Hello to all our brave veterans,
Today, we’re focusing on some of the significant benefits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. More specifically, we’ll look at vehicle benefits–essential for many to maintain independence, work, and generally navigate daily life.
The goal here is to accommodate the specific needs of the disabled veteran, making it easier for them to operate their vehicle. Modifications might include adaptive steering, brakes, seats, and other specialized equipment to help eligible veterans enter, exit, and operate their vehicles safely and independently.
One of the standout benefits that the VA provides for eligible veterans is the Auto-Grant Vehicle Purchase Assistance Program. If you’re a 100% service-connected disabled veteran with specific service-connected disabilities, you could receive the Auto Grant for purchasing an automobile or other form of transportation.
As of 10/01/2024, this assistance amount is $26,417.20. This sum is annually adjusted in October to reflect the cost of living. Therefore, the current amount might differ depending on how recently it has been updated.
The auto-grant from the VA can be used once every 30 years toward the purchase of an eligible vehicle designed to aid their mobility. Most veterans use the auto-grant to purchase a minivan to outfit it with a wheelchair-accessible conversion. However, the conversion is not part of the one-time auto-grant; that benefit would be covered for qualified veterans under the Adaptive Equipment Grant Benefit outlined below.
Here is where it can get interesting. The Adaptive Equipment Grant Benefit can be used every four years. It used to be every two years, but the VA recently changed this policy. Because of this, in many cases, a veteran who combines both the auto-grant and the adaptive equipment grant toward the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can usually trade their vehicle every four years going forward for a new model with little to no money out of pocket.
If you want to learn more about this or to see if you qualify, please contact one of our certified mobility consultants for complete details.
As stated above, the one-time auto grant is only used to purchase a vehicle chassis. To buy and install any adaptive equipment needed, the VA provides an Adaptive Equipment Grant. This grant provides financial assistance toward installing adaptive equipment or modifying a vehicle for accessibility.
Unlike the Automobile Grant, the Adaptive Equipment Grant is available for veterans to use every four years. At Superior Van & Mobility, we have veterans who have used both grants in tandem toward purchasing a wheelchair-accessible van. As stated above, most veterans can trade for a new accessible vehicle every four years at little to no additional cost.
Now, you might be wondering if you qualify for these benefits. As of 2022, the VA stipulates that to be eligible for the Auto-Grant and Adaptive Equipment Grant, the veteran must have a 100% service-connected disability AND have one of the following:
However, as with all things bureaucratic, policies can and do change. Therefore, to determine your eligibility and get the most current information from the VA, please visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website or contact the Prosthetics Department of the VA directly or one of our mobility consultants.
But Wait, There’s More! Your state may offer additional benefits for disabled veterans, like reduced registration fees, free parking, or exemption from emission testing. It’s worth your time to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Veterans Affairs office for state-specific benefits.
For veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, the VA offers valuable resources to enhance their mobility and independence. From the one-time Auto-Grant for vehicle purchases to the recurring Adaptive Equipment Grant for customizing your vehicle every four years, these benefits are designed to help you maintain freedom and control in your daily life. Additionally, don’t forget to explore potential state-specific benefits that could provide further assistance.
We encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities. Our certified mobility consultants are here to guide you through the process and ensure you access all the support you’re entitled to. Reach out to us today, and together, we’ll help you “Regain Your Independence.”
Richard Maxwell, is a seasoned automotive marketing executive with over two decades of experience. Starting in 1999 with his advertising agency, Maxx Design & Marketing, he has consistently delivered innovative marketing solutions. After earning his MBA, Richard shifted focus to adaptive technology, serving as Marketing Manager for Superior Van & Mobility. Today, he leverages his expertise to promote and educate others about adaptive equipment in transportation and drive change in accessible mobility.
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