Get Free Car Repair From Government Assistance For Car Repairs – Car maintenance and repairs can be a costly affair. Depending on the type of repair, replacing a part of a car can set you back a few hundred dollars. This is the reason why thousands of low-income families who are struggling financially look for low-cost or discounted auto repair assistance from nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
A lot of organizations connect needy families with resources within their communities. Various organizations, groups, charities and agencies provide financial support to low-income individuals who are looking for car repair or maintenance to reach to their work, school, job, groceries or medical appointments. This guide will cover all the available resources that offer car repair assistance programs to needy families in the United States of America.
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Highlights of this Post
What Are The Eligibility Criteria And Documents Required To Get Help With Car Repair?
The eligibility criteria for car repair assistance may vary depending on your location and the type of program you are applying for. The following are the critical factors that you must consider.
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Citizenship And Residency Criteria
The eligibility criteria for repair assistance funded by government and nonprofit organizations require applicants to be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident.
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Income Level
The income level of a person is the deciding factor in many government car repair grants. Eligible applicants must belong to the low-income category and have income below a specific percentage of the federal poverty level.
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Age And Condition Of Vehicle
A few government programs consider the age and condition of the vehicle before assisting individuals.
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Evidence Of Substantial Need
Applicants have to provide documentation demonstrating their need. The paperwork includes their current income records, appraisals for car repairs etc. Applicants with obvious safety issues are given the main priority.
Following is the list of documents that you need to submit to get help with car repair.
- Citizenship and residency documents
- Must have a Social Security card
- Proof of identification such as government-issued photo ID, driver’s license, passport
- Proof of income such as pay stubs, bank and wage statements.
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What Are The Available Car Repair Government Assistance Programs?
Low-income individuals who want to receive government financial assistance to get their vehicle repaired can take a look at the following programs.
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Local Welfare Offices
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Social Services in the United States of America fund local welfare offices that can assist low-income communities.
For instance The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has an employment support services program that assists enrollees with car repairs. You can find your state social service agency here.
A welfare program available throughout the United States of America that assists people with time-limited cash assistance during an emergency is known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Qualifying families with minors can cover the following expenses with the fund received through the TANF program.
- Clothing
- Food
- Transportation
- Furniture
- Utilities
- Housing
- Home Supplies
- Laundry
Every state in America sets its application procedure, eligibility criteria, guidelines and payout amounts about how the money can be used. For instance, in Texas, a one-time TANF program helps to cover emergency expenses.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides various types of assistance to the needy individuals or disabled who are above 65 years old. The SSI funds can be used by individuals for various purposes that include car repairs.
The Low Income Vehicle Repair Assistance, Retrofit, and Accelerated Vehicle Retirement Program (LIRAP) is a program that offers help to the low income car owners. The program is administered and funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
However, to be eligible for LIRAP, you need meet the criterias listed below:
- Vehicles that have failed emission tests.
- Your household income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
- Your vehicle must be registered in a county that participates in the LIRAP program.
LIRAP offers financial assistance to the eligible vehicle owner for various purposes that includes retrofitting equipment to reduce emissions, to purchase a new or used vehicle or to repair a vehicle to meet the emissions standard.
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There are very few people who know about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that provides free money for car repairs.
Only one thing, that they provide money only for the specific problem of the car. So, when you need help with car repairs then you can look for the official website of NHTSA and find the available options there.
Welfare To Work Grants are funded by the US Department of Labor to local, state communities and tribes to create additional job opportunities for TANF and non-custodial parents.
Eligible candidates can use the funds of this program for employment activities, job preparation activities, job retention, job placement, transportation assistance, employment-associated supportive services and car repair.
The primary purpose is to help people to work on welfare and access new job opportunities, however the funds can also be used for transportation services like car repair.
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Community Development Block Grant: Car Repair Support
Another suitable option to get help with car repair is the Community Development Block grant program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program focuses on community development projects but also offers car repair assistance.
Needy individuals who are unable to afford car repair can apply for this program and access essential services. If you’re looking for government assistance for car repair then you must contact the organization that is administering the CDBG program in your local area.
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A special benefit program for beneficiaries of the Medicaid program is known as the Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation For Non-Medical Needs that provides transportation help to beneficiaries so that they can access medical services.
The recipients of the program use transportation like wheelchair vans, stretcher cars, taxis and buses for their treatment free of charge. The primary purpose is on Medicaid transportation however few states have expanded the coverage beyond medical transportation for instance commuting to school, work and fulfilling other responsibilities.
This is the reason why few states are providing free car repair, free bus tickets, and free gas vouchers to beneficiaries of the Medicaid program under this program. Contact your local Medicaid agency to learn about how to apply for this program and get help with car repair.
Charities And Nonprofit Organizations That Help With Car Repairs
There are charities and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States of America that help people with car repairs or funds to fix their cars. You need to contact the local branch of the following nonprofit organizations.
Salvation Army helps people in times of their need and can even assist you with car repair assistance. However, not all Salvation Army branches provide the same service.
- The Salvation Army of Charlotte County in Florida has partnered with local car repair shops to help low-income residents get vehicle repair or maintenance up to $250 per vehicle.
- A Salvation Army in Elkhart County Ind assists people with emergency vehicle repairs.
- In Minnesota the St. Paul West 7th Street Salvation Army offers emergency economic support for transportation, car repair, and rent payments. You need to introduce your zip code and find a local Salvation Army to get help with car repair assistance.
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Low-income individuals can contact their local community action agency to secure funds for repairing their cars.
The agencies are funded through the Community Service Block Grant by the federal government and assist low-income families in addressing basic needs like food, employment assistance, transportation, nutrition and many more.
For instance, the Center for Community Action based in Pennsylvania provides a vehicle assistance program for low-income families at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Residents of Bedford, Huntingdon, Fulton, Muffin, and Juniata can receive $1000 for repairing their car or $2000 to purchase a new vehicle.
Car repair assistance is provided to residents of West Virginia and Alabama through the ENAct Community Action provided they have a consistent employment source for more than one year, can meet the income guidelines and show they need car repair assistance to get to their workplace.
The objective of Job Access And Reverse Commute is to help low-income families with car repair government grants. The funds are used for car maintenance, public transport or any other necessities.
If you think acquiring free car repair grants from this resource is easy then this is not the case. Job Access And Reverse Commute Programs distribute funding to a local organization that works by legislation.
The Lift Garage Free is a non-profit auto repair shop that helps people who are below the poverty line. They have an auto repair shop that is always ready to help low-income families and individuals who need car repair assistance. For receiving any aid from this organization, you have to verify your income.
The Working Cars for Working Families is a national agency and they work for helping individuals and families who are facing transportation troubles. This national agency also provides help to people to get information on to ask for free auto repair assistance.
Ways to Work is a non-profit organization that provides help for transportation to people who need to go to their workplace or job, medical appointments, interviews, and many other emergencies. They also provide help by offering car repair help to people by giving them loans at a very low rate of interest.
This non-profit organization also provides the JARC funds in their programs. So, if you are using this program or a part of this program then you cannot apply for the JARC fund separately. To know more about them you can call at (866) 252-7171.
Cars for Christ has a number of faith based groups, churches and parishes that offer help with car assistance. The main focus of Cars for Christ is to help out the young fathers and mothers with car repairs that include installing new ties, oil changes and much more. The charity operates all over the United States and to know more about the program call 800-542-9848.
Mechanics on a Mission is another non profit organization that helps single parents, widows and veterans with car repairs and assistance. To know more about the program visit the official website of the Mechanics on a Mission.
The St. Vincent de Paul in a few locations can help you out with auto repair costs and other basic necessities. They have an intake form for auto repair requests on their official website. The St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance with car repair, food, transportation, clothing, household goods and many more.
Modest Needs is a non-profit organization that helps families and individuals who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis with short-term financial assistance. In order to pay for car repairs, they offer cash grants ranging from $750 to $1,250 on average.
In partnership with the federal government, The Carpenter’s Garage offers eligible low-income families financial assistance for car repairs. The costs of car repairs are determined by your financial capabilities and are not completely free for qualified individuals.
You need to submit an application form and your proof of income to apply for reduced labor charges. At The Carpenter’s Garage, volunteer mechanics offer inexpensive auto services such as engine tuning and oil inspection.
Catholic Charities assists people all over the country. For those in need, they provide a variety of financial aid services. Not only does their assistance cover basic commodities like rent, clothing, bills, and food, but it also covers car repairs.
This charity gives auto repair help in different locations, including New York, Michigan, and adjoining states. The objective of this organization is to make sure that everyone has the right to live in dignity and respect.
Lutheran services have a wide network of human service organizations with the local community action agencies across the country. They also provide car repair financial assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Few more resources that help people with free or discounted car repairs are as follows:
- GST Michigan Works
- Autocare Haven
- Autocare Haven
- God’s Garage
- Wrench It Forward
- Fox River Christian Church
- CARS Ministry
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Specialized Free Car Repair Assistance Programs For Veterans
AER offers assistance to soldiers and their families. People who are in need of assistance with emergency car repair assistance can take advantage of this program and receive loans with no interest.
They are able to provide assistance with a wide range of things, including protection guarantees, meals, automobile expenses, funeral costs, essential furnishings, rent, instrument costs, child care, dental care, house repairs, clothing, utility costs, and a lot more.
Nonprofit organization Operation Homefront mainly operates in Arlington, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas. They provide assistance to U.S. military family members and injured warriors in need of financial help with car repairs. Only veterans who have been deployed, or disabled are eligible for the program. Auto repairs, auto payments.
For homeless veterans, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program provides housing assistance. Rent, moving costs, utility bills, and even auto repair costs might be covered by this organization. For more information, please get in touch with the SSVF provider agency in your area.
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Church Car Repair Ministry Near Me
If you’re unable to receive assistance from the aforementioned programs then you can contact a local church and learn if they have a car repair ministry to assist you with your vehicle repair.
Situated in Tacoma WA the OSLC Car Shop assists people who are unable to afford car repair maintenance in traditional auto repair shops. Expert mechanics guide volunteers and perform small repairs or oil changes. If you’re living near to this location then you can contact the organization to see if you qualify.
The Car Care Ministry of McEachern United Methodist Church in Powder Springs Georgia offers free labor for members of the church and people living in the neighborhood who are unable to afford their car repairs.
The church ministry fixes up the donated cars and vehicles and provides them to those who need reliable transportation. If you are unable to afford replacement of parts then you can qualify for assistance.
Fix It Forward Ministry based in Fargo ND refers low-income families who are looking for car repair assistance to more than 30 organizations and charities that assist families in times of crisis.
Even though they do not take direct car repair requests from low-income families, this suggests contacting a free service called FirstLink that works with individuals to connect residents of Minnesota and North Dakota to the help they need.
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Additional Ways To Get Help With Car Repair
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Search DIY Auto Garage Near Me
If you are looking for car repair assistance or know someone who needs car repair but going through financial hardship then you can opt for DIY Auto Garage. DIY garage provides supplies and tools that you can bring and repair yourself. The mechanics will answer questions on-site or help with your discounted rate.
A few examples of DIY auto garages are as follows
- American Do-It-Yourself Garage situated in Virginia Beach
- Momentum Motorsport situated in Louisville KY
- Your Dream Garage is situated in Rosemead CA and Fullerton CA.
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Search Cheap Auto Repair Shops Near Me
You can look for cheap auto repair shops to find locust mechanics or garages in your area. You can also contact a local trade school, technical school or college and ask about volunteering your vehicle for repairs. Even though you have to pay for the parts, the labor cost may come for free or at a discounted rate based on the school.
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Workforce And Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
There are workforce and vocational rehabilitation programs that help people with auto repairs to continue their jobs. This program is not available in all the states and may vary depending on the program. You can reach out to your state or county workforce programs and see if they can help you with car repair.
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Conclusion
Government assistance programs for car repair and maintenance are necessary financial aid for low-income families who are unable to pay for auto repairs and maintenance. The primary aim of these programs is to make sure everyone has reliable and safe transportation to keep their job, participate in the community and access essential services. Besides government assistance programs you can also explore nonprofit organizations, charities and other sources mentioned above to get help with car repair costs.
Are you interested in learning about various foundations and programs that help people with their financial needs? Read more about our blogs at the Get Government Grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there government programs that assist with car repairs?
Yes there are government programs like JARC, DHS, SSI, TANF, Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation For Non-Medical Needs and LIRAP that might help you with car repairs.
Which organizations help people with car repairs near Nashville Tennessee?
St. Vincent de Paul is an organization in Nashville, Tennessee that helps low income individuals and families with car repairs. However, you need to be eligible to receive help with car repairs.