Home › Benefits › VA automobile allowance
Direct answer: The VA automobile allowance is up to $27,908.90 (effective Oct. 1, 2026), a one-time payment VA sends to the seller of a vehicle. It's for veterans and service members whose service-connected disability includes loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, severe vision loss, a severe burn injury or ALS. Get VA approval before you buy.
By the numbers: Up to $27,908.90 toward a specially equipped vehicle, effective Oct. 1, 2026 (was $26,417.20 from Oct. 1, 2024). The clothing allowance is $1,053.19 (effective Dec. 1, 2025). Source: VA special benefit allowances rates
“paying the total purchase price of the automobile or other conveyance (including all State, local, and other taxes) or $18,900 (as adjusted from time to time under subsection (e)), whichever is the lesser, to the seller” — 38 U.S.C. 3902(a)
Updated 2026-10-17
Up to $27,908.90, effective Oct. 1, 2026, per VA's special benefit allowances page. It was $26,417.20 from Oct. 1, 2024. VA raises the cap every Oct. 1 by the Consumer Price Index increase (38 U.S.C. 3902(e)). It's a one-time payment that VA sends to the seller, not to you.
A veteran entitled to VA compensation, or a service member on active duty, whose service-connected disability includes loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, permanent vision loss in both eyes (20/200 or less in the better eye, or a field of 20 degrees or less), a severe burn injury, or ALS. Ankylosis of a knee or hip qualifies for adaptive equipment only.
No. VA says you must file your claim and get approval before you buy a vehicle or adaptive equipment, and the seller must agree to send VA the completed form and an itemized invoice. VA then pays the seller directly.
Yes. The law says VA pays the total purchase price including all state, local and other taxes, or the cap ($27,908.90), whichever is less (38 U.S.C. 3902(a)). If the total is under the cap, VA pays the total and the rest isn't paid out.
Usually it's once (38 CFR 3.808 provides for one automobile). VA says you may get a second allowance if you bought a vehicle with the allowance 30 or more years ago, or a natural disaster destroyed it, it wasn't your fault and insurance didn't already pay you for it.
A separate benefit that pays for equipment such as power steering, brakes, seats, windows or a lift so you can drive or ride safely. Apply with VA Form 10-1394 through the prosthetic representative at your VA medical center. VA covers equipment for no more than 2 vehicles at a time or in any 4-year period, with exceptions (38 CFR 17.158).
$1,053.19, effective Dec. 1, 2025, for veterans whose service-connected prosthetic or orthopedic device or skin medicine damages their clothes. Apply by Aug. 1 for that year; VA pays between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. If you were paid in 2022 or 2023, annual payments continue without a new application.
As of Oct. 17, 2026 · VA allowance rates updated Oct. 1, 2026 · 38 U.S.C. 3902
VA pays up to $27,908.90 toward one vehicle, straight to the seller. It's a one-time payment that covers the purchase price including taxes, up to the cap. Adaptive equipment (hand controls, lifts, power seats) is a separate benefit. The one rule that trips people up: get VA's approval before you sign for the vehicle.
The math:
Sources: VA allowance rates · VA.gov: auto allowance · 38 U.S.C. 3902
A best fit for the situation described, not financial advice or a buy/sell recommendation. Partner links never change a pick.
VA pays the seller the vehicle's total purchase price including taxes, or $27,908.90, whichever is less (38 U.S.C. 3902). Use the out-the-door numbers from the dealer's buyer's order.
You need a service-connected disability (or one VA treats as service connected under 38 U.S.C. 1151), and at least one of these (VA.gov: auto allowance, 38 CFR 3.808):
Veterans entitled to VA compensation and service members still on active duty can both apply, before or after discharge. There's no deadline to apply. If you can't drive, VA can still help buy a vehicle someone else drives for you (38 U.S.C. 3902(d)). Vehicles VA lists include cars, vans, motor homes, commercial trucks and farm machines like tractors.
| Effective | Up to | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1, 2022 | $24,115.12 | - | VA 2023 rates |
| Oct. 1, 2023 | $25,603.02 | +6.17% | VA 2024 rates |
| Oct. 1, 2024 | $26,417.20 | +3.18% | VA 2025 rates |
| Oct. 1, 2026 | $27,908.90 | +5.65% (2 years) | VA allowance rates |
VA's past-rates pages list no separate amount effective Oct. 1, 2025, so we don't show one. The law raises the cap every Oct. 1 by the 12-month rise in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, and keeps it flat if prices didn't rise (38 U.S.C. 3902 (e)). The next change is due Oct. 1, 2027; VA hasn't posted it.
$1,053.19, effective Dec. 1, 2025 (VA allowance rates), if a prosthetic or orthopedic device (including a wheelchair) or a skin medicine you use for a service-connected condition damages your clothes (VA.gov: clothing allowance, 38 CFR 3.810).
| Effective | Clothing allowance |
|---|---|
| Dec. 1, 2022 | $968.52 |
| Dec. 1, 2023 | $999.51 |
| Dec. 1, 2024 | $1,024.50 |
| Dec. 1, 2025 | $1,053.19 |
How we built this: every dollar amount was read on VA's own rate pages on Oct. 17, 2026; the year-over-year changes and both worked examples are computed and checked in code. The calculator runs in your browser with the same rule as the server-side check (the lesser of the total with taxes and the cap).
Facts and math, not a decision. VaultRubric isn't VA. VA decides eligibility and what it pays.
Up to $27,908.90, effective Oct. 1, 2026, per VA's special benefit allowances page. It was $26,417.20 from Oct. 1, 2024. VA raises the cap every Oct. 1 by the Consumer Price Index increase (38 U.S.C. 3902(e)). It's a one-time payment that VA sends to the seller, not to you.
A veteran entitled to VA compensation, or a service member on active duty, whose service-connected disability includes loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, permanent vision loss in both eyes (20/200 or less in the better eye, or a field of 20 degrees or less), a severe burn injury, or ALS. Ankylosis of a knee or hip qualifies for adaptive equipment only.
No. VA says you must file your claim and get approval before you buy a vehicle or adaptive equipment, and the seller must agree to send VA the completed form and an itemized invoice. VA then pays the seller directly.
Yes. The law says VA pays the total purchase price including all state, local and other taxes, or the cap ($27,908.90), whichever is less (38 U.S.C. 3902(a)). If the total is under the cap, VA pays the total and the rest isn't paid out.
Usually it's once (38 CFR 3.808 provides for one automobile). VA says you may get a second allowance if you bought a vehicle with the allowance 30 or more years ago, or a natural disaster destroyed it, it wasn't your fault and insurance didn't already pay you for it.
A separate benefit that pays for equipment such as power steering, brakes, seats, windows or a lift so you can drive or ride safely. Apply with VA Form 10-1394 through the prosthetic representative at your VA medical center. VA covers equipment for no more than 2 vehicles at a time or in any 4-year period, with exceptions (38 CFR 17.158).
$1,053.19, effective Dec. 1, 2025, for veterans whose service-connected prosthetic or orthopedic device or skin medicine damages their clothes. Apply by Aug. 1 for that year; VA pays between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. If you were paid in 2022 or 2023, annual payments continue without a new application.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.
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