VA HISA Grant & Bathtub Conversions: Long Island Guide

If you're a veteran on Long Island and you're having trouble getting safely in and out of your bathtub, there's a VA benefit that can help pay for a fix. Most people who qualify have never heard of it.

It's called the HISA grant. It covers medically necessary home modifications including bathtub conversions and grab bars, and it's available to veterans whether or not their disability is directly service-connected.

Here's what it covers, what it doesn't, and how it works.

What Is The HISA Grant?

HISA stands for Home Improvements and Structural Alterations. It's a VA benefit that pays for permanent home modifications when a VA doctor determines they're medically necessary.

Unlike some VA programs, it doesn't require a specific disability rating. If you have a mobility issue that makes your bathroom unsafe and your VA doctor agrees it needs to be addressed, you may qualify.

How Much Does It Pay?

The grant provides a lifetime benefit of up to $2,000 for veterans with non-service-connected conditions, and up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

Both amounts are meaningful. Our complete step-in conversion starts at $1,795, which means the $2,000 benefit covers the full cost for many veterans, with a little left over for grab bars. For veterans in the $6,800 tier, there's room for a more complete safety package.

Walk-in tubs start around $2,000 before installation and run much higher. A full bathroom renovation costs $8,000 to $20,000 and takes the better part of a week. The step-in conversion is the most affordable complete solution, and the one the grant is most likely to cover entirely.

What Does The HISA Grant Cover?

The grant covers structural modifications that improve bathroom access and safety, including:

- Step-in tub conversions

- Grab bar installation

- Non-slip surface installation

- Low-threshold shower modifications

- Plumbing changes needed for accessibility equipment

It doesn't cover cosmetic improvements, removable equipment, jetted or spa-style tubs, or work that isn't tied to a documented medical need.

Who Qualifies?

To apply, a veteran needs to be enrolled in VA health care. A VA doctor then writes a prescription documenting that the modification is medically necessary. There's no minimum disability rating. A veteran with a 10% rating who has a documented fall risk from a knee injury or balance issue can qualify just as easily as a veteran with a higher rating.

Renters qualify too, as long as their landlord provides written approval for the modification before the application is submitted.

What Role Does A Contractor Play?

One required piece of the HISA application is an itemized estimate from a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. The estimate needs to break down the scope of work, materials, labor, permits, and any inspections.

Affordable Bathtub Conversions has been doing step-in conversions on Long Island since 2011 and we know exactly what the VA needs to see in that estimate. We provide it at no charge. We're not affiliated with the VA and we don't process applications, but we'll walk you through what to expect and answer any questions along the way.