Where to get help with car repairs
- TANF supportive services: most states can pay for repairs that keep you working — for example Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Ohio (PRC funds).
- Nonprofit garages: The Lift Garage (Minnesota), Autocare Haven and Metro Auto Ministry (Texas), and Hands of the Carpenter (Colorado).
- Emissions repair programs: California’s CAP pays up to $1,450, and Arizona pays up to $900 after you cover the first $100.
- Community action and CSBG funds: Mississippi offers repair grants and loans for households at or below 125% of the poverty level.
- Churches and car ministries often do free labor if you buy the parts.
Emergency car repair help
If a breakdown threatens your job, tell the agency it is an emergency, bring a written estimate, and ask your employer for a letter confirming your schedule. Read how to keep your car roadworthy to prevent the next breakdown.
Tips to stretch repair help
- Get two written estimates.
- Ask which repairs are safety-critical and which can wait.
- Ask about used or refurbished parts.
- Look for free pre-purchase and safety inspections at nonprofit garages.
Where to find car repair assistance programs
These are the car repair assistance programs we found, by state. Programs change often, so contact each one to confirm eligibility. TANF supportive services in every state can also help with transportation costs.
| State | Program | Area served |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Worthy of Wheels | Arizona |
| Arizona | Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program (ADEQ) | Statewide (government) |
| California | Consumer Assistance Program (BAR) | Statewide (government) |
| Colorado | Hands of the Carpenter | Denver area |
| Colorado | Good Neighbor Garage | Golden |
| Illinois | Willow Creek C.A.R.S. Ministry | Chicago suburbs |
| Maine | Don’t Despair Car Repair | Rural Maine |
| Maryland | Second Chances Garage | Frederick |
| Michigan | Ways to Work | Michigan counties |
| Minnesota | The Lift Garage | Minneapolis |
| Minnesota | Project Clean Air Repair | Twin Cities |
| Minnesota | Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties | St. Paul |
| Mississippi | MDHS Community Services Division (CSBG) | Statewide (government) |
| Montana | TANF Emergency Assistance | Statewide (government) |
| New York | ACCORD Wheels for Work | Allegany County |
| Ohio | Prevention, Retention & Contingency (PRC) | Statewide (government) |
| Pennsylvania | North Hills Community Outreach | Allison Park |
| Pennsylvania | Work ’n Wheels-type programs | Statewide (government) |
| Tennessee | Mechanics On A Mission | Middle Tennessee |
| Texas | OnRamp | College Station / Brazos Valley |
| Texas | Metro Auto Ministry | North Texas |
| Texas | Autocare Haven | North Texas |
| Utah | Salt Lake County VRAP | Statewide (government) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant for car repairs?
Yes. Car repair grants come from TANF offices, community action agencies, state emissions programs and charities. Amounts vary, and most pay the repair shop directly.
Does the Salvation Army help with car repairs?
Some local Salvation Army offices offer emergency assistance that can include car repairs, but it depends on local funding. Call your local office or 211.
Will programs fix cosmetic damage?
Usually not. Most repair programs only cover repairs needed for the car to run safely.