About the VA Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment Benefits
If you have a disability related to your military service that prevents you from driving a regular vehicle, you may be able to get disability compensation or benefits toward an accessible vehicle or driving equipment.
Can I get disability benefits from the VA? Will the VA pay for a handicap van or adaptive driving equipment?
You may be able to get disability benefits if you have a disability related to your service (also known as a ‘service-connected disability’) This includes at least one of the following conditions:
At least one of the following must be true for you to collect benefits:
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of 1 or both feet, or
- Loss, or permanent loss of use, of 1 or both hands, or
- Permanent decreased vision in both eyes: 20/200 vision or less in your better eye with glasses, or greater than 20/200 vision but with a visual field defect that has reduced your peripheral vision to 20 degrees or less in your better eye, or
- A severe burn injury, or
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or
- Ankylosis in 1 or both knees or hips (Note: This qualifies you for an adaptive-equipment grant only)
Who is covered for automobile allowance and adaptive equipment VA benefits?
- Veterans
- Service members
What kind of disability benefits can I get for driving aides?
- A one-time payment of not more than $21,488.29 (current as of 2020) to help you buy a specially equipped vehicle (no more than 2 vehicles in a 4 year period)
- In some situations, one or more adaptive-equipment grants to change a vehicle so it has features like power steering, brakes, seats, windows, or lift equipment to help you get into and out of the vehicle
View current rates for special allowances
As a Veteran, how do I get VA benefits for a vehicle?
You will start by filing a claim for your disability compensation and getting Veterans Administration approval before buying your vehicle or adaptive equipment. You can apply for, and use either grant before or after military discharge.
Find out how to file a claim for disability compensation
When you file your claim, you’ll need to show that your disability is service connected or treated as if service connected under 38 U.S.C. 1151.
Learn more about 38 U.S.C. 1151
View the current payment rates
For the one-time payment to help you buy a specially equipped vehicle:
- You will need to fill out an Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (VA Form 21-4502).
Download VA Form 21-4502 (PDF) - The VA will pay the vehicle’s seller directly.
For the adaptive-equipment grant:
- If you qualify for adaptive equipment only, you will need to fill out an Application for Adaptive Equipment—Motor Vehicle (VA Form 10-1394).
Download VA Form 10-1394 (PDF) - The VA may pay you directly, or they may pay the equipment seller directly, depending on the circumstance.
Already have your funding approved and ready to get an accessible vehicle?
Vehicle Grants for Disabled Veterans
America's Fund
America's Fund supports the most catastrophically injured and critically ill service members from all branches of the military, and has expanded its support to include adaptive vehicles.
Ask Vets First
VetsFirst has 60 years of experience assisting veterans. An online application is all that is necessary to request assistance from a counselor. VetsFirst Knowledge Books contain the answers to many common questions regarding VA benefits, claim filing, and more.
Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes provides assistance to help veterans get back on track. They ask that you email them about your situation, and they will let you know how they can help you.
Disabled American Veterans, DAV
The DAV offers support for veterans and their families by scheduling rides to medical appointments, helping file claims, connecting vets to meaningful employment, and providing access to various other resources.
Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH)
Helps veterans pay for mobility equipment and modifications and works with the veterans to make sure each vehicle is a good fit for each individual.
Visit HOMH Website | laurie.hollander@helpourmilitaryheroes.org
Mesothelioma Guide
The Mesothelioma Guide is a free resource available to Veterans. This website features a section that offers resources and support for patients as well as families.
Mesothelioma Veterans Center
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center offers free support to Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma.
National Association of American Veterans™
Assists service members and disabled veterans and their dependents in accessing their benefits, and overall to improve their communication with the VA, health agencies, medical professionals, and the public. Resources include emergency assistance, job openings, giveaways, homeless veteran reintegration, scholarship information, and others.
Operation Family Fund
Operation Family Fund provides grants for transportation and vehicle repair, as well as assistance with the purchase, rent or lease of a vehicle.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The majority who receive help are the lowest-paid service members, the E-1 through E-6 enlisted ranks.
Semper Fi Fund
Funding provided by the VA is applied towards the vehicle, and depending on the service member's need, the Semper Fi Fund will pay a portion of the remaining balance. This gift will significantly reduce and possibly eliminate the financial burden.
U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA offers up to $21,488.29 (current as of 2020) towards purchasing a vehicle, including mobility vehicles.
Veterans Benefits Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans. The VA operates hundreds of medical facilities and more than 125 national cemeteries. Nearly 63 million of our nation's population are eligible for VA benefits and services.
Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW
Member benefits for the VFW include discounted pricing on valuable merchandise and services across the country. The VFW strives to do good things for our deserving veterans, families, and communities. If eligible, members gain access to financial aid, scholarships, separation and education benefits, and help with filing their claims.
Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project helps connect individuals with a WWP benefits liaison, identify financial assistance options, and find resources to aid in accessibility modifications.