Are you a person living in New Brunswick with a physical disability who needs help modifying your vehicle, so you can get around your community?
The New Brunswick Vehicle Retrofit Program provides financial assistance for some of the costs of accessibility features for vehicles.
This program is a partnership between the New Brunswick Department of Social Development and Ability New Brunswick.
You may be eligible to qualify if you are:
- A resident of New Brunswick who has a physical disability
- A registered non-profit organization
- A municipality of New Brunswick
- A private company providing transportation services to persons with a disability within New Brunswick
What vehicle changes may be covered?
The New Brunswick Vehicle Retrofit Program can cover some of the cost of these items:
- Wheelchair or scooter lifts and ramps
- Changes to the roof, floor and doors
- Special-needs seating
- Hand controls
- Wheelchair tie-downs and passenger-restraint systems
Items not listed above may also be considered.
What isn’t covered?
Features that come standard in cars aren’t covered, including air conditioning, insulation, automatic transmission and cruise control.
Modifications to the vehicle before you are approved aren’t covered.
How much financial help can I get?
The program can cover up to 80 per cent of the cost of eligible accessibility features, up to a maximum of $8,000. People applying must pay the taxes but sales tax on some accessibility features may be refunded by the Department of Finance. Individuals can apply for new changes to their vehicle every eight years and organizations can apply every five years.
You must fill out an application form, found online here. You can also contact Ability NB for information and help with the application. Ability NB can be reached at 1-866-462-9555 or info@abilitynb.ca.
You will need to provide this information on the application form:
- Details about your disability or medical condition.
- The signature of an occupational therapist or, if one isn’t available, a physician.
- Two quotes from suppliers that show the estimated cost of installing and supplying the accessibility features. A list of suppliers can be found on the application form.
Applicants can send completed forms by mail to:
Ability NB
Suite 102, 440 Wilsey Road
Fredericton, N.B.
E3B 7G5
Ability NB will review your application based on the program criteria and let you know the decision by mail.
You need to submit several documents when you send your application form.
These include photocopies of your:
- Driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle safety inspection form