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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 11/01/2023, this assistance amount is $25,603.02. This sum is annually adjusted in October to adjust with the cost of living. Therefore, the current amount might differ depending on how recently this amount 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 toward the purchase of a minivan with the intention of having it outfitted 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 two years. 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 two years going forward for a new model with little to no money out of pocket. If you would like 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 two 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 two 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 for 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.
In conclusion, if you’re a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability, know you’re not alone. The VA provides these and many other benefits to assist you in your everyday life, recognizing your sacrifices for our country. So, leverage these resources and support to help navigate life post-service a little easier.
If you have any questions, want to learn more, or speak to one of our certified mobility consultants, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is available to help you navigate the approval process and 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.
