There are essentially two types of Centrelink loans available and multiple options within these two…
Free Car Help in Australia – Where to Look
It is hard to imagine how to get through life without a car. But that situation is a reality for many people across the country. The idea of finding free cars in Australia seems far fetched, but it is possible for those in the greatest need.
To understand how these programs work here is an outline of the process in use by most charitable organisations that help with cars.
How to get a free car in Australia
Receiving a free car or vehicle isn’t easy and where programs do exist, they are generally reserved for specific reasons. Being a low income earner or down on your luck will not result in getting a free vehicle. In many cases they are reserved for low income families with disability situations, victims of violence, victims of natural disasters, medically needy or other unfortunate and serious situations.
Who provides free cars?
Numerous programs or services may provide assistance with obtaining a free vehicle at different times. To locate these organisations, reach out to local charities or churches to ask if they know of any programs in the area. They are generally the best source of information as they have vast networks of non-profits and charities who may participate in providing transportation.
Alternative Solutions to a Getting a Car
If you are unable to locate any free car assistance in your area, there are alternative solutions to help you get from point a to point b. Below are a few other ideas to consider.
Low Income Car Loan – Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a low income car loan. There are numerous lenders who provide specialised loans for those dealing with financial issues and need a car.
Benefits Cards – If you are a senior, there are numerous benefits cards, which provide various discounts for transportation. This can include getting lifts to and from medical appointments, food shopping and general outings.
Centrelink Loans – There are certain loans available for Centrelink recipients. Whilst the loan amounts are smaller, they may be enough for an affordable second hand car.
Cars are Donated by Regular People
Many people don’t realise that cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles can be donated to charity. People donate vehicles by coordinating directly with the charitable organisation, assigning full ownership of the vehicle to the program. Vehicles can be donated regardless of their condition, and many organisations will arrange to pick up the vehicle from you.
These vehicles are then used by the charity, on sold where the profits benefit the charity or in certain situations, may be given to families in need.
Condition Evaluation
Every donated vehicle is examined to determine its condition and estimated value. If the car is not in working order, and cannot be easily repaired, it may be sold for scrap. The funds from the sale go directly into the charity’s coffers, providing them needed funds to support their operations and support initiatives throughout the community.
Vehicles that do run properly, and are in reasonably good shape, are often destined for a new owner.
Vehicle Auctions and Charity Programs
In some cases, the vehicles are sold at auction. This allows people to access a car at a price lower than those seen elsewhere. As with funds raised from selling a vehicle as scrap, the money is managed by the charity to support their operations and missions.
However, some organisations may choose to provide a vehicle to a family in need at no cost to them. People can see if they qualify by contacting the charities directly and filling out an application. If the application is accepted, the family may receive an eligible vehicle immediately or may be placed on a waiting list until a suitable vehicle becomes available.
Vehicles distributed through the program may be signed over to the family in need. Each program may have its own rules regarding how the car must be managed.
Online Opportunities
There are instances where people will offer up a vehicle for free via classifieds. Whilst there aren’t an abundance of vehicles being offered up for free, it does happen. In addition, people in certain situation may create a crowd funding program which may assist in a family or individual getting a car.
If taking a car off of a person, be sure to check its background as you may be taking on something with debts of bigger issues which will cost you more in disposal fees.
Commercial Programs
In some cases, consumers may locate a program run by a particular business that helps them with their vehicle needs. These programs run by having the car recipient agree to drive a car wrapped in advertising for a particular business. Some programs provide a car directly from the program, while others offer a stipend to help offset the cost of vehicle payments.
It is important to recognise that there often very strict rules regarding how often the vehicle must be driven, and you will likely be responsible for maintenance costs. Additionally, the car may be restricted to particular areas of the country. This may allow it to work as a commuter vehicle, but it may not be eligible to take on a cross-country trip.
In cases where a vehicle is provided by a company, it is important to recognise that it is not officially your property. This means you have no long-term rights to the vehicle. If a stipend is received to offset the costs of a vehicle, you should be prepared to continue payments on your own should the program end.
The above are examples of different ways and programs to try and get a free car or assistance with transportation. Whilst options for receiving a free car are limited, there are certain instances where a family or individual may be able to access one.
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Hi im a single mum of 3 children and have been left without a car thanks to now an old friend whom lent it out without my permission.. i have tried to get it paid for or replaced by either parties with no luck the police have also been no help the justice system has allowed me no options for justice 🙁 how can I get help?
Hello I am a full time carer for special needs son who has the following:
1. Multiple Pitiutary Hormone Deficency
2. Epilepsy
3. Imsonima
4. Global Development Delay
5. Hearing Impairment
6. Septo-Optic Nerve Dysplasis
I have a holden commondore and trying to put the wheelchair in the back is such a mission.So I doing the scope to see if I can get any help to organise a more compatable chair for us.
Thank you
Pls pls I beg of some one to help me I have two teenage girls whom are both needing MacBooks this year fOr thare school education I have always done the right thing by people throughout my whole life for eg last week lent my car to a friend she Brings it back three days later all smashed up and says she doesn’t know wat happened I have no insurance and need my car as my two daughters suffer from mental health as do I so we need a car for there appointments and mine I suffer bad anxiety and depression my car is myl security without my car I carnt leave my house pls help me and my two children
I’m try so hard to improve my daughters life by starting a apprenticeship in commercial cookery but without my car I carnt continue I beg of u anyone to help eers
Hello , I’m a single mother of 4 children recently experienced FV, I have 3 of my children with disabilities , my car has packed up and I cannot afford to purchase another one and being on Carer payment I’m finding it very hard to find someone to loan me money , it’s a very tight situation at home with money now so I’m in diar straights . My children have loads of appointments and I can not get them there on public transport . I really don’t know what I will do not having a car to transport them and school is coming up in a couple of weeks as well . If someone out there is able to guide me in the rite direction I would really appreciate that . Even if I can borrow money on a low interest rate . Thank you
Please help I need a 1tone van .im sharing a room with my brother im44 I’m doing it tough I’ve jfound a job I just need a van please help
Hi not to sure who will read this ,or even how many ,or who is willing to even help,we have a baby boy with a disability with a medical condition,who is only 3 years old ,he was born a very sick baby,but has came a long way,heaps of appointments and therapy,,many visits to Dr,s and hospital,we have tryed to rent a car to own, which we can’t afford no longer,it’s gotta go back,we only get Centrelink payments,both can’t work as our son need 24/7 care ,I hope and prayer,that someone can out of the kind of there heart’s help us with a car as we need for our boy to get him to he’s appointment,s and he’s brother to school,👏👏
hi
I have six children 3 with disabilities, single parent fleeing Domestic violence. I relay on a car for everyday use. Getting my children to school drop off and pick up everyday for 2 of my children with disabilities, Hospital appointments specialist clinic’s 4 of my children and shopping for a large family. Not having a car limits our ability to flee Domestic violence and move around the community safely. We can’t use public transport due to safety concerns D.V and having 3 children with disabilities. Without a car stops my ability to travel for my children’s health, schooling and even during lock-down for on site learning for my special needs children.
hello, I’m hoping for just a little break from somewhere plzz,
I have grand mild seizures up to 8 minutes at a time. I’ve had a double brain anursium, and this year I’ve broken my leg. which now is fixed by 2-3 screws and I have a metal plate over my knee.
I used to ride everywhere but now I stay in bed or inside cause I can’t get anywhere. it’s really very depressing and I just think I hope I don’t get sick cause I can’t go to a doctor . I’m just so tired all the time cause I don’t get out or do anything.
so if there is someone who can help me with this Plzzzzzz I’ll b ever in ur debt.
Hello, I suffer crippling arthritus in my spine , neck feet and hands , our car motor blew up , so me and my daughter struggle everyday to go get shopping , doctors , hospital, or visit family , we are realy having alot of trouble just going to get food , I carnt walk far , stand or sit for long , I carnt wear closed in shoes , I suffer from anxiety , so public transport I carnt do , we just need a cheap registered little run around to make me independent and get to all my appointments , I’m loosing quality of life and under duress not being able to get anywhere , I don’t like to rely on other people , I feel I’m a burden , can anyone help me and my daughter please , we have no life , Leanne Grealy
We too are starting again after leaving a dv situation. I feel like I’m treading water and desperately need a reliable car. I feel like we’re all in a pickle so why me more than anyone else. I want it to be easier for e eryone but at the end of the day… why not me.
Any help would so appreciated
Kind regards
Hello
I Need a Car I am Broke I can’t Afford This Thanks….
From Mac Shea
Hi I had a car accident on May of 2021.
I wasn’t insured at the time.
Have been without a car since.
I’m still paying the loan off for my car that was written off.
Just needing a bit help.
Hi we lost our car and caravan on the pacific hwy north of Taree ,we lost every thing now we are homeless on the street with my friend i am caring for he is 72 years old and not well if we had a car we would use it for shelter and be able to find accommadation it is hard for my friend who i am caring for to walk with me as i have to be with him if we had a car it would be a huge help for me. I would very much appreciate any one that will donate us a car.Thankyou Kindly.
How can I get a vehicle that is modified to transport a wheelchair. My son is severely disabled in every way possible and I would love to give him the best possible life but it’s hard as we can not get out and about. A small modified wheel chair car would help with giving him the chance to get around and live like a normal boy.
I don’t want anything for free just a loan for a car no one will approve me my ex husband destroyed my credit history I’ve tried everyone I need a car takes me over an hour to walk to my kids school