Vocational Rehabilitation & Vehicle Purchase, Repairs, and Modifications
Published: 2025
Purpose of this Publication
The purpose of this publication is to provide general information to individuals regarding their rights and protections under the law. This publication is not a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. Contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you need additional help.
Introduction
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) assists individuals with disabilities to get and keep a job that matches their skills, interests, and abilities. To do that, VR offers a variety of services to eligible participants. One of these services may be funding for the purchase, repairs, and/or modifications of a vehicle.
Before you ask VR to purchase, repair, or modify a vehicle:
A modified vehicle must be necessary.
In order for VR to fund vehicle repairs, modifications, or purchase, the vehicle must be in direct support of your employment outcome documented in your Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and must be necessary to overcome a disability-related obstacle to your employment.
Plan ahead with an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE).
First, you need to apply for VR services by completing a service questionnaire and attending an intake meeting with a VR counselor.
Next, the VR counselor has 60 days to determine your eligibility for VR services. To be eligible all of the following must be true:
You must have a verifiable physical or mental disability; and
Your disability prevents you from getting, keeping, or advancing in a job; and;
You need VR services to help you get, keep, or advance in a job.
Within 90 days of a determination of eligibility, you and your assigned VR counselor meet to to discuss the below topics and develop an IPE. Based on that discussion, you and your VR counselor will identify and document your desired employment outcome and which services VR will provide to assist you in achieving that outcome.
labor market
client responsibilities
transferable skills
strengths, resources and concerns
abilities and interests
job goals and long-term supports
long-term supports and potential assistive technology
barriers to employment, capabilities, and more
Finally, if your identified employment outcome requires you to drive, the vehicle is necessary to overcome a disability-related barrier to employment, and you meet all requirements, VR may fund vehicle repairs, modifications, or purchase as part of your IPE. The process of acquiring and/or modifying a vehicle can be a lengthy one, so you want to be sure to discuss your need with your assigned VR counselor as soon as possible. In addition, your need must be included as part of your IPE for VR to provide the funds. VR will not reimburse you for any purchase, repairs, or modifications you make or obtain on your own.
Basic Requirements
The funding must be in support of a specific vocational goal identified in your IPE that requires you to operate a vehicle and is necessary to overcome a disability-related barrier to your employment.
Assessments, evaluations, and tests demonstrate the funding is necessary to remove a transportation-related barrier.
You must be able to safely own and operate a vehicle.
You must have a valid driver's license or be able to get one.
You must pass a criminal background check.
You must be able to maintain insurance coverage that meets the minimum coverage required by the Oregon laws.
You must have sufficient income and resources to cover the cost of vehicle operation and ongoing routine maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some examples of vehicle modifications?
Examples of vehicle modifications include hand controls, pedal extensions, wheelchair or scooter ramps and lifts, amputee rings, assist bars and straps, and swivel cushions.
Q: Do I need to take out loans to purchase a vehicle before asking VR for assistance with vehicle modifications?
No, unless VR determines that you must contribute to the cost of services after applying a “financial needs test.” If they determine you don’t have to contribute, VR should pay for the vehicle if it is necessary.
Q: I already own a vehicle. Can I still ask VR for help to modify my existing vehicle?
Yes, if a Qualified Occupational Therapist (QOT) performs a Qualified Vehicle Modification Evaluation at VR’s expense and determines that:
you require the proposed vehicle modification; and
the QOT determines you can safely operate the vehicle with the specific modification; and
an ASE Certified Mechanic inspects the vehicle and determines it is mechanically sound and appropriate for modification.
Q: I'm interested in upgrading an already modified vehicle. Can VR still help me with additional vehicle modifications?
Funding for a second or subsequent vehicle modification is limited to those needed to accommodate changes in your medical condition or diagnosis.
Q: Will VR fund the purchase of a second vehicle?
It depends. VR will fund a second vehicle only if the existing vehicle is if it is mechanically unsound and unable to be repaired, or inappropriate for modification (if modification is necessary).
Q: Will VR approve funds to purchase a used vehicle?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for vehicle purchase and a used vehicle is deemed to be appropriate. The cost of a used vehicle must be determined using one or more independent appraisals.
Q: What if my employment goal is self-employment? Will VR fund vehicle repairs, purchase, or modifications?
Possibly, but:
Transportation may not be the primary purpose of the self-employment plan (like a delivery driver); and
The business plan must meet established requirements for competitive integrated employment (work that is performed by someone with a disability and paid at the same as a person without a disability performing the same work).
Q: Will I need to provide proof of income, assets, and resources?
Yes. If VR asks for proof of income, assets and other resources, you will have to provide it.
Q: Can VR consider "comparable services and benefits," after it has determined that a modified vehicle is necessary?
No. Modified vehicles are a form of "rehabilitation technology," so they are exempt from consideration of comparable services and benefits under federal laws governing vocational rehabilitation services.
Q: Can VR require me to contribute to the cost of a vehicle modification?
Yes. If VR determines you are required to make a financial contribution after applying a "financial needs test," VR can require you to contribute to the cost of a vehicle modification.
Q: How does VR decide whether I can safely operate a vehicle?
At VR’s expense, a “Qualified Occupational Therapist” (QOT) conducts a qualified vehicle modification evaluation and determines whether you are able to safely operate a vehicle. The QOT has specialized training and experience to conduct evaluations. QOTs also must have experience with people with disabilities and possess certain certifications.
Q: What can I do if I am unable to safely operate a vehicle?
If VR determines you are unable to drive safely, they may allow a qualified driver other than you to operate the vehicle. Such permission must be documented in writing in your file. To get approval, the qualified driver must provide VR with records and information demonstrating they meet requirements on safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Q: Can VR also assist with the cost of vehicle repairs?
Yes. VR can assist with the cost of vehicle repairs if the repairs are:
Necessary for you to safely and independently operate the vehicle; and
Essential to maintain your employment; and
Not routine maintenance expenses.
(Sometimes, routine repairs may be approved under very limited circumstances at the discretion of the branch manager.)
Q: What about routine maintenance? Will VR pay for that?
No. You are responsible for routine vehicle maintenance and associated costs. You should proactively plan for the costs associated with routine maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
Q: Can VR assist with the cost of vehicle insurance?
Generally, no. But in exceptional circumstances where financial assistance is needed to reduce a transportation barrier to employment, VR might reimburse you for insurance premiums.
Q: Will VR cover the cost of extended warranties on the modifications made to the vehicle?
No, VR does not cover cost of extended warranties on vehicle modifications. VR is not authorized to purchase warranties and assumes no warranty responsibility.
Q: Can VR repossess my purchased or modified vehicle? If yes, when can do they do that?
Yes. VR can repossess your vehicle if you fail to achieve a successful rehabilitation. Your vehicle can be repossessed if any of the following are true:
Transportation is no longer a necessary component of your IPE; or
You fail to meet the basic requirements above for vehicle modication funding from VR; or
You fail to perform the obligations outlined in the Vehicle Security Interest Agreement; or
You fail to operate and maintain the vehicle in a safe, roadworthy condition; or
You fail to comply with federal and state laws governing the operation and use of a motor vehicle that results in a serious traffic offense; or
You fail to maintain required insurance coverage.
Q: What is considered a serious traffic offense?
A serious traffic offense results in the loss, cancellation, or suspension of your driver’s license or driving privileges by any state, including Oregon.
A serious traffic offense also means:
excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the speed limit)
reckless driving
failure to drive within a lane
unsafe passing on the left or right
following another care too closely
any violation of a traffic control law, if the violation includes a fatal accident
operating a vehicle without verification of driving privileges
operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked
Q: What are my obligations according to the Vehicle Security Interest Agreement?
Under the Vehicle Security Interest Agreement, you must do all of the following:
use the vehicle appropriately to participate in services and/or employment
maintain at least the minimum insurance required by state law — and additional insurance to cover the replacement cost of any adaptive equipment installed in the vehicle
be the exclusive driver of the vehicle unless another qualified driver has been approved by VR
agree that any insurance payout be paid directly to VR, unless some or all of the payout is connected to personal property VR did not pay for
maintain a valid driver’s license
comply with all state and federal traffic laws — and immediately notify VR of any citation for violating those laws
maintain the vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition — and immediately report to VR any damage that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle
make the vehicle available for inspection by a mechanic if VR requests it
secure written approval from VR before obtaining any additional modifications not provided or approved by VR
proactively plan for costs associated with maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement of the vehicle and/or modifications
ensure your case with VR is closed with a successful employment outcome
cooperate with evaluations, assessments, and other requirements established as part of your IPE
keep possession of the vehicle (do not transfer, sell, or otherwise dispose of the vehicle)
voluntarily give the vehicle to VR and complete all necessary documents to transfer ownership to them when the vehicle is no longer necessary to achieve your employment goal. (You also need to do this if VR is repossessing your vehicle).
Q: VR has refused to provide funds for the vehicle modification I've requested assistance with. What can I do?
Take these steps:
If you haven’t received a denial in writing, request a formal written denial.
Next, attempt to resolve the issue with the Branch Manager of your local office.
If that is unsuccessful, use this online form to contact our Client Assistance Program. Our staff will review your case and see if an agreement can be reached with VR.
You also have the right to appeal the denial by requesting an “Impartial Fair Hearing” within 60 days of when you received notice of the decision.
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NOTICE: This document is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. You may wish to contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you require further information.
