Can I Use My VA Benefits To Pay for My Stairlift?
In this blog:
- Does the VA cover stairlifts? HISA grants exclude stairlifts, but some veterans with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for other VA housing grants.
- What home modifications are covered? VA benefits may help pay for accessibility improvements, including ramps, widened doorways and bathroom modifications.
- How Safe Step can help: Affordable, easy-to-use stairlifts and veteran discounts can help make navigating your home easier, even without VA funding.
If stairs have become difficult to navigate, a stairlift can be an affordable, easy-to-use way to move safely between floors without expensive home renovations. But can your VA benefits help cover the cost?
While the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant doesn’t cover stairlifts, other VA housing benefits may provide assistance for a limited number of eligible veterans. And even if you don’t qualify for VA funding, Safe Step offers special savings for veterans.
Here’s what you need to know about VA coverage and alternative funding to make your home more accessible.
Quick Snapshot of VA Home Modification Benefits
Several VA programs help eligible veterans pay for home modifications that improve safety and accessibility. However, each program has different eligibility requirements and rules about what it covers.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processed 3 million disability claims in 2025, but its primary home modification benefit for service-connected disabilities, HISA, doesn’t cover stairlifts.
To help you get started, let’s break down the primary benefits focused on home modifications.
| VA Benefits and Other Options | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| HISA (Home Improvement/ Structural Adaptation) | Lifetime limit of $6,800 for service-connected disabilities or $2,000 for other concerns. Covers items such as roll-in showers and entrance ramps, but stairlifts are excluded. |
| SAH (Specially Adapted Housing) | Covers up to $126,526 in fiscal year 2026 for qualifying severe service-connected disabilities. Stairlift funding may be possible, subject to VA approval. |
| SHA (Special Home Adaptation) | Up to $25,350 in fiscal year 2026 for a narrower disability list, including the loss of hands, certain severe burns and breathing or respiratory issues. Includes stairlifts as part of a full adaptation plan. |
| Safe Step Veteran Discount | Up to $500 off a stairlift, walk-in tub or walk-in shower. To be considered, mention your veteran status at the free consultation. |
Even if you don’t qualify for a VA grant, a Safe Step Stairlift may provide a simpler, less disruptive alternative to extensive home renovations.
“I chose Safe Step over other companies primarily because of the military discount they offered, which wasn’t available with other brands I looked into.”
– Juan C., a satisfied Safe Step customer in Alvin, Texas
What Does the VA’s HISA Grant Cover?
At least 17.5 million veterans live in the U.S., and 62 percent receive benefits or services from the VA. Even with excellent medical care, veterans may need to make modifications to live safely at home.
The VA’s HISA grant helps eligible veterans make medically necessary home modifications. Depending on your needs, these improvements may include entrance ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers and lowered sinks or counters.
Veterans with a service-connected disability can apply for a grant up to $6,800 for these modifications. HISA grants do not cover interior or outdoor stairlifts, portable ramps or walk-in tubs. Even if your disability is not service-related, veterans can apply for up to a $2,000 grant, but every project needs a VA physician’s prescription showing a medical need for the modification.
When SAH or SHA May Apply
While HISA grants don’t cover stairlifts, veterans with certain severe service-connected disabilities may qualify for the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grants if they or a family member own or plan to own their home.
In 2026, SAH offers up to $126,526 to eligible veterans with limb loss or loss of limb function, blindness or severe burns. SHA provides up to $25,350 in 2026 to eligible veterans with loss of hand function, severe burns or certain respiratory disabilities.
Unlike HISA, SAH and SHA grants may offer a path to stairlift funding for veterans. However, eligibility is limited, and any proposed modification must meet VA requirements. In 2025, the VA awarded just 2,518 SAH grants and only 133 SHA grants, according to a VA report. Contact the VA to determine whether a stairlift could be included in your approved home adaptation plan.
How To Apply for a VA Home Modification Grant
Paperwork is part of any VA grant application. If you’re applying for a HISA grant for a walk-in shower or other covered modification, start by getting a VA prescription describing the project, diagnosis and medical need. Complete the appropriate VA form and attach a written, itemized estimate covering labor, materials, permits and inspections. You can request advance payment on the form if needed.
Most applications require a color photo of the area you wish to modify, and renters will need to submit a notarized owner statement.
A Stairlift May Be Easier Than Remodeling Your Home
Since most VA benefits don’t cover a stairlift, it’s worth considering other ways to make your home safer. Converting a first-floor room into a bedroom or adding an accessible bathroom can reduce the need to use stairs, but these projects may require significant renovations.
A stairlift offers another option. Rather than changing your home’s layout, a Safe Step Stairlift lets you continue accessing multiple floors with the convenience of a comfortable, easy-to-use seat that travels along your staircase.
Safe Step Stairlifts attach directly to the stairs, require minimal changes to your home and can typically be installed in just a few hours. For veterans who want to continue enjoying their entire home, a stairlift may be a simpler and more affordable alternative to extensive remodeling.
Other Ways To Pay for a Stairlift
Even if VA benefits won’t cover your stairlift, there may be other ways to reduce the cost.
- Medicaid waivers: Although Medicare does not cover stairlifts, Medicaid may fund home modifications, including stairlifts, through home and community-based waivers. Check with your state’s Medicaid office as guidelines for these waivers vary by state.
- Home renovation financing: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a federal program for home modification. As part of its 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program, individuals with disabilities may be eligible for funds designated for home modifications.
- Veteran discounts: Safe Step is proud to support our nation’s veterans. Eligible veterans may qualify for up to $500 in savings on a Safe Step Stairlift, and additional promotions may be available. During your free consultation, a Safe Step representative can explain your options, review available discounts and help you find a stairlift that fits your home and budget.
Discover the Benefits of a Safe Step Stairlift
A stairlift can help you continue enjoying your home without the expense and disruption of major renovations. Safe Step offers affordable stairlifts designed to make navigating stairs safer and more convenient.
With Safe Step, you can enjoy:
- Easy operation: Simple controls make traveling between floors convenient.
- Fast installation: Professional installation can typically be completed in just a few hours.
- Indoor and outdoor options: Find a solution for the stairs inside or outside your home, as well as a hands-free cargo lift.
- Minimal home modifications: Stairlifts attach directly to the stairs, eliminating the need for major renovations.
- Long-term value: American-made stairlifts are backed by a limited lifetime parts warranty, subject to warranty terms.
- Special savings for veterans: Ask about available veteran discounts and current promotions.
For nearly 20 years, Safe Step has helped homeowners enjoy greater comfort, safety and independence. We’re proud to extend that commitment to the veterans who have served our country.
Ready to make your stairs easier to navigate? Request a free, no-obligation quote and discover how a Safe Step stairlift can fit your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
The VA’s HISA grant does not cover stairlifts. However, veterans with qualifying severe service-connected disabilities may be eligible for SAH or SHA grants that could help fund a stairlift as part of an approved home adaptation plan.
The cost of a stairlift depends on your staircase’s layout, the model you choose and any additional features. Safe Step offers free consultations to help you explore options that fit your home and budget. Veterans may also qualify for special discounts.
A stairlift may cost less and require fewer modifications than converting a room into a bedroom or adding a first-floor bathroom. It also allows you to continue using multiple floors of your home. The best option depends on your mobility needs, home layout and budget.
Yes. Safe Step offers special discounts for eligible veterans on qualifying home accessibility products. Ask about current veteran savings during your free consultation.
