You served your country, and were honorably discharged with a permanent disability. There are government and private grants available to help you rebuild your life for both the short and long-term. Eligibility depends on the type and severity of the disability.
Motor Vehicle Grants
You may be eligible for a one-time grant of up to $18,900 to buy a motor vehicle. A Department of Veterans Affairs grant can also pay for adaptive equipment, repairs or to replace a car. Eligibility is based on:
- Permanent loss of use of a foot or hand
- Permanent vision impairment in both eyes
- Serious burns that cause motion limitation in a limb necessary for motor vehicle operation.
Veterans suffering from hip or ankle immobility due to a service-related condition may be eligible for the adaptive equipment grant, but not the motor vehicle grant.
Housing Grants
The VA provides grants to permanently disabled veterans to buy or build an adapted home. It also offers grants for home modification to suit the individual's needs. Eligibility is limited to those with at least one disability from among:
- Loss of both arms or legs or their use
- Loss of one arm and one leg, or their use
- Blindness in both eyes and the loss of use of one leg
- One lower leg loss or loss of use and residual disease or injury
- Severe burns
You may qualify for the Specially Adapted Housing Grant if you can't use a foot or leg and the service-related injury took place or after September 11, 2001. The criteria for eligibility includes:
- Blindness in both eyes, with less than 20/200 vision
- Loss of or use of both hands
- Severe burns
- Certain disability-related respiratory issues.
Emergency Grants
Eligibility for emergency grants depends on the individual organization, but VA disability ratings are the primary criteria. These nonprofit organizations include:
- Rebuild Hope -- provides grants for basic living expenses.
- Disabled Veterans National Foundation -- provides emergency grants for utility bills and rent and mortgage payments.
- USA Cares -- gives grants for basic living expenses while the veteran is undergoing treatment.
