WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to better serve military members who selflessly served our nation and address the unique housing challenges veterans face, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Jack Reed (D-RI) are teaming up to advance the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act (S.1714).  This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help cut red tape and better ensure veterans can receive the housing support they need.  Specifically, the bill exempts payments to veterans for a service-connected disability from being included as income when applying for housing that uses Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

“Veterans disabled in combat have laid their lives on the line in defense of this nation,” Senator Crapo said.  “The benefits they earned for injuries sustained fighting for liberty should not be used to deny them housing assistance they would otherwise qualify for following their service.  This act would help more disabled veterans receive the housing and dignity they deserve for their sacrifices for the United States.”

“Our disabled veterans deserve a safe place to call home,” Senator Reed said.  “This bill will help open up more affordable housing opportunities by ensuring that disabled veterans’ earned benefits do not impact their eligibility to find housing.”

This common-sense solution would ensure America’s disabled veterans can participate in federal housing programs they would otherwise qualify for were they not receiving disability payments.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides CDBG funding to states and local governments to assist low- and moderate-income people with housing and other community resources.  Generally, states and municipalities must use CDBG dollars to help individuals and families who earn less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress in one year on how individuals with service-connected disabilities are treated in determining their eligibility for HUD programs and provide recommendations for how the department could improve its service to veterans and other underserved communities.

Companion legislation  was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA).  The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act on February 10, 2025.  The full U.S. Senate must now act before the bill can be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.