Vehicle Assistance Scheme

What is the Vehicle Assistance Scheme (VAS)

Help with a car and car costs if a service-related injury (accepted under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA)) has severely reduced your mobility.

The help can be financial assistance towards:

• the purchase or replacement of a car; and
• vehicle modifications, driving devices; and
• running and maintenance costs for the vehicle provided under the scheme.

Who can receive it

You may be able to receive help under the Scheme if your accepted service-related injury or disease is:

• both legs amputated above the knee; or
• one leg amputated above the knee and the other leg amputated at or above the ankle and one arm amputated at or about the wrist; or
• one leg amputated above the knee and both arms amputated at or above the wrists; or
• complete paraplegia; or
• a service-related injury or disease that is similar in effect to the first three conditions described above, and

We are able to establish that you:

• will benefit directly from use of the vehicle; and
• can be transported regularly in safety and reasonable comfort.

You don't have to be the driver of the vehicle.

Financial assistance amounts

Financial help is an amount paid directly to the supplier for an appropriate initial vehicle or replacement vehicle of:

• up to $39,810 towards the cost of a new car;
• up to $19,905 towards the cost of a replacement car after two years. This is in addition to the trade-in or market value sale of your current VAS vehicle.

Further financial help may be given towards that car for:

• modifications and driving devices; and
• running and maintenance, such as registration and insurance costs.

The running and maintenance allowance is paid annually and is currently $2,909.40.

How you claim for a vehicle or vehicle modifications under the VAS

1. Complete the Application for Vehicle Assistance Scheme, carefully following instructions for any additional documentation that may need to be attached.
2. Send your application with supporting documents by:
   • email to: offsetting [at] dva.gov.au (offsetting[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au); or
   • post to: GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001
3. We may arrange a driver-trained occupational therapist to undertake an assessment. This assessment allows the therapist to identify the most suitable vehicle for your needs. If you already have a driver-trained occupational therapist, please include their details in your claim form. We will advise you if an assessment is required and will assist to arrange this.
4. We will assess your application and let you know of your outcome in writing. If approved, we will explain the next step to you.

How you claim for the running and maintenance cost of a VAS car

1. Each year, complete the running and maintenance section on the Application for Vehicle Assistance Scheme carefully following instructions for any additional documentation that may need to be attached.
2. Send your application with supporting documents by:
   • email to: offsetting [at] dva.gov.au (offsetting[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au); or
   • post to: GPO Box 9998, Brisbane QLD 4001
3. We will assess your application and let you know in writing of the outcome.

Things you should know

• It is not necessary for you to be able to drive. If you have a partner or carer who will regularly drive you in the vehicle, we will consider your application.
• If you get the Recreation Transport Allowance from us or the Mobility Allowance from Centrelink, you cannot receive this help.
• If you could pursue a claim under any other scheme of compensation under any Territory, State, or Commonwealth law, you cannot receive this help.
• You cannot claim for the Running and Maintenance Allowance or for vehicle modifications without having been granted a vehicle under the Scheme.
• Do not sign any contract for a car until we confirm your eligibility. The driver-trained occupational therapist will assist you to find the most suitable vehicle and to obtain quotes for the selected model.