Veteran Housing Assistance: Programs & Eligibility 2026
Veteran housing assistance in 2026 includes VA home loans with no down payment, HUD-VASH housing vouchers for homeless veterans, SSVF rapid rehousing grants, Specially Adapted Housing grants up to $126,526, and the VA’s new policy covering up to 10 months of rent for eligible homeless veterans. Eligibility varies by program, but most require active-duty service and an other-than-dishonorable discharge. Call 1-877-424-3838 if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | Home loans, rental assistance, housing grants, homeless programs, eviction prevention |
| Eligibility | Veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserve, surviving spouses; varies by program |
| Application | VA.gov for home loans; VA medical center for HUD-VASH; local SSVF grantees for rent help |
| Processing Time | COE: minutes to days; HUD-VASH: varies by waitlist; SSVF: days to weeks |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; HUD; local housing authorities |
| Required Forms | VA Form 26-1880 (COE); VA Form 26-4555 (SAH/SHA); VA Form 10-0103 (HISA) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
VA Home Loan Programs
VA home loans are the most widely used housing benefit for veterans. The VA does not lend money directly — it guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows private lenders to offer no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. In 2026, the maximum guaranty is 25% of the loan amount for veterans with full entitlement.
Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan
Eligibility depends on your service era and length of active duty. You must have a discharge that is other than dishonorable for every period of service.
| Service Era | Minimum Active Duty |
|---|---|
| Gulf War era (Aug 2, 1990 – present) | 24 continuous months, or the full period called to active duty (at least 90 days) |
| Sept 8, 1980 – Aug 1, 1990 | 24 continuous months, or the full period called to active duty (at least 181 days) |
| Vietnam (Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975) | 90 total days, or fewer if discharged for a service-connected disability |
| Korea (June 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955) | 90 total days |
| World War II (Sept 16, 1940 – July 25, 1947) | 90 total days |
National Guard and Reserve: Eligible after 6 years of service in the Selected Reserves, or 90 days of active-duty service (at least 30 consecutive) under Title 32 orders.
Surviving spouses: An unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability may qualify for the VA home loan benefit.
VA Home Loan Funding Fee 2026
Most veterans pay a funding fee, which can be financed into the loan. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, DIC surviving spouses, and Purple Heart recipients on active duty are exempt.
| Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5% | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| 5% or more | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Source: VA.gov funding fee rate chart, confirmed January 2026.
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityExample: On a $400,000 loan with no down payment, a first-time user pays $8,600 (2.15%). A subsequent user pays $13,200 (3.3%).
How to Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
The COE proves to your lender that you qualify for a VA loan. There are three ways to get one:
Online through VA.gov — fastest method; log in with your VA account and request the COE electronically
Through your lender — most VA-approved lenders can pull your COE instantly through VA’s Web LGY system
By mail — complete VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to your regional loan center
VA Loan Types
| Loan Type | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Purchase Loan | Buy a primary residence with no down payment |
| Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) | Refinance an existing VA loan to lower the rate |
| Cash-Out Refinance | Convert home equity to cash |
| Native American Direct Loan | Direct VA loan for Native American veterans on trust land |
HUD-VASH: Housing Vouchers for Homeless Veterans
HUD-VASH is a joint program between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA that combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management. As of early 2026, more than 95,000 formerly homeless veterans were living in homes through HUD-VASH, and nearly 250,000 have been permanently housed since the program began in 2008.
Who Qualifies for HUD-VASH
To qualify, a veteran must meet three requirements:
Veteran status: Served in the active military with any discharge status other than dishonorable
Housing need: Homeless or at serious risk of losing housing
VA health care eligibility: Must be eligible for VA health care services (enrollment not required to start the process)
2026 Income Limit Change
In a significant policy change, HUD now requires local housing agencies to accept veterans earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), up from 50% previously. Additionally, VA disability compensation is no longer counted when determining income eligibility for HUD-VASH.
How HUD-VASH Works
Once approved, veterans pay approximately 30% of monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a set limit. Veterans choose their own apartment on the private market as long as the landlord accepts the voucher and the unit passes inspection. A VA case manager stays involved after move-in to help with furniture, transportation, and health care connections.
How to Apply for HUD-VASH
Call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
A counselor connects you to the homeless program at your nearest VA medical center
VA screens you for eligibility and places you on the HUD-VASH waitlist
Once a voucher is available, you work with your case manager to find housing
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
SSVF is a VA program that provides short-term rent assistance, deposits, utilities, and case management to very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. For FY 2026, 235 grants totaling approximately $818 million have been awarded to nonprofit organizations across the country.
Who Qualifies for SSVF
Veteran families with income at or below 50% of AMI (extremely low-income) or 80% of AMI (very low-income), depending on the grantee
Homeless or at imminent risk of losing housing
Must be willing to participate in case management
What SSVF Provides
Short-term rent assistance (up to 6 months in any 12-month period)
Security deposits and utility payments
Move-in expenses up to $1,000 for miscellaneous costs
Case management and connection to VA health care
Access to mental health and addiction services
2026 SSVF Updates
Families with Children Initiative: Launched May 2026 to expand services for veteran families with dependent children
Health Care Navigator: Required position for all grantees beginning FY 2026
Tribal and Rural Priority: New priority to expand services to Tribal and rural communities and U.S. territories
How to Apply for SSVF
SSVF is administered through local nonprofit grantees, not directly by VA. To find a grantee near you:
Call 1-877-424-3838
Visit va.gov/homeless/ssvf
Contact your local VA medical center’s homeless program
VA Housing Grants for Disabled Veterans
The VA offers several grants to help veterans with service-connected disabilities modify or adapt their homes. These grants do not require repayment.
Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant
The SAH grant is the largest VA housing grant. It helps veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities build, buy, or modify a home to live independently.
FY2026 maximum: $126,526
Who qualifies: Veterans with specific service-connected conditions, including:
Loss of both legs or both arms
Loss of one leg and one arm
Blindness in both eyes plus loss of one leg
Severe burns or other severe disabilities
Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant
The SHA grant is a smaller grant for home modifications for veterans with specific disabilities.
FY2026 maximum: $25,350
Who qualifies: Veterans with:
Loss of both hands
Severe respiratory injury
Certain other severe disabilities
Temporary Residence Adaptation (TRA) Grant
The TRA grant helps veterans temporarily residing in a family member’s home make accessibility modifications.
FY2026 maximum: $50,961.39
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant
HISA is a VA health care benefit for medically necessary home improvements. Unlike SAH and SHA, HISA is available to veterans with any service-connected disability rating.
| HISA Category | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| Service-connected condition | $6,800 |
| Non-service-connected condition | $2,000 |
Examples of covered modifications: Ramps, roll-in showers, widened doorways, grab bars, and other accessibility improvements.
How to Apply for VA Housing Grants
Complete VA Form 26-4555 (Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant) for SAH/SHA
For HISA, complete VA Form 10-0103
Submit through VA.gov or your VA medical center
VA evaluates eligibility and approves the grant amount
Funds are disbursed as work is completed
Grant Use Limits
Both SAH and SHA grants can be used up to six times during a veteran’s lifetime, as long as the total amount stays within the lifetime maximum in effect.
VA Homeless Programs: Emergency to Permanent Housing
VA operates a ladder of homeless assistance programs, from emergency shelter to permanent housing. Here is how they fit together.
| Need | Program | What It Provides |
|---|---|---|
| A bed now, outreach, treatment | Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV), Domiciliary Care (DCHV) | Contract emergency and residential beds, outreach, mental health and substance use treatment |
| A place to live while stabilizing | Grant and Per Diem (GPD) | Transitional housing with services, up to 24 months |
| Rent money to stay housed or get rehoused fast | Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) | Short-term rent, deposits, utilities, and case management through a nonprofit |
| A permanent home with ongoing support | HUD-VASH | A Housing Choice Voucher from HUD plus VA case management |
New VA Policy: Up to 10 Months of Rent
Effective July 29, 2026, VA medical centers can cover up to 10 months of rent for eligible homeless veterans, along with meals, rides, clothing, and phones. This authority extends through September 2027.
This policy was implemented under Section 403 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which authorizes VA to provide food, shelter, transportation, and other items to homeless veterans when necessary.
FY 2026 Homeless Program Goals
VA has set ambitious goals for fiscal year 2026:
House at least 48,000 homeless veterans
Ensure at least 95% of veterans housed stay housed
No more than 5% return to homelessness
How to Access Emergency Housing Help
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness:
Call 1-877-424-3838 (National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, 24/7)
Go to your nearest VA medical center and ask for the homeless program
Call 2-1-1 for essential community services
Visit va.gov/homeless for online chat and resources
The call is free, confidential, and open to veterans, family members, and service providers.
State and Local Housing Assistance
Many states offer additional housing benefits for veterans beyond federal VA programs. These vary widely by location.
State Veterans Home Loan Programs
| State | Program |
|---|---|
| California | CalVet Home Loan program; homestead exemption up to $109,986 for 100% disabled veterans |
| Oregon | Oregon Veterans Home Loan program |
| Washington | Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program |
| Iowa | Vets Home Ownership Program (grant for first-time homebuyers) |
| Texas | Veterans Housing Assistance Program; Down Payment Assistance Program for manufactured homes |
| Florida | Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program (Broward, Escambia, Hillsborough, Santa Rosa counties) |
| Utah | First-time homebuyer grants for service members, veterans, and military families |
How to Find State Programs
Contact your state department of veterans affairs
Visit your county veterans service office
Use the VA facility locator at va.gov/find-locations
Search “[your state] veteran housing assistance”
Housing Assistance for Surviving Spouses
Surviving spouses of veterans may qualify for VA housing benefits under specific circumstances.
VA Home Loan for Surviving Spouses
An unremarried surviving spouse may qualify for a VA home loan if:
The veteran died in service
The veteran died from a service-connected disability
The veteran was a prisoner of war or missing in action for 90+ days
The surviving spouse must not have remarried. Apply for a COE using VA Form 26-1817 (Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility — Unmarried Surviving Spouses).
Other Housing-Related Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly tax-free payment to eligible surviving spouses
Survivors Pension: Needs-based pension for low-income surviving spouses of wartime veterans
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): Education benefits that may include housing allowance
Required Documents for Housing Assistance
Documentation requirements vary by program. In general, veterans should have:
| Document | Used For |
|---|---|
| DD-214 | All VA housing programs |
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | VA home loans |
| VA Form 26-1880 | Requesting a COE by mail |
| VA Form 26-4555 | SAH/SHA grant application |
| VA Form 10-0103 | HISA grant application |
| Proof of income | HUD-VASH, SSVF, state programs |
| VA health care enrollment | HUD-VASH, HISA |
| Service-connected disability rating | SAH, SHA, HISA, funding fee exemption |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not getting a COE before house hunting. Most lenders can pull it instantly, but having it ready speeds up the process.
Assuming you need perfect credit. VA sets no minimum credit score, but lenders typically require 580–620.
Not factoring in the funding fee. Exemptions apply for disabled veterans and surviving spouses, but others should budget for it.
Waiting until you are homeless to seek help. SSVF and HUD-VASH can help before you lose housing.
Not reporting income changes. For HUD-VASH and SSVF, income determines eligibility and rent calculation.
Ignoring state benefits. Many states offer additional grants, loans, and tax exemptions.
Not keeping copies of all documents. Retain copies of applications, COEs, and correspondence.
Common Questions
What is the VA home loan limit for 2026?
There is no VA-imposed loan limit for veterans with full entitlement. The VA guaranty is 25% of the loan amount. The 2026 conforming loan limit set by FHFA applies to conventional loans, not VA loans. Veterans with full entitlement can borrow as much as a lender is willing to approve.
How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?
Apply online at VA.gov, through your lender (most can pull it instantly), or by mail using VA Form 26-1880. Online requests are typically processed within minutes to a few days.
What is HUD-VASH?
HUD-VASH is a joint HUD and VA program that provides Housing Choice Vouchers paired with VA case management to homeless veterans. More than 95,000 veterans were housed through the program as of early 2026.
Can I get help with rent if I’m behind on payments?
Yes. SSVF provides short-term rent assistance to prevent eviction and rapid rehousing for veterans who are homeless. Call 1-877-424-3838 to connect with a local SSVF grantee.
How much is the SAH grant in 2026?
The FY2026 maximum SAH grant is $126,526. The SHA maximum is $25,350, and the TRA maximum is $50,961.39. HISA provides up to $6,800 for service-connected conditions.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. The VA home loan benefit is reusable. Veterans with full entitlement can use it multiple times, and the funding fee may increase for subsequent uses unless exempt.
What if I have a disability rating — do I pay the funding fee?
No. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation (generally 10% or higher), DIC surviving spouses, and Purple Heart recipients on active duty are exempt from the VA funding fee.
How long does HUD-VASH take?
Wait times vary by location and voucher availability. Contact your local VA medical center’s homeless program for current estimates.
Can surviving spouses get a VA home loan?
Yes, if the veteran died in service or from a service-connected disability and the surviving spouse has not remarried. Apply using VA Form 26-1817.
What is the new VA rent policy for homeless veterans?
Effective July 29, 2026, VA medical centers can cover up to 10 months of rent for eligible homeless veterans through September 2027, along with meals, rides, clothing, and phones.
Are National Guard and Reserve members eligible for VA housing assistance?
Yes, if they meet service requirements. Guard and Reserve members qualify for VA home loans after 6 years of Selected Reserve service or 90 days of active duty (30 consecutive) under Title 32.
How do I find a VA-approved lender?
Visit VA.gov/housing-assistance or use the VA Lender Locator. Most major banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies participate in the VA loan program.
What is the HISA grant?
HISA is a VA health care benefit paying up to $6,800 for service-connected veterans and $2,000 for non-service-connected veterans for medically necessary home improvements like ramps and roll-in showers.
What if I have an other-than-honorable discharge?
Many VA housing programs require an other-than-dishonorable discharge. An other-than-honorable discharge may still qualify for certain programs depending on the circumstances. Contact a VSO for case-specific guidance.
Key Takeaways
VA home loans offer no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses.
The 2026 VA funding fee is 2.15% for first-time users with less than 5% down; disabled veterans and DIC spouses are exempt.
HUD-VASH combines a housing voucher with VA case management; 95,000+ veterans were housed through the program as of early 2026.
SSVF provides short-term rent, deposits, and utilities to prevent homelessness; $818 million in grants awarded for FY2026.
The new VA policy covers up to 10 months of rent for eligible homeless veterans through September 2027.
SAH grants provide up to $126,526 for severely disabled veterans; SHA up to $25,350; HISA up to $6,800.
Call 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Many states offer additional housing assistance; check with your state department of veterans affairs.
Surviving spouses may qualify for VA home loans if the veteran died in service or from a service-connected disability.
Document requirements include DD-214, COE, proof of income, and VA forms 26-1880, 26-4555, and 10-0103.
Official Resources
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — va.gov
VA Housing Assistance — va.gov/housing-assistance
VA Home Loans — va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans
VA Homeless Programs — va.gov/homeless
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans — 1-877-424-3838
HUD-VASH — hud.gov
SSVF Program — va.gov/homeless/ssvf
VA Specially Adapted Housing — benefits.va.gov/housing
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — consumerfinance.gov
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