Funding help for home modifications in San Diego
Who Pays for Home Modifications? Medicare, VA Grants, Medi-Cal: what should San Diego readers know?
Medicare
Original Medicare generally does not pay for home modifications like grab bars, ramps, or shower conversions. It may cover some durable medical equipment with a doctor's order. Check Medicare.gov coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits — ask your plan.
Veterans (VA)
- HISA: up to $6,800 lifetime for service-connected veterans, $2,000 for non-service-connected, for medically necessary changes like ramps and roll-in showers — apply through your VA medical center (VA).
- SAH grant: up to $126,526 in FY 2026 for qualifying service-connected disabilities (VA.gov; Federal Register). A smaller SHA grant also exists.
Medi-Cal
Some Medi-Cal members may get home accessibility changes through CalAIM Community Supports ("environmental accessibility adaptations"), via their managed care plan. See DHCS CalAIM and ask the plan.
Local help
San Diego County Aging & Independence Services can point to local programs (call 800-339-4661 — confirm on their site).
ADUs for a parent
Permits and rules: City of San Diego Development Services (ADU info) and County Planning & Development Services for unincorporated areas. Other cities have their own departments.
Programs change. Confirm eligibility and amounts with the agency before you sign any contract.