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How to Get Free Government Money for Car Repairs?
In this community resource guide, you will learn about one government program that can help you with the cost of transportation.
Did you know that the government offers an assistance program to help people with transportation costs?
This program can provide funds for gas, repairs, and other transportation-related expenses.
In this article, we will discuss one government program that can help you pay for your transportation costs. We will also provide information on how to apply for this program and what the requirements are. Keep reading!
TANF Is A Government Program That Can Help You With Car Repairs
The government offers a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) which can help you pay for car repairs and other vehicle expenses.

Editor’s Note: TANF goes by a number of names including TANF cash, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, EBT cash benefits, and welfare. If you see any of these names, know that it means TANF.
If you are low-income and need cash benefits assistance, the TANF program can help you by providing monthly funds to help you with basic needs expenses. This includes car repairs and other transportation-related costs. Especially if your car is needed to get to a job, a career training program, or take your children to doctor’s appointments.
Does TANF Have A Government Free Car Program?
No, the government nor TANF has a free car voucher program. There are many articles that state, that the government offers free vehicles, but this is simply not true. The only way that the government participates any anything resembling a free car program is:
- The government provides funds to local non-profits that offer free car programs. There are some non-profits that help single mothers, military families, and children with disabilities with a free car, but these programs are extremely rare.
- Someone who qualifies for TANF uses those monthly funds to pay for transportation expenses.
The bottom line is there is no government office that you can enter to apply for a free car program.

What Other Basic Needs Does TANF Pay For?
TANF can be used to pay for a variety of different things. These include food, clothing, housing, utilities, furniture, transportation, phone, laundry, and supplies for the home.
TANF can also be used to pay for medical supplies that are not covered by Medicaid. TANF can also be used to help pay for other basic needs.
The items listed above are usually allowed to be bought with TANF money, however, each state has its own restrictions.
Eligibility Requirements For TANF
TANF is a needs-based program, which means that eligible families must have little to no income or resources in order to qualify for assistance.
TANF benefits are available to families with children aged 18 and younger, as well as to relative caregivers who are raising related children.
In order to determine TANF eligibility, caseworkers will consider factors such as the family’s overall income, the value of assets owned by the family, and monthly expenses such as child care and child support payments.
How To Apply For TANF
To apply for TANF benefits, you will need to contact your local Department of Social Services office. You can find the contact information for your local office by visiting the TANF website or finding your state’s health department in the links below.
State | Phone Number | Website |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 334-242-1700 | Website |
Alaska | 907-465-3347 | Website |
Arizona | 855-777-8590 | Website |
Arkansas | 800-482-8988 | Website |
California | 877-847-3663 | Website |
Colorado | 800-536-5298 | Website |
Connecticut | 855-626-6632 | Website |
Delaware | 800-372-2022 | Website |
Washington DC | 202-724-5506 | Website |
Florida | 866-762-2237 | Website |
Georgia | 877-423-4746 | Website |
Guam | 671-735-7245 | Website |
Hawaii | 855-643-1643 | Website |
Idaho | 877-456-1233 | Website |
Illinois | 800-843-6154 | Website |
Indiana | 800-403-0864 | Website |
Iowa | 877-347-5678 | Website |
Kansas | 888-369-4777 | Website |
Kentucky | 855-306-8959 | Website |
Louisiana | 888-524-3578 | Website |
Maine | 800-442-6003 | Website |
Maryland | 800-332-6347 | Website |
Massachusetts | 877-382-2363 | Website |
Michigan | 855-275-6424 | https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0Website,5885,7-339-71547_5527---,00.html |
Minnesota | 800-657-3698 | Website |
Mississippi | 800-948-3050 | Website |
Missouri | 855-373-4636 | Website |
Montana | 888-706-1535 | Website |
Nebraska | 800-383-4278 | Website |
Nevada | 800-992-0900 | Website |
New Hampshire | 603-271-9700 | Website |
New Jersey | 800-687-9512 | Website |
New Mexico | 800-283-4465 | Website |
New York | 800-342-3009 | MyBenefits New York _Website |
North Carolina | 800-662-7030 | Website |
North Dakota | 800-755-2716 | Website |
Ohio | 866-244-0071 | Website |
Oklahoma | 855-880-8003 | Website |
Oregon | 503-945-5600 | Website |
Pennsylvania | 800-692-7462 | Website |
Puerto Rico | 787-289-7600 | WebWebsitesite |
Rhode Island | 855-697-4347 | Website |
South Carolina | 800-616-1309 | Website |
South Dakota | 877-999-5612 | Website |
Tennessee | 866-311-4287 | Website |
Texas | 877-541-7905 | Website |
Utah | 866-526-3663 | Website |
Vermont | 800-479-6151 | Website |
Virgin Islands | 340-774-2399 | Website |
Virginia | 800-552-3431 | Website |
Washington | 877-501-2233 | Website |
West Virginia | 800-642-8589 | Website |
Wisconsin | 800-362-3002 | Website |
Wyoming | 307-777-5846 | Website |
Conclusion
The only government program that resembles a free car program is the TANF program.
The TANF program can help you pay for transportation costs, but it does not give out free cars.
If you are (very) low-income and need help with transportation costs or basic needs, contact your local Department of Social Services office to see if you qualify for TANF benefits. You can find out more about this cash benefits program by visiting the TANF website.
Similar Articles That May Interest You:
- How To Get Paid Monthly EBT Cash Benefits (TANF)
- Free Car Programs: Ultimate Guide To Finding A Free Car
- Does The Government Give Away Free Cars?
Nick Bryant is a Counselor with 11 years of experience working in community health. He enjoys concerts, walks with the doggo and wife, mocking Dallas Cowboy fans, and sharing community resources. Jump on the Houston Case Managers email list to receive weekly community resource guides delivered directly to your inbox.
