by Disability Linkage Line
Staff
Q: How do I get funding to
buy a modified van or to pay for modifications to a van?
If you have not already done so, contact a driving evaluator (usually
provided through a rehabilitation center). They will provide a comprehensive
evaluation and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.
Once you know what you need, you will be able to determine how much
it will cost.
Funding strategies differ based on income, whether you are on any
public assistance or are a vet, and even disability type.
A few highlighted strategies
General Resources
A good place to start looking for
funding sources is the Minnesota STAR Program Directory of Funding
Resources. An electronic version is available at www.starprogram.state.mn
.us/. To request a copy of the directory in
print or alternate format, call 1-888-234-1267. Also keep in mind
that modifications made to vehicles for disability-related purposes
are often tax-deductible, so consult with a tax consultant on any
out-of-pocket expense. If you have private insurance, first check
with your provider. However, most do not cover vehicle modifications.
Government Resources
• Medical Assistance
Waivers: Some waivers will cover the cost of modifications to your
vehicle, but not the purchase of the vehicle. You need to qualify
for Medical Assistance services and be on a waiver to access these
funds. Contact your local county human services department to find
out if you qualify.
• Minnesota Vocational
Rehabilitation Services: If you need the vehicle for a job, and you
have been found eligible for VR services, you might be able to receive
some funds. To be eligible for VR services, you must be a person
with a disability and require VR services to prepare for, secure,
retain, or regain employment. FFI: 1-800-328-9095.
• Social
Security Administration: If you are on Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) benefits, there are some work incentives like the Plan to Achieve
Self-Support (PASS) and the Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
that might make it easier for you to purchase a vehicle necessary
for work. FFI: 1-800-551-9796.
• Department of Veterans
Affairs: If you are a veteran with a disability, there may be benefits
you can access through the Department of Veterans Affairs. FFI: 1-800-LinkVet.
• Workers
Compensation Insurance: If you need a modified vehicle due to a work
injury and are covered under workers compensation insurance, workers
comp might cover the expenses. FFI: 1-800-342-5354.
Disability and Service Organizations
Contact
an organization that specializes in your disability type (the MS
Society, for example); many of these organizations have grant programs
that might help pay for modifications geared towards your unique
set of needs. Another possibility is working with a local service
organization such the Lions, Elks, Kiwanis, or Rotary Club to see
if they would help raise funds to purchase or modify a vehicle.
Loans and Rebates
The American
Association of People with Disabilities/Digital Federal Credit
Union (DCU) can help connect you to loans for accessible vehicle
purchases. FFI: 800-328-8797.
Many vehicle manufacturers offer rebate or reimbursement plans up
to $1000 for vehicle modifications paid for out-of-pocket. If you
are buying a new vehicle, talk to your dealer to see if they offer
such a program.
To save money, consider buying
a used vehicle that might meet your needs. Watch disability-related
Web sites or message boards for used-vehicle postings, or post your
own message to see if anyone has a vehicle that meets your needs.
One option is to visit the Web site for the magazine New Mobility.
They have a classified section and a message board; you can sign
in for free at www.newmobility.com. Other valuable Web sites to locate
new and used vehicles: www.twincitymobility.com, www.rollxvans.com,
www.disableddealer.com,
www.mobilityforindependence.org ![]()
The Disability Linkage
Line (DLL), 1-866-333-2466, provides free, disability-related information
and assistance for Minnesotans (Monday through Friday from 8:30
a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). DLL does not endorse any particular Web
site or provider. They assume no responsibility for transactions
between the readers of this article and listed organizations.
