The driver maneuvers their electric wheelchair from the rear. (Photo: Olaf Arndt)
In an update from the VA, special benefit allowances for 2024 have been unveiled, providing support for Veterans with service-connected disabilities. The focus is on automobile allowances, clothing allowances, and Medal of Honor pensions.
Veterans are encouraged to explore these opportunities and take advantage of the available resources to enhance their quality of life. For additional information and detailed eligibility criteria, Veterans can visit the official VA website here or contact their local VA office.
Automobile Allowance Rates for 2024
Effective October 1, 2023, Veterans with service-connected disabilities hindering their ability to drive, can benefit from an automobile allowance of up to $25,603.02. This allowance assists in the purchase of specially equipped vehicles or adaptive equipment. Adaptive equipment grants may be available to modify vehicles with features such as power steering, brakes, seats, windows, or lift equipment. It is noteworthy that Veterans need to file a claim and secure approval before making any such purchases, either before or after military discharge.
To take advantage of the one-time payment for a specially equipped vehicle, Veterans must complete the Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive Equipment, VA Form 21-4502, available for download on the VA’s official website. Veterans will need to demonstrate that their disability is service-connected when applying for this allowance. The seller of the specially equipped vehicle will need to submit a claim to the VA for a one-time payment.
Clothing Allowance Rates for 2024
The VA has also introduced adjustments to clothing allowance rates, effective December 1, 2023. Veterans eligible for clothing allowances must meet specific criteria, including loss or permanent loss of use of limbs, severe burn injuries, or certain medical conditions such as ALS. The allowance may be a one-time payment of $999.51 or an annual payment, depending on the nature of the damage caused by service-connected prosthetics, orthopedic devices, or skin medicines.
Veterans seeking the clothing allowance for 2024 must submit their applications on or before August 1, 2024, to receive payments between September 1 and October 31. The eligibility criteria include having multiple prosthetic or orthopedic devices, multiple skin medicines, or damage affecting various types of clothing.
Medal of Honor Pension Increase
Furthermore, effective December 1, 2023, Veterans who have received the Medal of Honor are eligible for an additional monthly pension of $1,671.16. The VA ensures that these pensions are adjusted to keep pace with inflation, aligning with the percentage of cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security benefits.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.