Program Overview
The Jump Start Auto Repair Program is designed to offer crucial vehicle repair services to individuals participating in the CWES program who meet specific eligibility requirements. This program recognizes the vital role a working vehicle plays in achieving self-sufficiency and aims to remove transportation barriers for those actively engaged in workforce development activities.
To ensure efficient processing and program oversight, all requests for vehicle repairs must be initiated through your assigned EC. This streamlined approach ensures that participants receive personalized guidance and support throughout the repair process.
Understanding Program Eligibility
The Jump Start Vehicle Repair Program is specifically available to CalWORKs recipients who are actively participating in a WTW activity. This includes participants who are currently employed, whether full-time or part-time. Eligibility hinges on the critical need for vehicle repair to maintain participation in these essential activities.
To qualify for assistance, the vehicle owned by the participant must serve as their primary mode of transportation to their designated WTW activity for the required number of hours. It’s important to note that program eligibility is limited to ONE vehicle per eligible adult within the AU. Furthermore, the requested vehicle repair must meet the following essential criteria:
- Essential for Self-Sufficiency: The repair must be deemed necessary to enable the participant to continue their progress towards long-term self-sufficiency goals.
- Maintaining Vehicle Operability: The repair must be essential to ensure the vehicle remains in safe and reliable operating condition.
- Primary Transportation for Program Activities: The vehicle must be the participant’s primary means of transportation to school, work, training programs, or any other approved CalWORKs activity.
The program extends its support to a diverse range of eligible participants, including:
- Mandatory CWES Participants: Individuals who are mandated to participate in CWES activities.
- Domestic Abuse Exemption/Waiver Participants: Participants who have been approved for a domestic abuse exemption or waiver by their CalWORKs SW.
- Exempt Volunteers: Individuals who are volunteering for CalWORKs activities and meet program criteria.
- Post-Aid Participants: Former CalWORKs recipients who continue to require vehicle repair assistance to maintain employment.
Participants who inquire about auto repair services while at the ECC will be promptly directed to contact their assigned EC. ECC staff are trained to inform the assigned EC via email about the participant’s interest in the Jump Start Program, ensuring a timely follow-up and initiation of the repair request process by the assigned EC.
Support for Post-Aid Participants
The Jump Start Vehicle Repair Program also recognizes the ongoing transportation needs of individuals transitioning off of CalWORKs assistance. Eligible post-aid recipients, defined as former CalWORKs recipients who are no longer receiving cash aid but are employed full-time or part-time at the time of their PAS request, can also benefit from this program. Post-Aid Services (PAS), including vehicle repair assistance, are available for a maximum period of 12 months following the termination of cash aid, providing crucial support during this transition period.
Requesting Repairs via Telephone
To further enhance accessibility, eligible post-aid recipients who may not have an assigned EC can directly request vehicle repairs by calling a dedicated phone line: (408) 758-3777. Support staff are committed to retrieving messages daily and responding to all inquiries within three business days, ensuring that all requests are addressed promptly and efficiently.
