If you’re a Texas veteran with a service-connected disability that affects your mobility, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers two separate programs that can significantly reduce — or fully cover — the cost of a wheelchair-accessible van. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of how both programs work and what you need to do to apply.
The Two VA Programs That Cover Wheelchair Vans
1. Automobile Allowance (Chapter 39)
This is a one-time payment toward the purchase price of a new or used vehicle. The current rate (effective October 1, 2025) is $27,074.99. This isn’t a reimbursement — the VA pays the dealer directly.
Who qualifies: Veterans and active-duty servicemembers with a service-connected loss (or permanent loss of use) of one or both hands or feet, permanent impairment of vision in both eyes, or a severe burn injury affecting the hands, feet, or eyes.
Veterans with service-connected ankylosis (stiffness/immobility) of one or both knees or one or both hips may also qualify.
What it covers: Any vehicle — it doesn’t have to be a van. But for wheelchair users, an accessible van is almost always the vehicle of choice. The allowance is applied to the purchase price at closing.
2. Adaptive Equipment (SAH/SHA Supplement)
Separate from the automobile allowance, the VA also funds adaptive equipment — the modifications that make the vehicle accessible. The adaptive equipment allowance amount is adjusted annually — visit VA.gov special benefit allowance rates for the current figure. This grant is renewable each time you need to replace adaptive equipment on a new vehicle.
Adaptive equipment includes: hand controls, wheelchair lifts and ramps, tie-down systems, left-foot accelerators, steering knobs, and other modifications certified by a Rehabilitation Engineer.
How to Apply
- Get a VA disability rating with a qualifying condition (if you don’t have one already). Contact your regional VA office or call 1-800-827-1000.
- Submit VA Form 21-4502 (Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment). This can be submitted online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at your regional VA office.
- Get a prescription for adaptive equipment from a VA physician or physiatrist (physical medicine specialist).
- Work with a VA-approved mobility dealer. Access 2 Mobility is a certified NMEDA (National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association) dealer. We handle the VA paperwork and work directly with the VA to ensure the equipment is approved before installation.
Can VA Benefits Apply to a Used Wheelchair Van?
Yes. The automobile allowance applies to both new and used vehicles. The adaptive equipment benefit also applies to used vehicles. Many veterans find that combining the automobile allowance with a pre-owned accessible van gives them the best overall value.
What If My Allowance Doesn’t Cover the Full Price?
The $23,401 automobile allowance covers a substantial portion of a pre-owned accessible van (which might be priced between $45,000–$65,000) but rarely covers a new one. The difference can be financed through our Eastman Credit Union accessibility loan program, or supplemented by:
- Texas Medicaid waiver programs (for dually eligible veterans)
- Vocational Rehabilitation through the Texas Workforce Commission
- Non-profit grants — see our Texas mobility grant resource page
East Texas Veterans: We’re Here to Help
Our staff at Access 2 Mobility in Tyler, TX has worked with dozens of East Texas veterans to navigate the VA process. We can help you understand your benefits, select a vehicle that meets VA requirements, and complete the paperwork.
Call us at (903) 592-6760, or visit our VA benefits page for more information. Our showroom is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM.
