VA Implements New Flexible Assistance for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

July 29 implementation gives VA medical centers additional tools to help veterans overcome barriers to housing

The Department of Veterans Affairs on July 29 implemented a new authority allowing VA medical centers to provide flexible assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness and veterans participating in HUD-VASH. The authority comes from Section 403 of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which Congress enacted in January 2025. It authorizes VA to provide assistance through Sept. 30, 2027.

Read the VA’s July 29 implementation notice:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/29/2026-15301/implementation-of-section-403-of-the-senator-elizabeth-dole-21st-century-veterans-healthcare-and

NCHV has advocated for these types of flexible assistance since the temporary authority under Section 4201 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act expired.

Addressing Barriers to Housing
Section 403 allows VA medical centers to provide assistance based on a veteran’s individual circumstances. Eligible assistance includes food, shelter, clothing, hygiene items, transportation and communications technology, including smartphones and service plans. The authority also covers rental and utility assistance, security and utility deposits, rental application fees, moving expenses, short-term storage, essential household items and hotel or motel stays. Rental and utility assistance generally may be provided for up to 10 months within a two-year period. VA clinicians may approve additional assistance when it is necessary to help a veteran remain housed or obtain housing. The assistance can help address costs and logistical problems that stand between a veteran and available housing. A security deposit, transportation to a housing appointment or a phone to communicate with a landlord can be critical to securing a home.

Building on Section 4201
Section 403 builds on flexible assistance VA provided under Section 4201 during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The two authorities are separate, but Section 403 provides VA with similar tools to address basic needs and barriers to housing. NCHV advocated for extending the Section 4201 authorities after they expired. In its 2025 legislative priorities, NCHV called for funding to “resume section 4201 assistance” and supported legislation to extend those flexibilities. VA used the earlier Section 4201 authority to provide assistance and transportation to tens of thousands of veterans. NCHV also told Congress that the flexibility allowed VA to respond to needs that could not always be addressed through existing programs. Section 403 gives VA statutory authority to provide similar assistance through September 2027.

Supporting Existing Programs
Section 403 does not replace programs such as Supportive Services for Veteran Families, HUD-VASH or Grant and Per Diem. It gives VA medical centers another tool to address immediate needs when assistance is necessary to help a veteran obtain or maintain housing. The law also requires VA to report to Congress on how the authority is used, including the number of veterans assisted and the types of assistance provided.

NCHV will work with Congress, VA and community providers to monitor implementation of Section 403 and support effective use of the authority. Flexible resources are one part of the broader federal response needed to help veterans obtain and maintain housing.