Senators Crapo and Reed Fighting for Nation’s Wounded Heroes with the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act

WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act.  This bipartisan, bicameral bill would exempt payments to veterans for a service-connected disability from being included as income when applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing.

“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 funding to states and local governments to assist low- and moderate-income people with housing and other community resources.  Individuals and families who earn less than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI) and moderate-income families or people earning 50 to 80 percent AMI can qualify for assistance.

The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress in one year on how individuals with service-connected disabilities are treated in determining their eligibility for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs and provide recommendations for how the department could improve its service to veterans and other underserved communities.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act on February 10, 2025, where it was led by Representatives Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) and Brad Sherman (D-California).

The full text of the bill is available here.