Wheelchair ramp funding

VA. The VA publishes three grant programs for home adaptation. For FY 2026 the stated maximums are $126,526 for the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and $25,350 for the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant, with Temporary Residence Adaptation up to $50,961 on the SAH basis and $9,100 on the SHA basis. Eligibility requires a qualifying service-connected disability and specific ownership conditions, and the VA notes that only 120 veterans and service members per fiscal year can qualify on the basis of loss of one extremity after September 11, 2001. Apply through VA.gov — do not rely on a contractor's summary of your eligibility.

Medicaid. Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers exist to let beneficiaries receive services at home rather than in an institution. What each state's waiver covers, including whether environmental or home modifications are included, differs by state and by waiver. Medicaid.gov's state profiles and state locator are the starting point. Your state Medicaid agency is the only authority on your coverage.

Medicare. Part B covers durable medical equipment that is durable, used for a medical reason, generally only useful to someone sick or injured, used in your home, and expected to last at least three years — wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and similar. Medicare's DME page does not list home modifications or ramps among covered items. Check with your provider and with Medicare directly rather than accepting a contractor's assurance that "Medicare covers it."

The honest warning. A contractor who tells you your benefit will cover the job, and asks you to sign before that is confirmed in writing by the agency, is exposing you to the whole bill. Get written confirmation from the funder, not the seller. Nonprofit and volunteer ramp-building programs also exist in many areas and are worth calling your Area Agency on Aging or state assistive technology program about — those referrals cost nothing.

How to choose

Confirm coverage with the agency, in writing

Never with the contractor. A verbal assurance about a benefit is worth nothing when the invoice arrives.

Start VA applications early

The VA publishes FY 2026 maximums of $126,526 (SAH) and $25,350 (SHA), but eligibility review takes time. Apply through VA.gov directly.

Ask your state Medicaid agency about HCBS

Waiver coverage varies by state. Medicaid.gov's state locator points you at the right agency; only they can tell you what's covered.

Understand Medicare's DME test

Durable, medically necessary, used in the home, expected to last at least three years. Home modifications are not on Medicare's DME list — verify with Medicare, not a salesperson.

Call your Area Agency on Aging

Volunteer and nonprofit ramp programs exist in many regions and cost you nothing to ask about.