5 Things Long Island Veterans Get Wrong About the VA HISA Grant
It's time to bust some myths about the VA HISA grant
Long Island is home to more than 80,000 veterans across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Many of them are living in homes with bathtubs they can no longer safely use. And, many of them qualify for VA funding that could fix that. And many of them never apply, because something they heard along the way made them think they wouldn't qualify.
Here are the five misconceptions we hear most often, and the facts that might change your mind.
MYTH 1: You Need A 100% Disability Rating
The fact: There is no minimum disability rating required for the HISA grant.
This stops more veterans from applying than anything else. The HISA grant doesn't require 100%. It doesn't require 50%. It doesn't even require that your disability be service-connected.
What it requires is a prescription from a VA doctor documenting that the home modification is medically necessary for your condition. A veteran with a 10% rating who has a documented fall risk from a knee injury or balance problem may qualify just as easily as someone with a higher rating.
If you've been told you don't qualify because of your rating, talk to your VA doctor directly before giving up. Or call us. Read the eligibility guide
here.
MYTH 2: Renters Can't Apply
The fact: Renters can absolutely apply for the HISA grant.
The VA explicitly allows modifications to rented primary residences. The one additional requirement is a signed and notarized statement from your landlord approving the specific structural changes before you submit your application.
For most landlords, a tub step-in conversion and grab bars are reasonable modifications. Many are happy to approve them. If you've been assuming HISA doesn't apply because you rent, that assumption may have cost you a benefit you've already earned.
MYTH 3: The Grant Won't Cover Enough To Matter
The fact: The $2,000 benefit covers a complete step-in installation from Affordable Bathtub Conversions, including the tub cut, Aquagrip non-slip surface, and handheld shower attachment.
Our complete installation starts at $1,795. That means the lower-tier $2,000 benefit covers the full cost for most veterans, with a little left over for grab bars.
Compare that to a walk-in tub, which starts around $2,000 before a single tool is picked up, and can run $20,000 or more. Or a full bathroom renovation at $8,000 to $20,000 with nearly a week of workers in your home. The step-in conversion is the most affordable complete safety solution, and the one the grant is most likely to cover entirely at either tier.
MYTH 4: You Need To Fing A VA-Approved Contractor
The fact: There is no official VA-approved contractor list.
Many veterans stall here, looking for a contractor with some kind of VA certification that doesn't exist. What the VA actually requires is a written estimate from a contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured. The estimate needs to be itemized, covering labor, materials, permits, and inspections.
Affordable Bathtub Conversions meets all of those requirements and has provided HISA application estimates for Long Island veterans since 2011. See what the
application needs to include.
MYTH 5: The Process Takes Forever
The fact: VA review takes 30 to 45 days. The installation itself takes under 3 hours.
A complete, well-documented application typically receives a decision within 30 to 45 days. The most common cause of delays is an incomplete application. A missing photo, a prescription that doesn't specify the modification clearly, or a contractor estimate that's missing line items will slow things down.
That's why it helps to work with a contractor who knows the process. Once approval arrives, we can usually schedule your installation within days. The work is done the same morning Tod shows up.
If the situation is urgent because a veteran is coming home from surgery or rehab, call us first. There are ways to time the application with a discharge date so the bathroom is ready when they get home.
The Benefit Is Yours
Call Affordable Bathtub Conversions at (516) 770-6130. Free estimates. HISA documentation support. Under 3 hours from start to finish. Serving all of Nassau and Suffolk County since 2011.
What the HISA grant covers and who qualifies
Coming soon: How we support the Long Island veteran community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum disability rating for the HISA grant?
No. Any veteran enrolled in VA health care may qualify if a VA doctor writes a prescription documenting that a home modification is medically necessary.
Can the HISA grant be used by a veteran who rents their home?
Yes. The modification must be made to their primary residence, and they need written landlord approval before applying. Affordable Bathtub Conversions can help you understand what the approval letter needs to say.
Is the $2,000 HISA benefit enough for a real bathtub conversion?
Yes, at Affordable Bathtub Conversions. Our complete step-in installation starts at $1,795. That covers the tub cut, non-slip surface, and handheld shower attachment. The $2,000 tier typically covers the full cost.
Do I need multiple contractor quotes for my HISA application?
No. The VA requires one itemized estimate from a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. You don't need competing bids.
