Mobility Resources
Of the approximately 18.5 million military veterans currently living in the United States, roughly 50% have reached or passed the age of 65. To support this population, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), manages comprehensive healthcare services. The following resources highlight the mobility support and assistance programs available through the VA:
Automobiles & Adaptive Equipment
Through the Automobiles and Adaptive Equipment program, the Veterans Benefits Administration provides a one-time grant of up to $11,000 to help eligible disabled veterans and service members purchase a vehicle. Beyond this initial purchase assistance, the VA also covers the costs for necessary adaptive equipment, including its repair, replacement, or re-installation to ensure continued accessibility.
- Vehicle Purchase: A one-time payment (maximum of $11,000) toward a car, truck, or other transit vehicle.
- Adaptive Equipment: Covers modifications like specialized brakes, steering, or lift equipment.
- Maintenance: Includes the cost of repairing or replacing existing adaptive hardware.
- Common Eligibility Criteria: Loss (or permanent loss of use) of one or both feet, loss (or permanent loss of use) of one or both hands, permanent impairment of vision in both eyes, and/or certain severe burn injuries or respiratory issues.
- For more information click the link below or call (800) 827-1000.
Veterans Administration (VA)
To help veterans navigate their benefits, the VA offers several dedicated toll-free numbers. You can use the directory to find the right department for your specific needs.
- The MyVAA411 Main Information Line: (800) 698-2411
- The VA Health Benefits Hotline: (877) 222-8387
- The VA Benefits Hotline: (800) 827-1000
- There are many phone numbers for various departments. Click the link below to find exactly what you are looking for.
Ford Vehicle Discount Program
In appreciation of their service, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) members are eligible for exclusive savings on new Ford and Lincoln vehicles through the X-Plan Partner Recognition Program. This benefit allows members to bypass traditional negotiations and purchase or lease eligible vehicles at a pre-determined, discounted price.
- X-Plan Pricing: The price is typically calculated as 4% above the Ford Employee (A-Plan) price, plus a small administrative fee (currently $275). This is often below the dealer’s invoice price.
- Eligibility Requirements: You must have been a member of the DAV (or DAV Auxiliary) for at least 90 days to qualify for the program.
- Usage Limit: Eligible households can use this benefit for up to two vehicle purchases or leases per calendar year.
- Stackable Benefits: In many cases, X-Plan pricing can be combined with other publicly available incentive and rebates for even greater savings.
Home Modification Program
The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant is designed to create a barrier-free living environment, offering veterans with severe service-connected disabilities a level of independence they might not otherwise enjoy. Whether constructing a new accessible home or modifying an existing one, this grant provides critical funding for needs like wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and roll-in showers.
- Maximum Funding: Eligible veterans can receive up to $126,526 total.
- Flexible Usage: You can use this funding up to six different times throughout your lifetime, as long as the total amount doesn’t exceed the current cap.
- Cost Coverage: The grant typically covers up to 50% of the cost of the home or the modifications, whichever is less (up to the maximum funding amount).
- For more information click the link below or call (800) 827-1000.
VA Benefit Fact Sheets
To simplify your search for specific programs, the VA categorizes its fact sheets into the following key areas. These documents provide essential information on eligibility, application processes, and coverage limits.
- Click the link below to find fact sheets covering a range of topics including: Service-Connected Disabilities, Education & Training, Housing Assistance, Life Insurance, Pension & Limited Income, Dependents & Survivors, Employment & Transition, and Burial & Memorial.
- You can access the full library of these documents at the link below.
Veterans Transportation Service (VTS)
The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) is a key component of the VA’s initiative to bridge the gap between veterans and the healthcare they earned. By establishing “Mobility Managers” at local VA facilities, the VTS works to coordinate a network of rideshare programs, community transit, and VA-owned vehicles. As of 2026, the VTS is specifically focused on high-tech and community-based pilot projects to assist veterans in rural areas or those with significant physical or visual impairments.
- Expanded Telehealth Integration: Pilot projects are now using Low Vision TeleEye Rehabilitation to provide care directly to veterans’ homes.
- Advanced Mobility Tech: Recent innovations being piloted include LiDAR-equipped “Smart Canes” and haptic-feedback devices that assist visually impaired veterans in navigating from transit drops to clinic entrances.
- Beneficiary Travel Modernization: A new 2026 pilot program allows low-income veterans to receive travel reimbursement 40 hours in advance of their appointments, removing the “upfront cost” barrier that often prevents rural veterans from seeking care.
Veteran-Directed Home & Community
Based Service Program
The Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program—formerly known as Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services—is one of the most flexible options for veterans in Southwest Michigan. It effectively turns the veteran (or their representative) into an “employer,” allowing them to manage their own care team rather than relying on a revolving door of agency staff. As of February 2026, there have been significant updates to this program’s funding and local administration that affect veterans in your area.
- Flexible Hiring: Veterans can hire family members, friends, or neighbors to provide personal care. The “Financial Management Service” (FMS) handles the payroll, taxes, and background checks so the veteran doesn’t have to be an expert in HR.
- Allowed Purchases: Beyond caregiving, the budget can often be used for things such as home accessibility modification, health-related transportation and grocery delivery fees, and lawn care or snow removal if it’s essential for the veteran to remain safely in their home.
- A new federal rule (as of Feb 2, 2026) has increased the spending limit for veterans with complex medical conditions, such as spinal cord injuries or ALS. The VA now covers 100% of the cost of similar care in a VA nursing home (up from 65%), allowing for more robust home-based support budgets.
VetsFirst
VetsFirst is a national veterans service program established by the United Spinal Association to ensure that disabled veterans and their families successfully navigate the complexities of the VA system. As an organization rooted in disability advocacy, they act as a bridge between veterans and the benefits they’ve earned, offering personalized support to those facing mobility challenges or service-connected injuries.
- Benefits Assistance: Helping veterans navigate the complex process of obtaining VA disibility compensation, healthcare, and other earned benefits.
- “Ask VetsFirst:” An online help desk where veterans can submit specific questions to counselors regarding their claims or rights.
- Legal Advocacy: Protecting the rights of veterans with disabilities through national policy work and ensuring access to housing, transportation, and employment.
- Resource Library: Providing “Knowledge Books” and guides that explain VA regulations and self-advocacy tools in plain language.
Wounded Warriors Resource Center
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Resource Center acts as the primary gateway for post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families to access a holistic ecosystem of support. Recognizing that the transition to civilian life affects every aspect of a person’s well-being, the Center employs a team—many of whom are veterans or military family members themselves—to provide personalized navigation through their diverse program offerings.
- Mental & Physical Health: Connecting individuals to specialized treatments for PTSD and TBI, as well as adaptive sports and physical wellness coaching.
- Career & Financial Security: Facilitating job placement through “Warriors to Work” and providing expert guidance on navigating VA benefits and financial planning.
- Social & Emotional Connection: Breaking the cycle of isolation by linking warriors with peer-led support groups and community-building events.
- Caregiver & Family Resilience: Offering dedicated resources for the “hidden helpers,” including respite care, mental health support, and tools to manage the unique stresses of caregiving.
- Long-term Independence: Coordinating intensive case management for the most severely injured veterans to ensure they can live as independently as possible.
- For more information click the link below or call (888) 997-2586.
Free & Reduced Transportation
Disabled American Veteran Shuttle (DAV)
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network provides a critical link for veterans in Southwest Michigan, ensuring those in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties can attend medical appointments without the stress of driving long distances.
01
Schedule Your Appointment
Before booking your ride, you must have a confirmed medical appointment.
02
Secure a Ride
Once your appointment is set, call to secure a spot on the van.
03
Pick Up Point
Arrange a ride from your home to the nearest designated pickup point.
Berrien County
01
Schedule Your Appointment
Battle Creek/Ann Arbor/Detroit
Schedule your appointment for a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Battle Creek Medical Center is also the transportation transfer point for veterans that need to go to Ann Arbor or Detroit for more specialized medical treatment.
Mishawaka, IN: Schedule your appointment for any weekday (Monday-Friday) before 12:00 PM (noon).
02
Secure a Ride
To Battle Creek
Call the Veterans Transportation Service at (888) 214-1247 x33871 at least 48 hours in advance.
To Mishawaka, IN: Call the DAV Transportation Director at (800) 360-8387 x73509 at least one week in advance.
03
Pick Up Point
Coordinate a ride from your home to one of the designated shuttle pickup points in north Berrien or Van Buren Counties.
To Battle Creek
View Map
| Pickup Location | Address |
| City of Benton Harbor: VA Outpatient Clinic | 115 West Main St. Benton Harbor, MI (Meet at back of building) |
| Benton Township: Napier Shell Station | 1959 E Napier Ave. Benton Harbor, MI (I94 Exit 30) |
| Coloma: McDonalds | 150 Ryno Rd. Coloma, MI |
| Watervliet: Burger King | 3733 N M140 Watervliet, MI |
| Niles: Greater Niles Senior Center *Tuesday/Thursday | 1109 Bell Rd. Niles, MI (Must book through Niles Senior Center at (269) 683-9380) |
Please note that vans are not wheel chair accessible and there are no oxygen tanks/devices allowed on the vans.
Personal care attendants are encouraged to ride along for free.
To Mishawka, IN
| Pickup Location | Address |
| Benton Township: Napier Shell Gas | 1959 E Napier Ave. Benton Harbor, MI (I94 Exit 30) |
| Stevensville: Park & Ride | 4610 Red Arrow Hwy. Stevensville, MI (Exit 23) |
| Bridgman: American Legion Post 331 | 4241 Legion St. Bridgman, MI |
| River Valley Senior Center | 13321 Red Arrow Hwy. Harbert, MI |
| New Buffalo Township Hall | 17425 Red Arrow Hwy. New Buffalo, MI |
| Three Oaks: American Legion Post 204 | 204 West Linden St, Three Oaks, MI |
| Galien: Marathon Gas | 120 US 12 Hwy. Galien, MI |
| Buchanan: JD’s Truck Stop | 1655 Mayflower Rd. Buchanan, MI |
| Niles: Greater Niles Senior Center *Tuesday/Thursday | 1109 Bell Rd. Niles, MI (Must book through Niles Senior Center at (269) 683-9380) |
Cass County
01
Schedule Your Appointment
Battle Creek/Ann Arbor/Detroit
Schedule your appointment for a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Battle Creek Medical Center is also the transportation transfer point for veterans that need to go to Ann Arbor or Detroit for more specialized medical treatment.
02
Secure a Ride
To Battle Creek
Call the Veterans Transportation Service at (888) 214-1247 x33871 at least 48 hours in advance.
03
Pick Up Point
| Pickup Location | Address |
| Cassopolis: Cass County on Aging | 60525 Decatur Rd. Cassopolis, MI |
Please note that vans are not wheel chair accessible and there are no oxygen tanks/devices allowed on the vans.
Personal care attendants are encouraged to ride along for free.
Van Buren County
01
Schedule Your Appointment
Battle Creek/Ann Arbor/Detroit
Schedule your appointment for a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Battle Creek Medical Center is also the transportation transfer point for veterans that need to go to Ann Arbor or Detroit for more specialized medical treatment.
02
Secure a Ride
To Battle Creek
Call the Veterans Transportation Service at (888) 214-1247 x33871 at least 48 hours in advance.
03
Pick Up Point
| Pickup Location | Address |
| Hartford: Shell Gas Station | 61828 County Rd. 687, Hartford, MI |
| Lawrence: Waffle House Restaurant | 60631 CR 365 N. Lawrence, MI |
| Paw Paw: Copper Grill Restaurant | 854 South Kalamazoo St. Paw Paw, MI |
Please note that vans are not wheel chair accessible and there are no oxygen tanks/devices allowed on the vans.
Personal care attendants are encouraged to ride along for free.
Van Buren Public Transit
Designated Travel Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays to Battle Creek.
Drop Off Times: 9 AM – 12:30 PM
Return Times: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Wheelchair access!
01
Schedule Your Appointment
Before booking your ride, you must have a confirmed medical appointment.
02
Secure a Ride
Call VB Public Transit at (269) 302-0237 to schedule your ride.
03
Provide Information
Give personal & appointment related information. Have DD 214 ready.
For more information on Van Buren Public Transit or to inquire about your FREE Veterans Ride Card, click here.