Finding funding for a wheelchair accessible van in Canada requires navigating a complex landscape. This includes provincial programs, federal tax benefits, charitable grants, and community support. While no single grant covers the full buy, combining multiple resources can significantly reduce the financial burden. Key strategies include working with a certified mobility dealer. Applying for disability-specific and charitable grants is another important step. Leveraging all available tax programs and rebates can also contribute to reducing costs.
Quick Jump Navigation
Application Tips & Advice | Provincial Charitable Organizations for Children | Federal Tax Benefit Programs | National Disability & Funding Organizations | Provincial Government Funding & Insurance | Disability-Specific Grants | Service Clubs & Community Groups | Automaker Rebate Programs | Private Insurance & NMEDA Dealers | Vehicle Donation Programs
Application Tips and Advice
Start with a Professional
Consult a Certified Mobility Dealer first. They offer expert guidance on available funding and help prepare necessary paperwork.
Document Everything
For grant and tax applications, gather letters of medical necessity. Collect detailed quotes for modifications. Give clear explanations of how the vehicle impacts independence.
Apply Early and Widely
Funding is often limited. Apply to all relevant programs well in advance of your buy.
Verify Directly
Always contact funding sources to confirm current eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application processes, as details change often.
Provincial Charitable Organizations (For Children & Youth)
These provincial charities primarily support children and youth with disabilities and specialized needs, and may provide grants for mobility and transportation.
BC Rehab Foundation (British Columbia)
Works to increase accessibility in BC. They provide individual grants for mobility and accessibility equipment.
Phone: 1-604-737-6383
Website: BC Rehab Foundation (British Columbia)
Easter Seals Canada
Easter Seals Canada is the country’s largest local provider of programs, services, and advocacy for Canadians living with disabilities. Operating since 1922, the organization runs national awareness campaigns and raises funds for transformative programs delivered by its provincial members, including the Access 2 Card program for recreational access.
Website: Easter Seals Canada
Toll‑Free: 1‑877‑376‑6362
Easter Seals Ontario
Easter Seals Ontario provides support programs for youth with physical disabilities. Registered clients who are 19 or younger may receive up to $3,000 per year in financial assistance toward the purchase of a converted vehicle.
Phone: 416.421.8377
Toll-Free: 1.800.668.6252
Website: Easter Seals Ontario
CKNW Kids’ Fund (British Columbia)
A charity supporting children under 18 years of age in British Columbia.
Phone: 1-604-331-2711
Website: CKNW Kids’ Fund (British Columbia)
Cops for Kids (British Columbia)
A charitable foundation assisting children in the Southern Interior of BC who have suffered a medical, physical, or traumatic crisis. They accept grant applications.
Toll-Free: 1-877-500-4543
Website: Cops for Kids (British Columbia)
SMILE Canada – Support Services
SMILE Canada is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and youth with disabilities and their families, with a particular focus on refugee and evacuee families. The organization offers programs such as service navigation, an accessibility fund for therapy and equipment, hospital support, and inclusive community activities.
Website: SMILE Canada – Support Services
Toll‑Free: 1‑888‑959‑8344
Telemiracle/Kinsmen Foundation
Provides support for children under 18. Determined on a case-by-case basis.
Phone: 1-306-244-6400 (Ext 5)
Toll-Free: 1-877-777-8979
Website: Telemiracle/Kinsmen Foundation
Variety – The Children’s Charity (Alberta)
Supports children under 18 years of age facing physical, developmental, or other challenges through various programs.
Website: Variety – The Children’s Charity (Alberta)
Variety – The Children’s Charity (British Columbia)
Provides grants and vital support for children with disabilities and complex health needs across BC, which can include safer transportation.
Phone: 1-800-381-2040
Website: Variety – The Children’s Charity (British Columbia)
Variety Manitoba
Provides children’s disability services and support for kids in Manitoba.
Phone: 1-204-982-1050
Website: Variety Manitoba
Federal Tax Benefit Programs
The Government of Canada offers important tax relief programs for individuals who require an accessible vehicle. These provide financial benefits through the tax system and are available to all eligible Canadians.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
This is a non-refundable tax credit claimed on your annual income tax return. You can claim 20% of the amount paid for a van adapted for wheelchair transportation. The claim is limited to a maximum of $5,000. You can claim 100% of the cost of required vehicle modifications. Such modifications include installing a ramp, lift, or hand controls. A prescription or letter of medical necessity is typically required.
Website: Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
GST/HST Rebate on Modifications
You can apply for a rebate of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). You can also apply for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) paid on the vehicle modification work itself. This rebate is separate from the income tax credit.
Website: GST/HST Rebate on Modifications
Federal Gasoline Tax Refund
Individuals with permanent, mobility-related disabilities may be eligible for a refund of the federal excise tax on gasoline. This program offers long-term savings on fuel costs.
Website: Federal Gasoline Tax Refund
National Disability & Funding Organizations
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC)
SBHAC is a national federation of 13 member organizations that has been supporting individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus since 1981. The association offers a national bursary program for students, funds research, and provides education, advocacy, and support services across the country.
Website: Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Canada (SBHAC)
Toll‑Free: 1‑800‑565‑9488
Back to Ag Program
The Back to Ag Program is a Canadian funding project that supports farmers and agricultural workers who have experienced a traumatic injury. It provides grants for adaptive technology and equipment modifications to help injured individuals return to work safely on their farms. The program is funded by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and delivered by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA).
Website: IAM Ministries – Keith Howell Mobility Trust
Toll‑Free: 1‑877‑452‑2272
IAM Ministries – Keith Howell Mobility Trust
The Keith Howell Mobility Trust, operated by IAM Ministries, provides basic low‑tech driving aids (such as hand controls and spinner knobs) to individuals with disabilities across Canada. Working with Howell Ventures Ltd., a manufacturer based in Upper Kingsclear, New Brunswick, to supply and install the equipment.
Website: IAM Ministries – Keith Howell Mobility Trust
Phone: 1‑506‑363‑3633
Jordan’s Principle
For First Nations children under 18. Contact your designated provincial representative.
Website: For up-to-date information and to find your provincial representative, visit Jordan’s Principle Official Government of Canada Website.
Provincial Government Funding & Insurance Programs
These are provincial-level programs, often tied to public insurance or workers’ compensation boards. Coverage and eligibility vary significantly by province.
Alberta Programs
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
This broader health benefit program may provide funding for vehicle modifications deemed medically necessary for basic mobility. Coverage is specific and requires approval.
Website: Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
Disability Related Equipment Support Program (DRES)
For information about support for vehicle modifications and wheelchair-converted vehicles, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre.
Phone: 1-877-644-9992
Website: Disability Related Equipment Support Program (DRES)
Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
Provides workplace supports for Albertans with work-related disabilities. Contact directly for eligibility.
Phone: 1-800-661-9608
Website: Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
British Columbia Programs
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
May support vehicle modifications and/or purchase. Contact directly for details.
Phone: 1-800-663-3051
Website: Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
WorkSafeBC (WSBC)
Provides support for work-related injuries. Vehicle modifications are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Phone: 1-604-279-7606
Website: WorkSafeBC (WSBC)
Manitoba Programs
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
Supports vehicle modifications and/or purchase. Contact directly for information.
Phone: 1-204-985-7000
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-2400
Website: Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
Workers Compensation Board (WCB)
For work-related injuries. Contact directly for case-by-case determinations.
Phone: 1-855-954-4321
Website: Workers Compensation Board (WCB)
Ontario Programs
March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
A key provincial program administered by March of Dimes Canada. It offers up to $15,000 every ten years for vehicle modifications for eligible Ontario residents. Eligibility is based on residency, disability status, and financial need.
Phone: 1-877-369-4867
Website: March of Dimes Home and Vehicle Modification Program (HVMP)
Québec Programs
SAAQ – Programme d’adaptation de Véhicule
Covers 100% of eligible costs for vehicle adaptation every 5 years. Vendors must be QAP-accredited.
Toll-Free: 1-800-361-7620
Website: SAAQ – Programme d’adaptation de Véhicule
CNESST
Provides support for workers requiring vehicle adaptation due to a work-related injury under its rehabilitation policy.
Website: CNESST
Saskatchewan Programs
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
Supports vehicle modifications and/or purchase. Contact directly.
Phone: 1-800-667-8015
Website: Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
For workers with permanent injuries. Contact directly.
Phone: 1-800-667-7590
Website: Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)
Newfoundland and Labrador Program
Newfoundland and Labrador Accessible Vehicle Funding Program
This provincial program provides financial assistance for the purchase and modification of vehicles for individuals with permanent disabilities. It is a time-limited annual program, so checking application deadlines is crucial.
Website: Newfoundland and Labrador Accessible Vehicle Funding Program
Disability-Specific Organizations & Grants
Organizations focused on specific medical conditions often provide grants for adaptive equipment, including vehicle modifications. These grants typically cover the conversion equipment, not the vehicle’s base price.
MS Canada
MS Canada’s Quality of Life Program provides grants for equipment that promotes independence for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. The grant can be used for vehicle modifications like wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and ramps (but not the vehicle purchase). It offers up to $1,000 per person, per year.
Phone: 416-922-6065
Toll-Free: 1-844-859-6789
Website: MS Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada operates an Equipment Program for registered clients with neuromuscular disorders. The program can help fund various accessibility items, which may include vehicle access equipment such as ramps and platform lifts.
Toll-Free: 1-800-567-2873
Website: Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (CPAA)
The CPAA runs the CP Cares Program, which provides financial assistance to members for needs that improve quality of life. This can include funding for mobility and adaptive equipment, with eligible members able to apply for up to $750 per year.
Website: Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (CPAA)
March of Dimes Canada
In addition to administering the Ontario HVMP, March of Dimes Canada is a key resource for information on funding and mobility, and other forms of funding.
Phone: 416-425-3463
Toll-Free: 1-800-263-3463
Website: March of Dimes Canada
Service Clubs and Community Organizations
Local service clubs can be a valuable source of assistance, often providing one-time financial help or fundraising support for major community needs like accessible vehicles.
Kin Canada
Kin Canada is a national volunteer service organization. Local Kin clubs across the country undertake various community projects and may provide funding or fundraising support for individuals purchasing accessible vans. Support varies by chapter, so you must contact your local club directly.
Website: Kin Canada
Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs are well-known for local community service projects worldwide. Individual Lions clubs may provide support for needs such as accessible mobility equipment. To seek assistance, you must locate and contact a club in your local community.
Website: Lions Clubs International
Rotary Club International
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Website: Rotary Club International
Automaker Rebate Programs
Major vehicle manufacturers offer rebates to customers who install adaptive driving equipment in their new vehicles. This helps to offset the cost of conversion.
Toyota Mobility Program
Toyota offers financial assistance for the installation of adaptive equipment into new Toyota vehicles. The rebate is paid directly to the customer after the modifications are completed.
Website: Toyota Mobility Program
Honda Mobility Program
Honda provides a rebate for adaptive equipment installed on new Honda vehicles. The program is designed to help reduce the upfront cost of conversion.
Website: Honda Mobility Program
Stellantis Automobility Program
Financial assistance for adaptive equipment on new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. It includes access to a network of certified mobility dealers.
Website: Stellantis Automobility Program
Volkswagen Mobility Access Program
Volkswagen offers a reimbursement for the cost of installing adaptive equipment in new VW vehicles, helping to offset the conversion cost.
Website: Volkswagen Mobility Access Program
Private Insurance Companies
Some private insurance providers (e.g., Aviva, Economical, Travelers, RSA) may offer coverage or support for accessible vehicle modifications under certain policies. It is highly recommended to contact a NMEDA Canada dealer for assistance and information on working with these companies.
NMEDA Canada Dealers
As emphasized throughout, your most important partner is a Certified Mobility Dealer accredited by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Canada. These experts have the most current knowledge of all funding streams—governmental, private insurance, and charitable. They can provide the detailed quotes required for applications and guide you through the entire process.
Website: National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) Canada
Vehicle Donation Platforms
This method turns an old vehicle into a funding source. Platforms manage the donation process and direct the net proceeds to a registered charity of your choice, which could be an organization supporting your van purchase.
Donate a Car Canada
Donate a Car Canada handles the entire donation process—towing, auction, and administration—and directs the net proceeds to the registered Canadian charity of your choice.
Toll-Free: 1-877-250-4904
Website: Donate a Car Canada
CharityCar.ca
A similar national vehicle donation program that ensures the maximum amount of proceeds from your donated car, truck, or RV goes to your selected charity.
Website: CharityCar.ca
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