Purchasing a wheelchair van or having your own vehicle modified for your disabilities is costly. To help our veterans and service members with disabilities, the Veterans Administration offers financial assistance to purchase a new or used vehicle and/or have a vehicle adapted.
To purchase a vehicle
A grant (up to $11,000) is available for those with certain disabilities that resulted from an injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. These do not need to be repaid. In October of 2011, the grant will be increased to $18,000.
A veteran or service member must have one of the following disabilities to qualify:
- loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both feet
- loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands, or
- permanent impairment of vision in both eyes to a certain degree
You may only receive the vehicle grant once in your lifetime.
To have a vehicle adapted
The VA will also pay to have a vehicle adapted. Those qualified for the automobile grant, plus veterans or service members with ankylosis (immobility of the joint) of one or both knees or hips resulting from an injury or disease incurred or aggravated by active military service, may also qualify for the adaptive equipment grant.
Adaptive equipment includes, but is not limited to, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and special equipment necessary to assist the eligible person into and out of the vehicle. Contact your local VA medical center’s Prosthetic Dept. prior to purchasing any equipment.
This grant may be paid more than once.