Common question

How long does it take to get the money?

It varies a lot. VA HISA is about 90 to 150 days on paper from a complete package, and often longer. Many county programs have wait lists. Do the free safety fixes now while you wait.

Checked facts on this

• Escambia County's home repair program is closed except sewer hookupsLocal office, checked Nov 12
• Santa Rosa County's home repair programs both have a waitlistLocal office, checked Nov 12
• Georgia's senior Medicaid waiver list has no home changes; the waiver that does is for ages 21 to 64Stack play, checked Nov 12
• Florida's new budget includes $165.7 million for SHIP (state housing repair) housing moneyMoney on the table, checked Nov 12

Programs to look at

• Free weatherization (insulation and efficiency fixes)A free federal program that insulates and seals the homes of lower-income households and fixes related…
• City or county home-repair programYour city or county uses federal housing money to fix up homes of lower-income owners.
• VA home-safety grant (HISA)A VA grant for ramps, wider doors, roll-in showers and similar changes.