U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs · Automobile Allowance
Disabled Veterans may qualify for a one-time automobile allowance and adaptive equipment — paid by the VA directly to the dealer. We help East Texas Veterans sort out which programs fit and handle the dealer side of the paperwork.
FY 2026 Rate
Automobile Allowance
Veterans may receive up to
$27,074.99
toward a specially equipped vehicle
Rates adjust every October 1. Check VA’s current special benefit allowance rates before you plan a purchase.
Eligibility
The allowance is for Veterans with a service-connected disability (or one treated as service-connected under 38 U.S.C. 1151) that includes at least one of these. Meet any one and you can apply.
Ankylosis (an immobile joint) in one or both knees or hips qualifies you for the adaptive equipment grant only, not the vehicle allowance. You can apply before or after discharge, and length of service doesn’t matter.
How to apply
The one rule that catches people out: the VA must approve your claim before you buy. We walk through every step with you.
Your condition must be rated service connected first. If you haven’t filed yet, start with a disability compensation claim on VA.gov. Texas Veterans Commission counselors help with claims free of charge.
Apply online at VA.gov or mail VA Form 21-4502. If approved, the VA returns the authorized form to you. For adaptive equipment, take Form 10-1394 to your VA medical center’s prosthetics representative.
Bring the approved form to the dealer — no out-of-pocket reimbursement cycle. The seller sends the VA the claim form and an itemized invoice, and you take delivery. That paperwork is the part we handle every week.
What the benefits buy
These are the categories East Texas Veterans put their VA benefits toward most often. Every one of them is in our Tyler showroom.
The automobile allowance applies toward a specially equipped vehicle, with conversions covered as adaptive equipment.
Allowance + adaptive grant
VA pays the dealer directly
Bruno and Harmar lifts that carry your chair or scooter on your existing vehicle.
Adaptive equipment grant
Form 10-1394 · installed in Tyler
Drive with your hands — mechanical and electronic controls fitted to your vehicle.
Adaptive equipment grant
Fitting & training included
The BraunAbility Turny Evo rotates out of the vehicle and lowers to wheelchair height.
Adaptive equipment grant
Works with trucks & SUVs
Action Trackchairs take Veterans hunting, fishing, and off pavement again.
Ask your prosthetics rep
Provided case-by-case by VA programs
Power chairs, manual chairs, and scooters through VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids.
No cost when prescribed
We’re a VA-approved vendor
Beyond the vehicle
Most Veterans qualify for more than one program. We help you figure out which ones apply.
Specially Adapted Housing — build or modify a home to live independently.
$126,526
FY 2026 maximum · SHA variant up to $25,350
Home Improvements & Structural Alterations — ramps, doorways, bathroom access.
$6,800
lifetime, service-connected · $2,000 otherwise
Provided through VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids when a VA clinician prescribes them.
No cost when prescribed
We’re a VA-approved vendor
Annual payment when a prosthetic or orthopedic device damages your clothing.
$1,053.19
per year · rate effective Dec 1, 2025
Extra monthly pension for Veterans who need help with daily activities.
Added to monthly pension
Surviving spouses may qualify
Expanded eligibility for toxic exposure — burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune.
Denied before? File again
Eligibility widened substantially
Texas VA locations
The Tyler clinic is minutes from our showroom. Regional medical centers handle prosthetics and adaptive equipment authorizations.
Closest to us
428 Centennial Parkway
Tyler, TX 75703
1201 East 9th Street
Bonham, TX 75418
Common questions
Four main routes: the one-time automobile allowance toward a specially equipped vehicle; the adaptive equipment program for lifts, hand controls, transfer seats, and van conversions; wheelchairs and scooters at no cost when a VA clinician prescribes them; and HISA grants for home access work like ramps and bathroom modifications.
For FY 2026 the allowance is $27,074.99, paid once, directly to the dealer. The VA adjusts the rate every October 1 — check the current figure on VA.gov before you plan a purchase.
Yes. If you qualify (see the five conditions above), the allowance applies toward the van and the adaptive equipment program covers the conversion — ramp, lowered floor, securement. Apply and get approval before you buy; then the VA pays us directly and you take delivery.
Sometimes. Trackchairs go through VA Prosthetic & Sensory Aids case by case, with justification from your VA clinician. As a VA-approved vendor we can help you and your prosthetics representative put the request together.
No — and this is the rule that catches people out. The VA approves your claim first, then pays the dealer directly. Buying before approval usually means the VA won’t pay.
Get your disability rating on record, then file Form 21-4502 (vehicle) or take Form 10-1394 (adaptive equipment) to your VA medical center. The Texas Veterans Commission helps with claims free of charge — or call us at (903) 592-6760 and we’ll point you the right way.
Need a hand?
We help East Texas Veterans every week — figuring out which programs fit, coordinating the VA’s dealer paperwork, and installing the adaptive equipment the VA pays for. One call gets you a real person in Tyler.
Mon–Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Dollar figures are FY 2026 rates published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; the VA adjusts them each October and December. Informational only — not affiliated with the VA. For free accredited claims help, contact the Texas Veterans Commission.
