VA Disability Compensation

Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment

A one-time payment of up to $27,908.90 toward a vehicle, plus adaptive equipment such as hand controls and lifts, for service-connected loss of a hand or foot, severe vision loss, severe burns, or ALS.

Also called: auto allowance, automobile grant, adaptive equipment, VA Form 21-4502, specially adapted vehicle.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

Under 38 U.S.C. chapter 39, VA pays a one-time automobile allowance and an ongoing adaptive equipment benefit to a veteran or service member with a service-connected loss, or permanent loss of use, of one or both hands or feet, permanent impairment of vision in both eyes, a severe burn injury, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ankylosis of one or both knees or hips qualifies for adaptive equipment only. The automobile allowance effective October 1, 2026, is up to $27,908.90, paid to the seller. VA's page also describes a further allowance when a vehicle bought with the first one is destroyed in a natural disaster; read its conditions there. Adaptive equipment, such as power steering, hand controls, lifts and wheelchair docking, is a separate benefit and can be paid more than once. Apply for the allowance on VA Form 21-4502 and for equipment on VA Form 10-1394.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment
Gate	Rule
Qualifying loss	A service-connected loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent bilateral vision impairment, a severe burn, or ALS. A combined percentage alone does not qualify.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment (VA Form 21-4502)
For the automobile allowance.
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Automobile allowance and adaptive equipment read 2026-10-10
Needed Application for Adaptive Equipment, Motor Vehicle (VA Form 10-1394)
For an adaptive-equipment grant.
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Automobile allowance and adaptive equipment read 2026-10-10
Needed The seller’s itemized invoice
Where to get it The seller sends it to VA with the form you sign when you take the vehicle or equipment.
Listed by VA, Automobile allowance and adaptive equipment read 2026-10-10

Figures

Each figure is dated with the day it was read. A local figure moves whenever the statute or the local ordinance does, so confirm it with the office that grants it before you rely on it. Statute verified gives the day the weekly section check last found the statute standing on the legislature’s own code site; a figure without it rests on a statute the check does not read yet.

Dated figures for Automobile Allowance and Adaptive Equipment
Figure	Amount	Read from
Automobile allowance, effective October 1, 2026	up to $27,908.9038 U.S.C. 3902	Special benefit allowance ratesRead 2026-10-08

Sources

Automobile allowance and adaptive equipmentOfficial
Special benefit allowance ratesOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.