Automobile Mobility Modification Reimbursement Programs
Updated on: September 17th, 2020
Get as much as $1,200 back for your purchase!
Last updated July 2019. Terms and conditions of the programs below change frequently, so please refer to the program provider for the most accurate information.In the 1970’s and 1980’s, the United States had a small, niche market for handicap-accessible vehicles. Creative and determined disabled men like Alan Ruprecht, an adult polio survivor, and Ralph Braun, who had spinal muscular atrophy, pioneered two large mobility companies that continue to thrive today, Drive-Master and BraunAbility, because of the research and engineering work they did to improve the process of adapting vehicles for people with physical disabilities¹. They had success with minivans such as the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, and when the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act passed, many automobile industries started to take notice of the growing need for better solutions for disabled drivers and passengers.
Every year since, more and more big car and truck manufacturers have committed to doing their part to keep costs down for disabled drivers and passengers, and most have implemented reimbursement programs for eligible vehicles and users. Here is the latest up-to-date list of the large auto manufacturers and their current reimbursement programs for modifications to their vehicles, as well as federal and state programs that you might also qualify for.
Auto Manufacturers Reimbursement Programs
BMW
The BMW Mobility Program allows for a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,500 for expenses that come with adapting their vehicle to be disability-friendly. For more information, please contact BMW or visit the company’s website:
BMW Mobility Program
Chrysler (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT)
When the customer buys or leases any new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT, the Chrysler Group will provide up to a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on that vehicle, as well as a max of $400 for running boards and $200 for alert devices. For more information, visit the company’s website or contact the Chrysler Auto Mobility Program:
Chrysler Auto Mobility Program
Ford & Lincoln
Ford provides up to $1,000 of financial assistance for installing adaptive equipment into a new Ford or Lincoln. For more information, please visit their website or call:
Ford UpFits
General Motors (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC)
Through the General Motors Mobility Program, customers who have purchased or leased a Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana can receive up to a $1,200 reimbursement toward the cost of eligible adaptive equipment, and customers who have purchased or leased other qualifying Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC models can receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement. Customers with special transportation needs may also qualify for two years of OnStar Guidance Plan service on equipped vehicles. For more information, visit the company’s website or contact the GM Mobility Assistance Center:
General Motors Website
Honda
The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for installing qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle. A qualified professional must install adaptive technologies within six months of vehicle delivery to qualify for reimbursement. For more information, visit Honda’s Customer Mobility Assistance Program website:
Honda Mobility Program
Hyundai
The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for installing qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle. A qualified professional must install adaptive technologies within six months of vehicle delivery to qualify for reimbursement. For more information, visit Honda’s Customer Mobility Assistance Program website:
Hyundai Mobility Program
Infiniti
The Infiniti Mobility Assist program is designed to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities by providing a reimbursement of up to $1,000 towards the purchase of adaptive equipment on eligible purchased or leased vehicles.
Infiniti Mobility Assist Program Infiniti Mobility Assist Program Rules
Lexus
Lexus provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. Vehicles must be adapted within 12 months of purchase or lease date. Leased vehicles require advance written lessor approval of adaptive-equipment installations. For more information, please visit the company’s website or contact the Lexus Mobility Program:
Lexus Mobility Program Lexus Reimbursement Application Form
Subaru
The Subaru Mobility Assist Program provides reimbursement up to $1,000 on new Subaru vehicles in the United States so that qualifying owners that modify their vehicle to accommodate for physical disabilities. All Subaru models are eligible for the modifications, and modifications must be made within one year of purchase. For more information about the Subaru Mobility Assist Program, visit the company’s website or contact the company via phone:
Lexus Mobility Program Lexus Reimbursement Application Form
Toyota
Toyota will provide cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail vehicle, for the cost of purchasing and installing qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment for transporting persons with physical disabilities. Vehicles must be adapted within 12 months of delivery date and may only be applied towards new model vehicles. For more information about the Toyota Mobility Program, please visit their website or contact them by phone:
Toyota Mobility Assistance Program Toyota Mobility Form
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will provide up to $1,000 towards the purchase and installation of lift equipment, carriers, hand controls, pedal extensions or other assistance equipment on any eligible new Volkswagen model. A photocopy of a signed Purchase (Bill of Sale) or Lease Agreement for a new eligible Volkswagen model must accompany the claim form. For more information about the Volkswagen Driver Access Program, contact Volkswagen:
Volkswagen Driver Access Program Claim Form
Volvo
Mobility by Volvo provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance toward the cost of adding adaptive equipment to an eligible new model Volvo and up to $200 on alert hearing devices. Owners must mail their Volvo sales contract, paid adaptive equipment installation invoice, and medical prescription (if a clear definition of need does not exist) to Volvo for reimbursement. For more information, visit Mobility by Volvo‘s website:
Volkswagen Driver Access Program Claim FormFederal Programs
Medicaid
Medical equipment is approved on a case-by-case basis when a request for funding is presented through a prior approval process. After being placed on a Medicaid Waiver list, Medicaid may pay for adaptive equipment. For a full list of Medicaid Offices, please visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/
Medicare
In special cases, Medicare will cover the cost of adaptive vehicle equipment provided a qualified practitioner performs a specialty evaluation. More information can be obtained by calling toll free at 800-633-4227.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI eligibility and payment amounts for assistive vehicle components are based on income and other variables on a case-by-case basis. SSI offers a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program, which helps those with disabilities pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific employment goal, inclosing assistive vehicle technologies.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Often sales-tax exemptions and other out-of-pocket costs on assistive equipment can qualify for tax deductions as medical expenses. If an adaptation qualifies as a medical necessity, it can be deducted from federal taxes. For more information, contact a tax professional at 1-800-829-1040 and ask for IRS publications with extensions 3966, 907 and 502.
State Programs
- A vast number of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies are able to assist drivers with the costs associated with purchasing adaptive vehicle equipment, provided the vehicle is necessary in order for a person to get to and from work.
- State Assistive Technology Loan Programs can be used to provide assistance to a person paying for mobility modifications to their vehicle.
- Your state Center for Independent Living is often able to provide additional information on various mobility programs that may be offered in your state.
Veterans Programs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an Automobile Adaptive Equipment program to veterans with certain physical injuries. The program provides reimbursement for necessary equipment and vehicle conversions, and also trains veterans how to safely operate their vehicles.