64.118: Veterans Housing: Direct Loans for Disabled Veterans


Objectives: To provide certain severely disabled veterans with direct housing credit in connection with grants for specially adaptive housing with special features or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of their disabilities.


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64.118 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility: Veterans who served on active duty on or after September 16, 1940, with permanent, total and compensable disabilities due to (1) loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, canes, crutches or a wheelchair, or (2) which includes (a) blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus (b) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or (3) loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, together with (a) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (b) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. It must be medically feasible for the veteran to reside in the proposed or existing housing unit, and in the locality; the housing unit must be so adapted as to be suitable to the veteran's needs for dwelling purposes; it must also be financially feasible for the veteran to acquire it with the assistance provided by the grant.

Beneficiary Eligibility: Permanently and totally disabled veterans.

Credentials/Documentation: None.

64.118 APPLICATION & AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure: The veteran should apply to the VA regional office or center having jurisdiction over the property location. No specific initial application form is prescribed. The VA office will respond with appropriate formal application blanks with instructions for further processing.

Award Procedure: The VA office coordinates loan disbursement with payout of the related specially adapted housing grant. Loan closing is conducted through a loan closing agent assigned by the VA office.

Deadlines: None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 20 to 60 days for disposition of initial formal application.

Appeals: Denial of eligibility is appealable through Board of Veterans' Appeals. In the event of a denial, claimants are advised of appeal rights and procedures at the time of notification.

Renewals: None.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals: Not applicable.

Examples of Funded Projects: Not applicable.

Range & Average of Financial Assistance: Up to $33,000; $33,000.

64.118 RELATED PROGRAMS:

64.118 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 1995, no direct loans were made to disabled veterans for purchase or construction of specially adapted housing. In fiscal year 1996, one loan totaling $33,000 is expected to be closed. In fiscal year 1997, it is estimated that one loan totaling $33,000 will be closed also.

64.118 FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency: VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Type of Assistance: Direct Loans.

Obligations: (Loans) FY 95 $0; FY 96 est $33,000; FY 97 est $33,000.

Budget Account Number: 36-4024-0-3-704; 36-4128-0-3-704.

Authorization: 38 U.S.C. 3711.

Regulations, Guidelines, & Literature: "Questions and Answers on Specially Adapted Housing for Veterans," VA Pamphlet 26-69-1, no charge; "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents," VA Pamphlet 80-96-1, $3.25, available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20202-9325; "Handbook For Design, Specially Adapted Housing," VA Pamphlet 26-13, available to eligible veterans only.

64.118 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office: See Veterans Benefits Administration field office listed in the Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Phone: (202) 273-7390.

64.118 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula & Matching Requirements: Not applicable.

Length & Time Phasing of Assistance: Loan proceeds may be disbursed in one lump sum when an existing suitable housing unit is involved or in phases in construction cases.

Uses & Use Restrictions: VA may make loans up to $33,000 to eligible applicants for any of the following purposes: (a) purchase or construction of a dwelling to be owned and occupied by the veteran as his or her home; (b) construction on land owned by the veteran of a farm residence to be occupied as his or her home; (c) repair, alteration or improvement of a farm residence or other dwelling owned by the veteran and occupied as his or her home. Restrictions are that: The cost and upkeep of the housing unit must bear a proper relation to the veteran's present and anticipated income and expenses. The housing unit must be suitable for the veteran's needs for dwelling purposes; the veteran's acquired interest in the property must meet standards generally acceptable to informed real estate market participants in the locality of the property.

64.118 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports: Not applicable.

Audits: Not applicable.

Records: Not applicable.


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