Nonprofit car assistance for families nationwide help@freecarhelp.org
Nonprofit car assistance nationwide

Donated Cars, Car Repair Help and Fair Loans for Families in Need

Free Car Help is a nonprofit that helps low-income families, single parents, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities get reliable transportation. We connect you with free car assistance programs for low income households, donated cars, car repair assistance and fair car loans — and you can apply online in minutes.

  • Free to apply
  • No fees, ever
  • Help in every state
Free Car Help volunteer hands car keys to a low-income family
Apply in about 10 minutesOnline, free and secure
NationwideA local help page for every state and DC
$0 to ApplyNo application or delivery fees
9 Types of HelpCars, loans, repairs, gas & more
165+ ProgramsResearched nonprofit & government help
Family meets an advisor about car assistance
Free to applyWe never charge applicants
Who we are

A nonprofit helping families get the transportation they need

Without a reliable car, it is hard to keep a job, get kids to school or make it to medical appointments. Free Car Help exists to close that gap. We review applications from across the country and connect people with donated vehicles, trusted car programs and practical help close to home.

  • Donated cars and low-cost cars for working families
  • Car repair grants, gas cards and insurance help
  • Honest, researched information for every state
  • Guidance to avoid free car scams
About Free Car Help
Car assistance programs

Free car assistance programs for low-income families

Choose the kind of help you need. Each program page explains who qualifies and where to apply.

Donated cars for people in need handed over at a community center

Free Donated Cars

Donated, repaired vehicles given to families who need a car for work, school or medical care.

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Free used cars for a couple in need

Low-Cost Cars

Repaired donated cars sold at a fraction of market price to working families.

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Car payment assistance meeting with a family

Car Payment Assistance

Help when you are behind on a car note and at risk of losing the car you need for work.

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Car repair grants: a mechanic explains a repair estimate

Car Repair Assistance

Grants and low-cost repairs that keep your current car safe and on the road.

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Accessible vehicle support for a wheelchair user with a ramp-equipped van

Accessible Vehicles

Funding for wheelchair-accessible vans, adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications.

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Popular programs

Well-known programs that help you get a car

People often search for these car assistance programs by name. Our guides explain who each one serves, how to apply and what to try if it does not operate near you.

Working Cars for Working Families

The national network behind many car ownership programs, with donated cars, fair loans and matched savings for working families.

Read the guide

Salvation Army free car program

What the Salvation Army can and cannot help with, how to ask your local corps for help, and the application form to expect.

Read the guide

Government car voucher program

The truth about government car vouchers, and the TANF, VA and state grants that really help with cars and repairs.

Read the guide

Ways to Work car program

Low-interest car loans for working families with poor or no credit, offered through local family service agencies.

Read the guide

Good News Garage application

How Good News Garage repairs donated cars for families in New England, and how to apply online with a referral.

Read the guide
Help getting a car: a family meets a caseworker
How to get a free car

Where to find free cars and car repair help near you

Free cars for low income families are limited, so the families who succeed usually apply to more than one program at once. Here is the path we recommend:

  1. Check your state page for free car programs near you, low-cost cars and government help.
  2. Ask for a referral from a caseworker, employer, church or school counselor. Many free car programs require one.
  3. Fix the car you have if you can. Car repair assistance programs near you are often faster than waiting for a donated car.
  4. Apply for a free car online with Free Car Help, and we will look for programs that fit.

Be careful with sites that promise free cars given away near you for a fee. Real charities never charge to apply. Read how to get a free car and free cars near me for the full guide.

How to get a donated car
How it works

Four simple steps to get help with a car

We keep the process clear, respectful and free.

  1. Apply online

    Tell us about your household, your income and the help you need. It takes about 10 minutes.

  2. We review

    Our team reviews your application and checks programs available in your state.

  3. Get matched

    We connect you with donated vehicles, car programs, loans or repair help that fit.

  4. Hit the road

    Get to work, school and appointments with reliable transportation.

See how it works

Find local car programs

Free car programs and car repair help near you

Pick your state to see local nonprofits, programs that help you get a car, government car assistance, repair help and insurance programs.

Who we help

Car help for the people who need it most

Cars for single moms: a mother and son with their car

Single Moms & Parents

Reliable transportation for single parents juggling work, childcare and school.

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Free cars for veterans: a veteran with a Free Car Help volunteer

Veterans

VA vehicle grants, adaptive equipment and charity cars for veterans.

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Cars for seniors: an older couple with their vehicle

Seniors

Transportation, repair and registration help for older adults.

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Cars for working families: parents and kids at a repair shop

Working Families

Cars and loans that help low-wage workers get to work and keep their jobs.

Learn more
Donated car keys handed to a grateful couple
Donate a car

Your old car can change a family’s life

A running car you no longer need can help a parent keep a job or a veteran get to medical care. Donate your vehicle to Free Car Help, or support our work with a gift.

  • Reliable cars go to families in need
  • Simple, no-cost pickup arranged with you
  • Receipt for your records
From the blog

Helpful articles for getting a car

Help getting a car: a family meets a caseworker

How to Get a Free Car

A step-by-step plan for getting a free or low-cost car when money is tight.

Read article
Donated car keys handed to a grateful couple

Free Cars Near Me

How to find free car programs and giveaways close to home — and avoid fake local offers.

Read article

All articles

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Free Car Help free to apply?

Yes. Applying is completely free. Free Car Help never charges application, processing or delivery fees.

Do you give away free cars?

We review applications and connect qualified applicants with donated vehicles and with free car, low-cost car, loan and repair programs in their state. Donated cars are limited, so we also help you apply to other programs.

Who can apply?

Individuals and families with low income who need reliable transportation for work, school, job training or medical care, including single parents, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.

Which states do you serve?

Every U.S. state and Washington, DC. Each state has its own page listing local nonprofits, car repair help and government programs.

How long does it take?

The application takes about 10 minutes. Timelines for receiving a car depend on local programs and vehicle donations.

Where can I get a donated car for free?

Donated cars come from local charities, church car ministries, national programs such as 1-800-Charity Cars and car ownership programs like Good News Garage. Start with your state page, then apply with Free Car Help so we can match you with programs near you.

How do I apply for a free car online?

Fill out our free online application. It asks about your household, income, job or school and the kind of help you need. We review it and contact you by email or phone.

Are there free grants to help with car payments?

There is no national car payment grant, but local charities, Community Action Agencies, TANF emergency assistance and military relief societies can sometimes cover a missed payment. See our guide to help with car payments.

Is there a government free car program?

No federal program gives away free cars. But TANF, VA benefits and state vehicle replacement grants can help — see our guide to the government car voucher program.

More questions

Ready to get on the road?

Our application is free and takes about 10 minutes. We review every application and connect you with donated vehicles and programs in your state.