The Minor Auto Repair Program: offers income-eligible households assistance with small auto repairs such as batteries, tires, water hoses, brakes, engine belts, etc. Repairs must be needed to maintain employment, find employment, attend secondary education/training, and/or ongoing health care (routine appointments are not eligible).
Please note: Martin County does not provide suggestions for auto shops or assist with repair estimates.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Martin County
- Vehicle ownership
- Current, valid FL registration and insurance
- Household must meet income limits
- Transportation need: work and/or school schedule, unemployment benefits, ongoing medical issues, etc.
Proof of income required.
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Members in Household
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
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Income Limit
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$25,760
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$34,840
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$43,920
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$53,000
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$62,080
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$71,160
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$80,240
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$89,320
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$98,400
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$107,480
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FAQS:
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must currently reside in Martin County and need repairs to maintain employment, education/training, or ongoing health care. Applicants MUST have proof of ownership (FL title) and current, valid car insurance. Only small repairs, $500 or less, such as batteries, tires, water hoses, brakes, engine belts, etc. are eligible for financial assistance.
Income eligibility is based on household size. A household is defined as an individual or group of individuals living together as one economic unit regardless of relation. Applicants living with their spouse or partner, are considered a household. The household income may not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level in order to qualify for assistance. Income guidelines listed above.
The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s).
What type of repairs are eligible for assistance?
Small repairs such as batteries, tires, water hoses, brakes, engine belts, etc. are eligible for financial assistance. Any repairs over $500 will not be considered unless the household can pay for the difference of the repair. At least two estimates from licensed auto repair companies are required.
How is income eligibility determined?
Income eligibility is based on the household’s most current economic situation. Gross income must be used per grant guidelines. Applicants living with their spouse or partner are considered a household. Verifying documentation required. The household must also demonstrate a need for service(s). The household cannot have any other available resources.
What is considered income?
The following is considered income per grant guidelines:
- Money wages and salaries before any deductions;
- Self-employment wages after deductions for business expenses;
- Social Security payments;
- Unemployment;
- Worker’s compensation;
- Veteran benefits;
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF);
- Alimony;
- Child support;
- And all other allowable sources of income as determined by the grant guidelines.
What documents are required?
The following documents must be provided at the time of appointment:
- Picture ID for all adults in the household 18 or older
- Social Security Cards for all in household
- Birth Certificates for all children in the household under 18
- Proof of all household income for prior 30 days
- Proof of Martin County residency such as lease or utility bill
- Valid driver’s license for applicant
- Proof of active Florida registration
- Proof of active auto insurance
- Proof of employment, education/training classes, OR ongoing medical care for last 30 days
- Auto shop business license insurance
- Two separate quotes for repair
Additional documents may be requested including but not limited to:
- Bank statements
- Custody documentation
- Household bills, etc.
What is considered ongoing health care?
Appointments for ongoing medical services such as dialysis or cancer treatment, which requires one or more weekly visits are eligible. Verifying documentation required.
Doctors’ appointments for ROUTINE health care such as blood work, physicals, eye exams, dental exams, etc. are NOT eligible.
Can the program reimburse individuals for repairs?
No, the program cannot reimburse individuals for repairs. Assistance can only be paid directly to a licensed auto repair shop.
HOW TO APPLY:
Martin County residents who who are seeking to apply for the Minor Auto Repair Program and who meet the eligibility requirements must call the Martin County Human Services office for a pre-screen at (772) 288-5785, or email FinancialAssist@martin.fl.us.
