Getting to medical appointments, work, job training, housing appointments, or other essential services can be difficult when transportation is limited or unaffordable. Veterans may have access to transportation programs through the Department of Veterans Affairs, local organizations, nonprofits, and community transportation services.
The VA Veterans Transportation Program can provide free rides to eligible Veterans for VA health appointments, while the Beneficiary Travel program may reimburse eligible Veterans for mileage and certain other travel expenses. Availability and eligibility can vary by location and individual circumstances.
Who May Qualify for Veteran Transportation Assistance
Depending on the program, transportation assistance may be available to:
- Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare
- Veterans traveling to VA medical appointments
- Veterans traveling to VA-authorized community care appointments
- Veterans with disabilities or mobility limitations
- Veterans living in rural or remote areas
- Veterans who cannot afford transportation
- Veterans who need wheelchair-accessible or specialized transportation
- Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Eligible caregivers or attendants in certain circumstances
Each transportation program has its own eligibility requirements.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary based on your location, VA eligibility, healthcare needs, income, and transportation needs.
Types of Veteran Transportation Assistance
- Free rides to VA appointments. The VA Veterans Transportation Program can provide free rides to and from eligible VA health appointments. Veterans can request transportation through VetRide or by contacting the transportation representative at their VA healthcare facility.
- Veterans Transportation Service. Veterans Transportation Service, or VTS, provides transportation options for eligible Veterans who need help getting to VA healthcare facilities and authorized community-care appointments. Services vary by facility and location.
- Mileage reimbursement. Eligible Veterans may be reimbursed for mileage when traveling to approved VA healthcare appointments. VA currently lists the reimbursement rate as $0.415 per mile, with specific eligibility requirements and a deductible that can apply.
- Public transportation and other travel costs. Under certain circumstances, eligible Veterans may receive reimbursement or approved transportation involving buses, trains, taxis, airplanes, or other transportation. Preapproval may be required.
- Wheelchair and special transportation. Veterans who require specialized transportation may be able to receive services such as wheelchair-van transportation or other special modes of transportation when medically necessary and authorized.
- Transportation for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Recent VA funding also supports transportation for eligible homeless Veterans and Veterans participating in HUD-VASH, including transportation that helps with medical appointments, housing searches, employment searches, and obtaining food or supplies.
- DAV transportation. Disabled American Veterans operates volunteer transportation services at many VA locations, providing free rides to and from VA medical facilities for eligible Veterans. Availability depends on the local volunteer network.
How Veteran Transportation Assistance Typically Works
- Identify where you need to go. VA medical appointments, authorized community-care appointments, and other needs may have different transportation options.
- Contact your local VA transportation representative. They can explain available rides and eligibility.
- Request a ride in advance when required. Some services have facility-specific scheduling deadlines.
- Ask about travel reimbursement. If you drive yourself or use another approved transportation method, you may qualify for reimbursement.
- Provide medical documentation when required. Special transportation may require a VA provider to establish medical necessity.
- Keep transportation records. Save receipts and appointment information when seeking reimbursement.