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Car Ownership Program
If a current DTA recipient cannot take public transit to work, they may be eligible
for the Car Ownership Program. The Car Ownership Program provides a donated vehicle,
which has been received and repaired by an AtJ vendor, to an eligible DTA recipient.
To be eligible, the DTA recipient cannot currently own a vehicle, must have a
valid driver’s license and be able to afford the operation and
maintenance of vehicle. In addition, the DTA recipient cannot have been sanctioned
for any reason in the previous six months.
Procedure
Once it is determined that the recipient cannot use public transit to
get to work, the AtJ Operations Manager will contact the caseworker to
discuss the Car Ownership Program.
If it is determined that they could participate in the Car Ownership Program
(they work full-time, minimum wage of between $8.50 and $9.00), the caseworker
and DTA recipient complete, sign and fax a Car Ownership Program Request
Form and a copy of the recipients valid Massachusetts driver’s license
to AtJ Operations Manager.
The Operations Manager requests the recipient’s driving record from
the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- If there are no issues with the driving record, the request
is sent to a Car Ownership Program vendor.
- If there are issues with the person’s driving record,
the Operations Manager will contact the caseworker and recipient for possible
resolution of any issues.
- If it is determined that the recipient’s insurance
rate is high due to a high step rate, the application will be re-evaluated
to determine if the recipient can still afford owning a vehicle. Results
of this evaluation will be shared with the casework and recipient.
AtJ sends a program packet which includes information about the program,
tips on vehicle maintenance and installation of child safety seats.
The vendor interviews the recipient via telephone to ensure the vehicle matches
the person’s needs and to provide more information about the vendor’s
program.
At the same time, the AtJ Operations Manager will work with the recipient
on acquiring and paying for the first year of insurance, excise tax, title
and registration. A down payment for the first six months is made to the insurance
company; the balance is paid after the recipient has demonstrated that they
have remained employed by submitting a copy of his/her pay stubs each month
for six months.
Once the recipient has completed the necessary paperwork and acquired insurance,
the recipient receives a vehicle, as well as a one-year subscription to AAA.
The vehicle is covered by a 30-day or 1,250 mile vendor warranty. If a mechanical
problem arises after the 30-day or 1,250 mile vendor warranty, the recipient
may be
eligible for up to 60 percent of the cost of a repair depending upon the nature
and cause of the problem.
Vendor
Good News Garage, an affiliate of Lutheran Social Services of New England,
obtains vehicles donated by individuals and makes necessary repairs using local
garages.
Required Paper Work
Completed
CVTR form
Completed
Car Ownership Request form
Copy of Valid Massachusetts driver’s license
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