We’ve found assistance with transportation all over the United States! If you are low income and need help getting to work, doctor’s appointments and more, then you can’t afford to miss this!
It’s no surprise that so many people are searching for assistance with transportation. The Leadership Conference Education Fund found that low income people typically spend 42% of their income on transportation costs. That’s a huge burden for low income people across the United States!
You may be able to get a free car.
We have found several ways that low income people can get a free car. Personally, this is my favorite way to get assistance with transportation because it gives you a lot more freedom than some of the other options… and I know they work, because my family won one back in 2017! Here’s everything we know about legitimate free vehicle giveaways and how to replicate our success.
Many public transportation systems have low income discounts.
Bus passes, train tickets and other public transportation systems can get really expensive when you rely on them. However, many of these systems offer free or discounted services to low income residents. You will need to contact your local public transit system or Department in charge of social services for more information, because this information varies depending on where you live.
Bike share and electric scooter share programs have popped up all over the country. Users pay a certain amount of money to use this equipment and anyone can use them in the service area. It’s actually really cool – but my favorite part is that many of these providers offer low income discounts. If you live in an area with a bike share or scooter share program, check out our complete discount list.
Medicaid can help you get to doctor’s appointments.
Medicaid provides free healthcare for low income people – and Medicaid benefits include assistance with transportation to and from doctors appointments!
According to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “Federal regulations say that Medicaid beneficiaries can get rides to and from providers when necessary… Depending on your needs and your State’s rules, rides might be by taxi, car, van, public bus or a subway. You might share your ride with others. You have to call to set up your ride in advance.”
If you receive Medicaid benefits and you need help getting to an appointment, call either your caseworker or the office in charge of Medicaid in your area.
Disabled veterans can get free rides from the DAV network.
Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, offers free volunteer rides for medical or dental needs. This service is run by volunteers and cannot cover every community. However, the DAV website says that they have donated over 3,500 vehicles for this program so it does cover many areas. See if it’s available in your area at DAV.org.
Lyft offers specific transportation assistance for low income people.
A 2019 Lyft study revealed that almost half of all Lyft rides started or ended in a low income area. As a result, they have created several LyftUp programs that offer assistance with transportation in low income areas.
First, the Jobs Access program helps low income workers commute to job interviews, job training, and transportation for the first three weeks of employment. This program is available in several cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tacoma, and Washington DC.
This program is offered through a partnership with Goodwill and the United Way. In order to get a free rideshare, bike or scooter ride, you will need to contact the company in advance. You cannot just book a Lyft and expect it to be free. You’ll need to apply for the LyftUp Jobs Access Program on Lyft.com.
Lyft has also offered a Grocery Access Program that appears to still be operating, but I could not confirm what areas participated. Historically, they have also provided free transportation to polling locations for elections, transportation to essential services and resources in underserved communities, and more. Visit their LyftUp Programs list for details.
TANF may offer assistance with transportation.
TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, is a low income program that provides cash benefits to families who qualify. The program is designed to help families transition out of poverty. I was able to uncover multiple reports that indicated that TANF funds can be used to help low income people with transportation to and from work.
Specifically, I found several reports indicating that transportation was a key problem that TANF was designed to solve. One report reads, “In some areas, there is a mismatch between where most entry-level and service sector jobs are located and where most welfare recipients live. Two-thirds of new jobs are in the suburbs, but three of four welfare recipients live in rural areas or central cities, with few recipients owning reliable cars. Many entry-level jobs require evening or weekend hours in areas that are poorly served by existing transit routes or are not within a reasonable commute time. Even in metropolitan areas with extensive transit systems, studies have shown that less than half the entry-level jobs are accessible by transit.”
As a result, states were urged to find a way to help low income TANF participants with transportation, especially for work. If you need assistance with transportation, I strongly recommend that you contact your state agency in charge of TANF.
Local organizations may have volunteer driver programs.
Many nonprofits and charities have recognized the transportation crisis that low income people face and have created volunteer driver programs. Over the years that I’ve been running Low Income Relief, I’ve found countless senior centers, community centers, congregate meal sites and other organizations that offer transportation services for their clients, guests and community members.
However, these are all very local. You would need to call 211 or call around to organizations in your area to see if they assist with transportation.
Stacey Hunt
Tuesday 2nd of August 2022
I live in Cedar Rapids iowa and recently got in a car accident and totalled my vehicle. Thank goodness i had insurance, so I got an ok replacement. But now I need to pay registration,taxes,and tags but unfortionately I have nothing left. Is there any assistance for any of this in my area. Anything helps. Thanks, Stacey H.
Catherine Marucci
Tuesday 2nd of August 2022
Hi Stacey. I'm glad you're okay! Here's the info we have on getting registration paid for in some cases: https://lowincomerelief.com/need-financial-help-car-registration/ You can also try calling 211 to see if they can suggest any local resources.
Tshiamo
Saturday 16th of July 2022
Just started my businesses in the transportation industry
Elzina maulden
Thursday 23rd of June 2022
Hello l am 66 years old and disabled use I live in COALINGA CA FRESNO COUNTY ALL THE DR'S ARE IN HANFORD ABOUT 60 MILES THE BUS ONLY GO'S TO FRESNO I'M GOING TO HAVE BOTH KNEES REPLACEMENT I CAN BARELY WALK I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING I CAN AFFORD BUT I JUST CAN'T FIND ANYTHING I FEEL LIKE JUST GIVING UP I'm so depressed day after day I just sat here alone I never get to go anywhere it's been almost two years now I haven't had a car if I could just get anything it doesn't have to be anything special as long as it runs
ns I'm pleas can anyone help me
Catherine Marucci
Saturday 9th of July 2022
Hi Elzina. I know how difficult it can be, especially without transportation. Dial 211 and ask them about assisted transportation in your area. Here's our article on free cars as well https://lowincomerelief.com/free-cars/ - Cat
Krystal Brown
Thursday 23rd of June 2022
I have medicaid,and I am needing a way to a job intervieiw 6/24/2022 by 1:45
Catherine Marucci
Saturday 9th of July 2022
Hi Krystal. If none of the resources above are helpful, you can try calling 211 to see what is available locally.
Alejandro Cobian
Thursday 16th of June 2022
This is for son going to school each morning with don't have a car to take him to school so with walk 4 miles each morning
Isaac
Friday 17th of June 2022
Information on this should be in the article above. Chat with Lira, she might be able to help! https://lowincomerelief.com/chat/