Mobility Vehicle Financing & Assistance

Dealer Financing

Apple Ford Mobility Center offers traditional auto financing through multiple lenders, including Ford Motor Credit and third-party financial institutions. Qualified buyers can finance both new and pre-owned mobility vehicles with terms typically ranging from 48 to 84 months. Our finance team works to secure competitive rates regardless of credit history, and we can often structure loans to accommodate other funding sources (such as VA grants) as a down payment component.

Monthly payment estimates are displayed on each vehicle's detail page. These are illustrative estimates based on the vehicle price, a representative interest rate, and a 72-month term — your actual rate and payment will depend on your credit profile and financing terms.

VA Automobile Adaptive Equipment Grant

The VA Automobile Adaptive Equipment (AAE) grant is one of the most significant funding resources available to eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities. Administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this program provides a one-time grant to help purchase a specially adapted automobile and/or adaptive equipment.

As of the most recent program update, the grant amount is up to $21,488 toward the purchase of a vehicle (the amount is periodically adjusted). Separately, the VA also provides funding for adaptive equipment (hand controls, wheelchair lifts, etc.) up to approximately $1,000, though this amount is also subject to periodic adjustment.

To qualify for the automobile grant, a veteran must have a service-connected disability that includes loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet or hands, permanent impaired vision in both eyes, or a severe burn injury. Veterans who qualify for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) are also eligible. Apply through your regional VA medical center or at va.gov.

Apple Ford Mobility Center works directly with the VA to process these grants. Our team has experience handling VA paperwork and can coordinate with VA payment offices to apply the grant benefit toward your vehicle purchase.

Maryland Medicaid Waiver Programs

Maryland's Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs may cover vehicle modifications and related transportation supports for eligible individuals with disabilities. The primary waivers that may include vehicle-related benefits are:

• Community Pathways Waiver: Serves individuals with intellectual disabilities and related conditions living in the community. May include funding for vehicle modifications as part of a broader support plan.
• Community Supports Waiver: Provides a more limited set of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities who do not need residential supports. Vehicle modifications may be covered if included in the participant's Person-Centered Plan.
• Community Living Policy Waiver: Serves individuals with physical disabilities who need a nursing facility level of care. This waiver may fund vehicle adaptations as part of an independent living plan.

Medicaid waiver benefits are administered through Maryland's Department of Health (MDH). Eligibility and covered services vary by waiver and individual circumstance. Contact your support coordinator or case manager to explore whether vehicle modifications can be included in your service plan.

Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Related Programs

While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) does not directly fund vehicle purchases, SSDI recipients may benefit from related programs. The Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program, administered by the Social Security Administration, allows SSDI and SSI recipients to set aside income or resources to reach a work goal — and transportation expenses, including vehicle modifications, can qualify as PASS expenditures.

Additionally, the Ticket to Work program and various state vocational rehabilitation agencies (in Maryland, the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services — DORS) may fund vehicle modifications if they are necessary for employment. Contact DORS at 410-554-9442 or visit dors.maryland.gov to learn more.

Nonprofit and Charitable Funding Organizations

Several nonprofit organizations provide grants or low-interest loans for wheelchair vehicles and adaptive equipment:

• BraunAbility Mobility Assistance Program: Provides financial assistance to individuals purchasing BraunAbility-equipped vehicles from authorized dealers, including Apple Ford Mobility Center.
• Vantage Mobility International (VMI) Financing Programs: Offers special financing and assistance programs through authorized dealers for qualifying VMI vehicle purchases.
• United Spinal Association: Provides grants and assistance resources to individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Visit unitedspinal.org for current programs.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust: Offers grants to veterans with service-connected disabilities for transportation and mobility needs.
• Challenged Athletes Foundation: Provides mobility and equipment funding for individuals with physical disabilities, with a focus on active lifestyles.

Insurance Considerations

Standard auto insurance policies typically cover mobility vehicles the same way they cover any passenger vehicle. However, there are important considerations specific to adapted vehicles:

• Agreed value coverage: Standard insurance typically pays the depreciated book value of a vehicle in the event of a total loss. For mobility vehicles, which retain value better than standard vehicles due to the conversion cost, requesting "agreed value" or "stated value" coverage ensures the conversion equipment is properly covered.
• Conversion component coverage: Confirm with your insurer that the wheelchair lift, ramp, and modified floor are specifically covered under your policy. Some policies exclude aftermarket equipment unless specifically listed.
• Medicaid transportation benefits: If the vehicle is used for medical appointments, certain Medicaid transportation benefits may offset operational costs.

Apple Ford Mobility Center recommends working with an insurance agent experienced with mobility vehicles. We can provide documentation of the vehicle's conversion value to assist with insurance placement.