BRIEF OVERVIEW SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING & VA Website. Department of Veterans Affairs St. Petersburg, Florida Regional Office

Transcription

1 BRIEF OVERVIEW SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING & VA Website Department of Veterans Affairs St. Petersburg, Florida Regional Office

2 WELCOME Presentation objective: Provide a basic overview of the Specially Adapted Housing program. & Provide introduction to the VA website that provides benefit information and a variety of other valuable resources. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

3 This PowerPoint presentation has numerous hyperlinks to the various VA web pages discussed. Viewing this presentation on a computer connected to the internet will allow selecting the link to open corresponding web page. Copy of this PowerPoint presentation can be obtained by contacting DENNIS THOMPSON (727) dennis.thompson3@va.gov JAMIAN ORTIZ (727) jamian.ortiz@va.gov

4 BRIEF OVERVIEW SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING

5 INTRODUCTION The purpose of the SAH grant is to provide financial assistance in obtaining housing adapted for the special needs of Veterans or Service Members.

6 7 STEPS IN THE GRANT APPROVAL PROCESS

7 ( ) Submit to the Specially Adapted Housing Department Can be obtained on line or contact VA

8 ELIGIBILITY Who determines the veteran s or service member s basic eligibility for the grant? Application will be processed by SAH agent and submitted to Veterans Service Center. The current or most recent VA Rating Decision issued by the Veterans Service Center of jurisdiction establishes the veteran s or service member s basic eligibility for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant.

9 ELIGIBLE It is important to understand that while a Veteran or Service Member may be determined eligible grant funds will not be received until the grant is approved. APPROVAL SAH agent will assist Veteran or Service Member to obtain all documents, process the grant and submit for approval.

10 Once eligibility is determined an SAH agent will visit.

11 Veteran or Service Member is advised DO NOT 1. Enter into any agreement 2. Start any construction or remodeling They must contact the SAH Agent in advance. Unapproved adaptations may not be reimbursable and may jeopardize grant approval.

12 The SAH benefit is a GRANT and not a loan. The maximum grant amount is determined by law. The amount varies by *PLAN TYPE* and calculations. No time limit for this grant. Available at any point during Veteran s or Service Member s lifetime and can be used anywhere in the United States and its territories.

13 PLAN TYPES To obtain SAH grant Approval, one of four plans are available and required documents and exhibits will be processed for that plan. The SAH agent will help decide which plan is best.

14 PLAN TYPE 1 PLAN 1 Allows a veteran to construct a home on land to be purchased by the veteran. The grant cannot exceed 50% of the veteran s total cost of the house and land, up to the maximum grant amount.

15 PLAN TYPE 2 PLAN 2 Allows a veteran to construct a home on land he/she already owns, so long as the land is suitable for SAH. The grant amount cannot exceed the smaller of the following sums: 50% of the veteran s total costs of the house and land. Or 50% of the veteran s cost of the house and the full, unpaid balance of the land up to the maximum grant amount.

16 PLAN TYPE 3 PLAN 3 Allows a veteran to adapt his/her existing house or a house he/she will purchase that is not currently adapted, so long as it is feasible to meet all SAH Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Under this plan the total cost of the remodel project up to the maximum grant amount is available. A calculation must be completed by the SAH Agent to determine the amount of the grant.

17 PLAN TYPE 4 PLAN 4 Allows the use of the grant for a home purchased or to be purchased that meets ALL SAH Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). The amount cannot exceed the smaller of the following sums: 50% of the veteran s cost of the house and land, OR The full amount of the unpaid balance, if any, of the cost of the house and land up to the maximum grant amount. Note: If there is no mortgage balance the Plan 4 grant is not eligible for that specific house, however, the grant can be used on a subsequent home.

18 CONTRACTOR OR BUILDER Veteran or Service Member has the freedom to choose a Licensed contractor or builder. VA IS NOT a third party to any contract.

19 SAH agent will advise Veteran or Member to DO RESEARCH Check with Service Neighbors or family for recommendations. Better Business Bureaus State Licensing Office Review Is Remodeling for Me sheet for more information and guidance.

20 BIDS 3 Firm bids will be required from contractors of choice. The Veteran or Service Member is not required to use the lowest bid but all bids will be reviewed and processed by SAH agent. A cost analysis must be completed to determine if the construction contract is appropriate for the type of project. VA Does Not recommend builders or contractors.

21 SAH agent will obtain from selected contractor.

22 PLANS Construction plans and specifications will be required for proposed construction or remodeling. Remodeling requires existing as is plan and a drawing of the floor plan as remodeled. Plans must be professional in nature New construction will require 2 sets floor plans ¼ scale not reduced. Once approved VA requires 3 complete sets of final plans.

23 M P Rs MINIMUM PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS Floor plans must display all Minimum Property Requirements and include location of ramps, grab bars, walks, etc. A copy of the MPRs will be provided with interview packet. The grant WILL NOT be approved until plans have been approved!

24 SAH agent will obtain from selected contractor.

25 CONTRACTS All contracts & agreements should be subject to VA approval. VA addendum will be provided for signatures. Contractor must agree in writing that project will be subject to periodic inspections and final approval by the VA compliance inspector and the Specially Adapted Housing Agent.

26 COSTS IN EXCESS OF GRANT AMOUNT Any and all costs for work in excess of the maximum grant amount will be the Veteran s or Service Member s specific responsibility. Commitments or assurances will be required covering necessary arrangements to finance costs in excess of the grant amount.

27 SAH agent will obtain if necessary.

28 SAH agent will obtain loan documents if applicable.

29

30 For all projects: Clear Title VA Regional Counsel must review Title Insurance Policy. Title insurance offers financial protection against hidden hazards that can emerge after you purchase your home. Common problems include mistakes in the public record, previously undisclosed heirs claiming to own your property, or forged deeds.

31 Grant Approval Upon approval grant funds will be obtained and sent to an Escrow agent along with an escrow agreement and draw schedule. Upon return of the escrow agreement signed by all parties the SAH agent will advise construction can be started.

32 Escrow Agent An escrow agent is a third party who is responsible for holding all grant funds and other funds necessary for the completion of the SAH project. Typically Title Companies or Attorneys are used for our projects. The Escrow Agent usually sets the fee for his/her services. The veteran has freedom of choice when it comes to selecting the Escrow Agent.

33 Construction Progress Construction will be subject to periodic inspections by VA compliance inspector. Escrow payments will be authorized by VA on completed stages with no evidence of noncompliance. 20% hold-back will be disbursed after completion of project and inspection by SAH agent. Contractor must provide affidavit of no liens.

34 REMEMBER VETERAN OR SERVICE MEMBER SHOULD NOT Enter into any agreement or start any construction or remodeling without contacting the SAH Agent in advance.

35 THE GRANT PROCESS STARTS WITH OUTREACH WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK USSOCOM Care Coalition & RECOVERY COORIDNATORS & VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS FOR ASSISTING VETERAN S AND SERVICE MEMBER S TO APPLY FOR THIS BENEFIT

36 BRIEF OVERVIEW VA WEBSITE

37 Navigation of the VA WEBSITE

38 Navigation of VA WEBSITE Select Veteran Services for Drop Down Box

39 Under Veteran Services TAB a wide selection of Benefit information is available. For Example GI Bill Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Dependents Education Assistance Home Loans Life Insurance The Home Loans section provides a variety of links under the Loan Guaranty Home Loan Program to include the VA Specially Adapted Housing Program.

40 Information for Veterans section provides a variety of links under the Loan Guaranty Home Loan Program to include: VA Loan Eligibility Homelessness Prevention Trouble Making Your Payments? Service members Civil Relief Act Center for Women Veterans Native American Veterans Specially Adapted Housing Returning Service members VA Homes for Sale Veteran Crisis Line ebenefits Portal Veterans Information Portal More Info

41 Welcome to the Loan Guaranty Home Loan Program Select Specially Adapted Housing For detailed information

42 The Specially Adapted Housing page provides: Contact information for SAH agent in various jurisdictions. Program Fact Sheets How to download an application or apply for the SAH benefit online.

43 St. Petersburg (Regional Loan Center) SAH Agents Jamian Ortiz VA Regional Office (261) P.O. Box 1437 St. Petersburg, FL (727) Fax (727) Alixa Andino (727) Fax: (727) Sue Brandon (727) Fax: (727) Wayne Jackson (727) Fax: (727) Lucy Ambs (727) Fax: (727)

44 Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grants There are two types of grants which are available to help severely disabled veterans and service members in adapting housing to their special needs. 1. Specially Adapted Housing Grant 2. Special Home Adaptations Grant

45 The following is an abbreviated description of the requirements for obtaining an SAH Grant. For more information or an application, visit or contact your local VA Regional Office at

46 Specially Adapted Housing Grant The maximum amount of this grant is $63,780. It is available to veterans and service members with a serviceconnected permanent and total disability due to one of the three following conditions: 1. a. The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. 2. b. Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity. 3. c. The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with residuals of organic disease or injury, or the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity. Item (1) and Item (2) above must so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows. The permanent and total disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so determined).

47 Special Home Adaptations Grant The maximum amount of this grant is $12,756. It is available to veterans and service members with a serviceconnected permanent and total disability due to one of the two following conditions: blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less or, the loss or loss of use of both hands.

48 Many questions can be answered by the VA Website or by contacting the VA Specially Adapted Housing agent. Some common questions that might come up.

49 How do I submit an application for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/ Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) benefits? Contact your local VA Regional Office at to request an application form Obtain application or apply online at VA website. Use the My ebenefits Dashboard

50 Is there a time limitation or deadline for applying for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant? No, there is no time limit on the use of the grant. Is a veteran or service member who obtains a specially adapted home entitled to exemption from State real estate taxes? This depends on State and local tax laws. There are many States that do provide such relief from taxes, either in whole or in part. The Specially Adapted Housing Agent will be able to provide a veteran or service member with more detailed information.

51 How do I submit an application for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/ Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) benefits on the ebenefits website? You can use the My ebenefits Dashboard to locate the link for SAH: 1. Go to 2. Sign in with your DoD Self-Service Logon. 3. Click on the My ebenefits tab. 4. Locate the Housing category. 5. Click Specially Adapted Housing Grant Application and Claims Status (SAH). 6. Click (apply for benefits online click here). 7. Complete the application, totaling three pages. 8. Click Submit Application.

52 How often can I apply for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) benefits? Public Law authorized up to three usages of grant benefits. An eligible veteran or service member may use their grant benefit up to three times, but cannot exceed the aggregate maximum amount allowable by law. The current maximum aggregate grant amount allowable at the time of this publication is $63,780 for the SAH grant and $12,756 for the SHA grant. This amount could be increased annually based on a cost ofconstruction index.

53 Can I Use my Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant benefits for my temporary housing? A temporary grant (TRA) may be available to veterans and service members who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member. This assistance, up to $14,000 for the SAH grant or $2,000 for the SHA grant, may be used to adapt the family member's home to meet the veteran or service members special needs at that time. However, this amount is not subject to annual adjustments based on the cost-of-construction index. The TRA grant program is a pilot program and is scheduled to end on December 31, 2011.

54 Where may the grant be used? Any real property purchased, constructed, or adapted with the proceeds of a specially adapted housing grant must be located: within the United States, which, for purposes of 38 U.S.C. chapter 21, includes the several States, Territories, and possessions, including the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands; or, outside the United States, in a country or political subdivision which allows individuals to have or acquire a beneficial property interest, and in which the Secretary, in his or her discretion, has determined that it is reasonably practicable for the Secretary to provide assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

55 Can I apply for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH)/ Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) benefits while I am on active duty awaiting discharge due to my disability? Yes. If you are currently being discharged for a disability that meets the basic requirements for SAH/SHA benefits, but are maintaining active duty status, you may apply for SAH/SHA benefits.

56 23. If a veteran or service member is eligible for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant, may he/she also receive a Special Housing Adaptations Grant? No. If a veteran or service member qualifies for both benefits, the law limits him/her to the use of the larger grant.

57 Are there other benefits similar to specially adapted housing to which a disabled veteran may be entitled? Yes, an eligible veteran or service member may be entitled to the Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit, which has a current maximum of $6,800 for a service-connected disability and $2,000 for a non-service-connected disability. The Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service at the nearest VA health care facility will furnish additional information concerning this benefit upon request (including how to file VA Form, , Veterans Application for Assistance in Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations).

58 What adaptations are typically considered necessary for specially adapted housing? Adaptations must meet the VA MPRs (Minimum Property Requirements) Following is some example requirements.

59 RAMPS & WALKWAYS 1. Unless there are no-step entries or slopes having less than an 8 percent grade (1:12), at least two ramps (a vertical platform or similar type lift may be used in lieu of one ramp, but the lift must have a battery or generator backup system) suitable for entry and exit are required, one of which shall be located so as not to expose the veteran or service member to a potential fire hazard, such as placement necessitating passage through a kitchen, garage or utility room containing heating equipment. Ramps or lifts must be permanently installed, treated to prevent slipping when wet, and the slope not to exceed 8 percent. The minimum width acceptable is 3 feet 6 inches (4 feet for new ramps), and railings must be provided if the height and length of the ramp indicate any potential for a hazard. Ramp and lift platforms must be a minimum of 5 feet by 5 feet in size to allow for turning the wheelchair and be equipped with protective railings if the height of the platform presents a potential hazard. There will be no difference in elevation between the interior floor level and exterior platforms. Ramp platforms must be provided every 30 feet of the ramp or walkway and at every 90-degree turn.

60 2. In all new construction, doorways must be at least 36 inches wide. Doorways in existing homes must be at least 32 inches wide. 3. Halls must be a minimum of 48 inches wide in all new construction. Hallways in existing homes must be at least 42 inches wide. 4. A garage or carport should be of sufficient width and height to allow unrestricted wheelchair maneuverability alongside a car and ease of entry and exit with all accessible vans. 5. Passageways between the home proper and the garage or carport should be sheltered to prevent exposure of the veteran or service member to direct sunlight or inclement weather.

61 6. At least one bathroom, convenient to the veteran s or service member s bedroom, must contain very generous floor areas providing free wheelchair maneuverability (with at least a 5 foot turning radius), with placement of all fixtures in a manner permitting the veteran or service member unimpeded 4 foot access to each fixture. Bathroom flooring material must be non-slip under both wet and dry conditions. Washbasins of the hung type, rather than pedestal, should be affixed at a height enabling the wheelchair to maneuver below the fixture to allow close approach for washing and shaving convenience. Washbasin drainpipes must be installed to minimize the possibility of abrasions. A mirror, at a suitable level for use from the wheelchair, must be provided and may be achieved by a lower medicine cabinet to which the veteran or service member is to have access. Faucets for the tub and shower also must be accessible from the wheelchair for water temperature control before, as well as during, immersion. Adequate thermostatic or pressure-balance controls must be installed to avoid sudden change in the water temperature. Adequate grab bars, capable of bearing the veteran s or service member s weight and conveniently placed, must be installed for the tub and shower. Stall showers must be large enough (5 x 5 ) to allow for a built-in bench, if desired. There must be no curb between the stall and bathroom (floor drain can be placed in a back corner of the stall), and the shower stall opening should be the same width as other doorways. The toilet fixture or seat should be raised, if necessary, for the veteran or service member s convenience; armrest, installed in a manner to support the veteran s or service member s weight in transferring must be included, and provisions should be made for a suitable back support. Installation of a bidet may be appropriate for certain hand/arm injuries.

62 7. All hot water pipes, steam pipes, room radiators, or similar items, which may constitute a hazard insofar as burns, abrasions, etc., are concerned, must be concealed or properly covered. 8. Wall switches and electrical outlets should be within reach from the wheelchair, minimum 18 inches and maximum 48 inches, from the floor. Fuse boxes, thermostats, and other utility and appliance controls must be within reach from a wheelchair. Windows should be operable from a wheelchair. Automatically operated entry and garage doors are a great convenience, direct control activated by key or button. Whole house vacuum systems may be appropriate for certain severe burn injuries. 9. Carpeting installed in specially adapted housing must be of a low pile, closely woven type. Hardwood floors may be appropriate for certain severe burn injuries. 10. At least one automatic smoke detector/fire detection system and/or carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in the unit. 11. Other adaptations with the approval of VA.

63 What is Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance? The Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) program provides mortgage life insurance to severely disabled veterans and service members. It is designed to pay off home mortgages of disabled veterans and service members in the event of their death.

64 Who is Eligible for VMLI? Only veterans and service members who have received a Specially Adapted Housing Grant from VA are eligible for VMLI. Veterans must apply for VMLI before their 70th birthday.

65 Veterans who are approved for an SAH grant are advised of their eligibility for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI). The veteran will be assisted by one of VA's Specially Adapted Housing Agents in the completion of VA Form , Application for Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance. Veterans must be approved for an SAH grant before applying for VMLI.

66 What Does VMLI Provide? VMLI provides up to $90,000 mortgage life insurance. VMLI is payable only to the mortgage holder (i.e., a bank or mortgage lender),not to a beneficiary. The amount of coverage will equal the amount of the mortgage still owed, but the maximum can never exceed $90,000. VMLI is decreasing term insurance which reduces as the amount of the mortgage reduced. VMLI has no loan or cash values and pays no dividends.

67 How Much Does VMLI Cost? We have a premium calculator available to help you determine your VMLI premium amount. Follow this link to use the VMLI Premium Calculator.

68 The above link will direct you to VMLI Premium Calculator and other VA Insurance information

69 Are Eligible Veterans and Service Members Notified About VMLI? Veterans or service members who receive a grant for the purchase of Specially Adapted Housing are advised by Loan Guaranty personnel at their interview of their eligibility for life insurance to cover the unpaid mortgage on their home. The Specially Adapted Housing Agent will help the veteran or service member complete VA Form , Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance. If a veteran or service member does not apply for VMLI coverage at that time, VA will send a letter informing them that they are eligible for such coverage. In addition to completing VA Form , the veteran or service member must provide information about their current mortgage.

70 Where Can I get More Information About VMLI? You can get more information about VMLI by downloading and viewing the VMLI Brochure. The application for VMLI, VA Form , Application for Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance is also available for download from this site.

71 IN CLOSING THE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER THE BEST THING TO DO IS MAKE SURE THE VETERAN, SERVICE MEMBER OR FAMILY MEMBER CONTACTS THE SAH AGENT. WORK WITH SAH AGENT FOR QUESTIONS, ISSUES AND PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT ARISE VA DOES HAVE A REDESIGNED WEB SITE THAT DOES PROVIDE CONSIDERABLE SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING INFORMATION. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS