How do I Get a Car on SSI & AFDC?

Purchase a car on SSI and AFDC.

Neither SSI (Social Security Income) or AFDC (Aid for Dependent Children) offer programs to assist participants in getting a car. SSI is a cash-assistance program for low income aged, blind and disabled individuals. A person can not receive both SSI and AFDC, although some members of the household may receive AFDC while others receive SSI. A car is exempt according to SSI rules. Vehicles are counted in the resource value of the AFDC budget.

Instructions

1. Locate the car to be purchased or given as a gift.

2. Call your AFDC worker and ask them if you purchase this particular car how it will affect your case. Most states exempt up to $4,650 from the value of a vehicle.

3. Purchase the car and transfer the title to your name.

4. Report the vehicle and the remaining unpaid balance to the Social Security Office and to your AFDC worker. The AFDC worker will also need a copy of the registration and proof of the amount owed. SSI may or may not ask for further information, but they do need to be informed about all of your resources.

Tips & Warnings

• It is acceptable for a person on SSI and AFDC to make payments on a vehicle.

• Only the net value of the vehicle is counted in the AFDC budget.

• AFDC is now called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

• Vehicles that have handicap stickers and that are primarily used for a disabled individual are exempt in the AFDC budget.

• AFDC participants may be eligible for assistance on fixing a vehicle to help them go to work or participate in a work program.

• Vehicle resource value is counted differently on registered and unregistered vehicles.

• If the vehicle is paid off early it may affect AFDC case.

References

• Social Security Administration: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Family Assistance