“Vietnam Veterans of America commends Congress on the final passage by the Senate of the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act on Jan. 6, 2026,” said Tom Burke, VVA National President. “VVA’s long support of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to addressing the significant issue of veteran homelessness. It is our duty to ensure that no veteran is left behind, and the passage of this act is a crucial step toward fulfilling that promise.”
The act, introduced by Representatives Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) and Brad Sherman (D-California) and Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), exempts veteran disability benefits from being included as income when determining eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing.
The bill was signed by President Trump on Jan. 20.
Previously, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) income guidelines include disability compensation received by veterans as part of the calculation to determine eligibility for federal housing assistance funded through the CDBG program. This practice has disproportionately impacted those who rely on disability benefits as their primary source of income, often making it more difficult for them to access affordable housing and further contributing to veteran homelessness.
"Too many homeless and disabled veterans are forced to face barriers that have nothing to do with need and everything to do with bureaucracy. We sincerely appreciate Senators Crapo and Reed and Representatives De La Cruz and Sherman for advancing this important legislation. Removing red tape and supporting a veteran's opportunity for stable housing is a meaningful step toward ensuring every veteran has a place to call home," said Bill Paton, chair, VVA Homeless Veterans Committee.
“We are proud to see the hard work of our many members who participated in an ongoing and ultimately highly effective grassroots campaign come to a successful conclusion with this bill’s passage,” said VVA President Burke. “The sacrifices that disabled and wounded veterans have made in service to our nation should never be a stumbling block to their ability to find a safe and affordable place to call home. Rather, the nation has a duty to keep its promise to veterans and provide them with the benefits and support they earned.”