What Is H.R. 10938 and Why Does It Matter?

H.R. 10938, titled the Assistance for Better Living Environments for Veterans Act, was introduced in Congress in November 2026. This bill seeks to improve the living environments of veterans, especially those with disabilities, by expanding or enhancing housing assistance and adaptive living support programs through the VA. If passed, it could mean new eligibility rules, increased grant amounts, or entirely new programs for veterans who need home modifications or supportive housing.

For veterans who already use or plan to apply for VA housing benefits like the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant or the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, this legislation could bring significant changes. It’s important to stay updated on the bill’s progress and understand how it may affect your benefits.

Current VA Housing Assistance: What’s Available Now?

As of 2024, the VA offers several programs to help veterans with service-connected disabilities live more independently. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant (38 CFR § 3.809) provides up to $117,014 (FY 2024) for major home modifications. The Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant (38 CFR § 3.809a) offers up to $23,444 for smaller adaptations. The HISA grant (VA Form 10-0103) covers up to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities and $2,000 for non-service-connected conditions.

To apply, veterans must submit the relevant VA forms and supporting medical evidence. For more details on current programs and eligibility, visit our VA claims hub or see our explainers section.

How H.R. 10938 Could Change VA Claims and Disability Ratings

If H.R. 10938 becomes law, it could expand who qualifies for housing assistance or increase the dollar amounts available. Veterans with lower disability ratings (such as 30% or 50%) may become eligible for programs previously limited to those with higher ratings. The bill could also streamline the VA claims process for adaptive housing by reducing paperwork or clarifying medical evidence requirements.

These changes would likely be reflected in updates to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and new VA forms. Veterans should monitor official VA announcements and our disability ratings hub for updates. If you’re unsure how your combined disability rating affects eligibility, use our VA disability rating calculator.

What Veterans Should Do Now

  • Monitor the Bill: Track H.R. 10938’s progress in Congress and watch for VA press releases about new or expanded programs.
  • Review Your Current Benefits: Check your eligibility for existing VA housing grants and consider applying if you have a service-connected disability.
  • Prepare Documentation: Gather medical records, VA rating decisions, and any previous grant applications to speed up future claims.
  • Consult a VSO: A Veterans Service Officer can help you understand how legislative changes may impact your situation and assist with claims.

For more actionable tips and updates on VA benefits, visit our VA claims and explainers pages.