If you have a spinal cord injury, you probably require accessible transportation. But wheelchair vans and adapted vehicles are expensive, and adaptations alone can cost thousands. Where can we find funding options that may assist with financing or lowering the cost of purchasing or modifying an accessible vehicle?
Alternative Finance Programs (AFPs) provide referrals for grants, connecting people with local resources that can help them afford accessible vehicles. Need a loan to purchase an accessible vehicle, make a vehicle accessible, or repair an accessible vehicle? These programs can offer a loan with very low or no interest. There is no income requirement but ability to repay a loan and outstanding credit is taken into consideration. Contact your state’s Assistive Technology Act Program.
Reach out to your closest United Spinal Association to ask if funding is available to help pay for an accessible vehicle.
Government Programs
Medicaid Home and Community Based Waivers sometimes pay for accessible vehicles. If you are on SSI, and going back to work through the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) provision, this may include the cost of a vehicle and the modifications that are needed to meet an employment goal.
An accessible vehicle can also be considered an Impairment Related Work Expense when receipts are submitted to the social security administration for payments made for modification of a vehicle that is needed for employment. Most funding programs do not reimburse individuals for vehicles that have already been purchased. You must first apply, receive preapproval, and then choose a vehicle that meets the funder’s guidelines for approval.
Vocational Rehabilitation may pay for behind-the-wheel driving classes, driver evaluation and the modification of a vehicle to get to an education program and/or employment.
The Veteran’s Administration may help to pay for the purchase of an accessible vehicle for those who have a service-related disability.
Rebates
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association rebate programs may reimburse up to $1,500 of the purchase price of a new or leased accessible vehicle.
Ask the dealer if the vehicle manufacturer offers a rebate for accessibility of a new vehicle.
Some states may offer reimbursement of costs for an accessible vehicle to meet the needs of a child who is under 22 years old. In Massachusetts, New Jersey or New Hampshire? Ask about the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF).
Fundraising and Saving
Open a lifelong fundraising campaign with Help Hope Live, a nonprofit that specializes in crowdfunding for disability needs without ever impacting benefits.
If you sustained an SCI before age 46, open an ABLE account to save and invest without impacting benefits. The savings may be used to cover transportation costs.
Tips for Buying Your Vehicle
Determine the specific accommodation needed. Do you need a lift or ramp? Will you be driving? Common accessibility features include hand controls, rear or side-entry ramps, wheelchair and tie-downs. Driver assessment and training may be provided by a local Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist.
Because modifying a vehicle can be more affordable than buying one that’s already accessible, you may be able to modify your own, or buy one that can be modified. Consider this list of vehicles which can be modified and compare performance, reliability and cost.
Your Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist can help you to explore other cars and trucks that may be possible for accessibility features. A consultant from a qualified mobility dealer can also help you consider options.
Look up the value of the vehicle. You may need to negotiate the purchasing price or repayment plan. Trading in a vehicle at the dealer where a new car will be purchased may save sales tax.
The cost or value of a vehicle modification for accessibility is not taxable.
Purchase auto insurance that covers the value of the vehicle AND accessibility features.
Reach out to our firm to learn more about your options for affording accessible transportation.
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