Free wheels for welfare recipients program is revving up despite the stalled economy, as the keys to donated cars loaded with state-funded insurance, repairs and even AAA membership are handed out to get them to work.
But the program - fueled by a funding boost despite the state’s fiscal crash - allows those who end up back on welfare to keep the cars anyway.
The state pays for the car’s insurance, inspection, excise tax, title, registration, repairs and a AAA membership for one year at a total cost of roughly $6,000 per car.
The program, which started in 2006, distributes cars donated by non-profit charities such as Good News Garage, a Lutheran charity, which also does the repair work on the car and bills the state.
“If you look at the overall picture, this helps make sure people aren’t staying on cash assistance. It’s a relatively short payment for a long-term benefit,” Kehoe said.
Applicants for cars must have a job or prove they could get one if they had the car in order to qualify. Once they have the wheels, they must send DTA their pay stubs to prove they are employed.
See Full Story http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/2009_05_07_Free_cars_for_poor_fuel_road_rage/srvc=home&position=also
For more stories go to http://welfarelegal.blogspot.com/
Ron Payne
Welfare Legal
Hamilton, Ontario
Email welfarelegal2004(at)hotmail(dot)com welfarelegal2004@hotmail.com
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4 comments:
I just want to say that your blogs are very helpful in my work with clients who have disabilities. I am a registered social worker presently a recipient of the ODSP Income support program. A necessary bankruptcy,my inability to maintain and secure fulltime employment due to recent health concerns, coupled with the downturn in the economic situation in Southwestern Ontario has forced me to become dependant on this benefit.
I have never been on the system til now at age 47. The information you share is invaluable. Thank you for your contribution.
The only thing you will get free from the Ontario government is a kick in the ass and a notice of suspended payment on your ODSP/OW cheque.
I think they were doing this program in the United States realizing people that didn't have money to pay for and own a vehicle were unable to find work. This was actually implemented in many of the states' welfare reform packages. To me, they should have better public transit in all urban areas over a certain population, and subsidized taxis and regular car pooling programs for low income in rural areas. Another good program is Auto Share, which is active in Toronto. I don't know if you are aware of this program.
Thanks Advocate
Has this idea been floated around Ontario that you are aware of?
Ron
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