pandemic, coupled with the outdated HISA grant, leaves our veterans particularly vulnerable, which is why we must work to make amends. Our servicemembers have done so much for us; it is vital we do everything in our power to take care of them.” 

Additionally, the letter includes a provision to steadily increase the HISA grant amount in line with inflation rates. Congress last increased funding for HISA grants in 2009.

“This critical funding provides them a way to modify their home to fit their needs, giving them the independence and comfort that all Americans, especially veterans, deserve,” Rep. Lawson said.