How to get a wheelchair van?

AJ, from the prices I've seen for a wheelchair van, you might be better off just paying for rides in wheelchair equipped vans used by bus companies.  Sometimes known as small bus services, or dial-a-ride.  

If Rapid City or large city in the area has small bus services, you might want to check that out, calculate the number of times you needed assistance in the last year or so, and see how much it would have cost to use professional point to point small bus service.

Do you need assistance in getting your mother in and out of the van?   If so, a mobility equipped van like the small bus service could be helpful, as the drivers are trained in assisting passengers.  And the ones I've seen have wheelchair lifts that can be lowered then raised, so that your mother can stay in her wheelchair and doesn't have to get up to move from it onto a bus seat.

You state she's reliant on the city bus; is this a full sized bus or a smallerb us?

I saw some of the wheelchair vans at caregiver expos several years ago; at that time they were several thousand dollars more than sedans.   

I'm not aware of any specific entity that assists with purchase.

I would start with Office of Aging. From what I understand you buy a cargo type van. No middle seats at least. Then you take it to a specialized van place that outfits it for your needs. My GF bought a 10 yr old one. She had a side ramp, lined up her scooter and clicked into a mechanism.

My GF was looking into a PT cruiser for disabled she could drive.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/363595369902213915/

Also check out Benefits.gov

govdeals.com

I don’t know about any help with purchasing a van. However, I know that MobilityWorks does offer leases in addition to sales. Perhaps that might be more affordable?

Best wishes to you both.