VA U.S. Paralympics Monthly Assistance Allowance Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To promote the lifelong health and to motivate, encourage and sustain participation and competition in adaptive sports from the local level through elite levels among disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces through partnerships with VA clinical personnel as well as national and community-based adaptive sports programs. To provide monthly assistance allowance to a Veteran with a disability as authorized by 38 U.S.C 322(d) for qualifying athletes, whether categorized as emerging or national team athletes.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Other
To receive an allowance, a disabled Veteran must submit a complete application, as well as established training and competition plans and is responsible for turning in monthly and quarterly reports in order to continue receiving the monthly assistance allowance. The disability of the Veteran may be service-connected or non-service-connected if the veteran meets the minimum military standard or higher in his or her respective Paralympic or Olympic sport at a recognized competition level. The Veteran also must meet eligibility criteria established by the International Paralympic Committee for participants in Paralympic sports or by the International Olympic Committee for participants in Olympic sports.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Formal approval of the award of the Monthly Assistance Allowance for Disabled Veterans Training in Paralympic and Olympic Sports is made by first submitting required verification of qualifications and supporting data to the applicable Paralympic or Olympic sport entity. The applicable Paralympic or Olympic sport entity manages the application and ongoing verification of the monthly assistance allowance for Veterans in connection with training in Paralympic or Olympic sport program. The applicable Paralympic or Olympic sport entity submits qualification and rate documentation to the VA for verification and award on a monthly basis.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 15 to 30 days
Program details & compliance
Description
To provide a monthly training allowance for qualified Veterans with disabilities training and competing in Paralympic and Olympic sports.
Mission Categories
Primary: Veterans Health
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
38 USC 322 (d) Monthly Assistance Allowance.-(1) Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary may provide a monthly assistance allowance to-
(A) a veteran with a disability invited by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee to compete for a slot on, or selected for, the Paralympic Team for any month in which the veteran is training or competing in any event sanctioned by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee or who is residing at a United States Olympic Committee training center; and
(B) a veteran with a VA service-connected disability rated as 30 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs who is selected by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee for the United States Olympic Team for any month in which the veteran is competing in any event sanctioned by the National Governing Bodies of the United States Olympic Sports.
(2) The amount of the monthly assistance payable to a veteran under paragraph (1) shall be equal to the monthly amount of subsistence allowance that would be payable to the veteran under chapter 31 of this title if the veteran were eligible for and entitled to rehabilitation under such chapter.
(3) In providing assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
(4) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection the following:
(A) For each of fiscal years 2010 through 2023, $2,000,000.
(B) For each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027, $2,500,000.
Required Documentation
Proof of the ability to perform the required level of Paralympic or Olympic sport activity and compliance with military and higher standards are required. Emerging athlete and national team standards are established by the applicable Paralympic sport entity for each Paralympic sport. National team standards are established for each Olympic sport. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.