Understanding Funding for Vehicle Modification
If you own a car or are planning to get one, you can modify it. Adapting a personal vehicle consists in modifying or equipping it to respond to your specific needs as a person with a disability. This may include installing hand controls, access ramps, pivoting seats or other mechanisms allowing you to drive or use a vehicle in a safe and independent manner.
Such adjustments may be expensive. But you can request funds to cover them entirely or in part. Financial support is provided by different provincial or territorial programs or private organizations, allowing people with disabilities to preserve their independence, actively participate in economic and social life, and enjoy easier trips
How to Request Funds for Vehicle Modification
In this section, we provide the specific links at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels to help you apply for financial support to adapt your car. If you are in Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec, we offer you information about programs and organizations focused on such provinces. For other provinces and territories, you can contact the federal government directly.
Federal
Wheelchairvans.ca lists funding options for modified vehicles for people with mobility impairments across Canada. The webpage highlights provincial subsidies, government programs and non-profit organizations that can help you cover the costs associated with modifying a vehicle to meet your needs.
If the funding you find only covers part of the costs, the Canada Revenue Agency may offer you a rebate for a part of the paid amount.
Alberta
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (SCI Alberta) provides information and links to government programs, subsidies, and financial support to help individuals cover the costs associated with a modified vehicle.
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick government runs the Retrofit Vehicle Program, offering people with disabilities financial support to modify their vehicle to make it accessible and adapted to their specific needs.
Access the "Application for Capital Assistance" form and find out more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Ontario
March of Dimes Canada provides support programs for people with disabilities. The HVMP (Home & Vehicle Modification Program) provides support to modify your home or vehicle to improve your independence. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Quebec
In Quebec, the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) provides financial support to cover (fully or in part) the costs of vehicle modification for people with disabilities. The SAAQ webpage explains the eligibility criteria and how to apply for funds.
For more information, you can consult this guide (available only in French). It details the steps to purchase a modified or rebuilt vehicle and the safety requirements for adapted vehicles.
Last updated: October 28, 2025
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