Purchasing a handicap accessible van with assistance, grants and subsidies
Purchasing a mobility equipped vehicle can be expensive. Buying a brand new handicap accessible van can cost anywhere from $50-$60,000. These specialty cars are manufactured with extreme care and life improving technology; the time and cost to build each van can be very extensive.
Mobility vehicles and handicap vans can offer so much ease and freedom in the everyday lives of millions of Americans living with disabilities. To those living with these disabilities and their loved ones, it’s an expense that can be worth every penny. Many people who fall under the disabled criteria have been unable to work. Affording a mobility vehicle can seem extremely daunting, especially for those without a hefty insurance claim settlement. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get assistance with the purchasing of these vehicles or modification costs.
Full Size Wheelchair Vans
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Below are a few different programs to look into when considering purchasing a mobility vehicle. Although it is very rare that an agency can completely pay for a handicap van, with proper research and persistence, these organizations may be able to offer the assistance you need.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Auto Assistance
One-time grants can be up to $20,114.34 from the Veterans Affairs Auto Assistance Program. If you are or formerly were a member of the United States Armed Forces and have been disabled in a military-service related incident, you may qualify. The VA, on a case-by-case basis, can pay for the adaptive equipment as well as the repair, installation or replacement of such equipment that is required for service members with disabilities. They can also help with the repair costs of vehicles or equipment they have previously helped injured service members purchase. Contact the VA regional office or VA medical center to find out if you qualify. If you do qualify, you can start the application process through the VA assistance program. Visit va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.
General Charitable Grants
General Charitable Grants from the Midwest Special Needs Trust Funds are not specifically government grants but can provide funds for assistive services that are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare or other types of medical insurance. Rehabilitation services, equipment, disability goods and other devices that are needed to better the lives of those living with a handicap can also be provided.
Applications are accepted quarterly (March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31st). The maximum a grant can be is up to $1,000 over a 12-month period. It may not seem like much but can possibly be one part of several grants that can add up to help with expenses. Eligible applicants are people with mental or physical disabilities that affect major areas of their lives. Check out their website to see if you or your loved one can benefit from the trust.
Alternative Financing Programs
Another option to consider is low interest loans through Alternative Financing Programs. These programs are state and nationwide loan assistance programs that offer low interest rates to those suffering, family members or those advocating for people with disabilities. This program was created in 2000 and operates in 33 U.S. states and territories.
Special Kids Fund
The Special Kids Fund organization helps provide handicap vans and other types of assistance to families with disabilities. If a family can demonstrate they do not have the resources to purchase a vehicle on their own and have insurance, a clean driving record and the ability to register the vehicle, they may qualify. Visit specialkidsfund.org to review the application process.
Brighter Tomorrow Grant
The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is a program offered by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF), which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with MS, up to a maximum of $1,000 per recipient, who have demonstrated a need for specific goods or services that will improve their quality of life and help them better manage their condition.
Examples of items that may be covered by the Brighter Tomorrow Grant include mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs or scooters, home modifications for accessibility, assistive technology, and medical devices.
Applicants for the Brighter Tomorrow Grant must submit a completed application, along with documentation of their MS diagnosis and financial need. The grant is awarded based on the individual’s specific needs and available funding. Visit their website to apply, or call 1-800-225-6495 for more information.
Ford Mobility Motoring Program
Ford helps veterans get accessible vehicles through their Ford Mobility Motoring program. The program offers financial assistance to eligible veterans who require adaptive equipment in their vehicles due to a service-related disability.
To be eligible for the program, veterans must first purchase or lease a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle. They can then apply for reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the cost of installing eligible adaptive equipment. The program also provides a free consultation with a Ford Mobility Motoring representative who can help veterans identify the adaptive equipment they need and connect them with qualified installation providers.
Ford also works with several organizations that support veterans with disabilities, including Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Through these partnerships, Ford has provided vehicles and financial support to help veterans participate in adaptive sports programs and other activities. For more information on these programs, visit their website.
Ford Accessibility Reimbursement Program
Ford’s Accessibility Reimbursement Program provides financial assistance to customers with disabilities for the installation of adaptive equipment in their Ford or Lincoln vehicles. The program is designed to help customers offset the cost of installing equipment such as wheelchair lifts, hand controls and other adaptive equipment necessary for the safe and comfortable operation of a vehicle.
To qualify for the program, customers must purchase or lease a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle and submit a claim for reimbursement of up to $1,000 for the cost of installing eligible adaptive equipment. Customers must also provide documentation from a licensed medical professional confirming their disability and the need for the adaptive equipment.
The program is available to customers in the United States and is administered by the Ford Mobility Motoring program, which is dedicated to helping people with disabilities enjoy the freedom and independence of vehicle ownership. Find more information and apply on their website, or call 1-800-952-2248 for assistance.
Help Hope Live
Help Hope Live is a nonprofit charity that provides fundraising support to individuals and families facing a medical crisis, including those in need of mobility assistance financing. The organization helps individuals raise funds to cover the costs of medical care, including mobility equipment, through their online fundraising platform and support services.
To receive mobility assistance financing from Help Hope Live, individuals must first create a fundraising campaign on the organization’s website. Help Hope Live provides guidance and resources to help individuals create an effective campaign, including personalized coaching, customizable fundraising pages, and social media and email outreach tools.
Once a fundraising campaign is launched, individuals can share it with their network of friends, family, and supporters to help raise funds for their mobility equipment needs. Help Hope Live collects and manages all donations and disburses the funds to the vendor or provider of the equipment directly, ensuring that all donations are used for their intended purpose.
For more information, visit their website or call 1-800-642-8399.
Grants.gov
Grants.gov provides a centralized database of over 1,000 grant programs from federal grant-making agencies. The platform allows users to search for grants by keyword, agency or funding opportunity number.
Once users find a grant program they’re interested in, they can download the application package, which includes instructions and all required forms. Applicants can complete and submit their application electronically through the Grants.gov website.
To learn more, visit their website or call 1-800-518-4726 for assistance.
Spinal Cord Opportunities for Rehabilitation Endowment
The Spinal Cord Opportunities for Rehabilitation Endowment (SCORE) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1985 to support individuals with spinal cord injuries in the U.S. SCORE provides funding for a variety of services and programs, including rehabilitation, education, vocational training, home modifications and mobility equipment.
Grants can be used to purchase or lease vehicles, wheelchairs and handicap vans. The funding ranges from $1,000 to $7,500. Visit their website to apply, or call 1-323-655-8298 for assistance.
RESNA Catalyst Project
The RESNA Catalyst Project is a network of state-based assistive technology (AT) programs in the U.S. funded by the federal government that provides a list of loans and financial help by state. The goal of the RESNA Catalyst Project is to help individuals with disabilities access the AT devices and services they need to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
The project provides a range of services, including AT assessments, equipment loans, equipment demonstrations, and training on the use of AT devices.
National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility
The National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility (NOVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving transportation options for people with disabilities. NOVA works to ensure that handicap vehicles are available and affordable for individuals with disabilities, and it also provides resources and grants for vehicle modification technicians and mobility dealers.
The foundation contributes up to 25% of the price of mobility transportation equipment, up to a maximum of $5,000. For an application, visit their website or email them at [email protected].