Program to help low-income disabled residents purchase cars

Nov. 28--ASHLAND -- A meeting will be held next week in Ashland to recruit participants for a pilot program intended to help low-income disabled residents purchase vehicles.

Ashland was one of two cities selected by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development for the anti-poverty and self-suffiency initiative, with Murray being the other.

The individual development account program will accept 10 applicants from each city to help test the system and work out any bugs prior to a potential statewide release, said Dave Matheis, program planning and development branch manager for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

According to Matheis, Ashland and Murray was chosen as test sites because, unlike the state's larger metropolitan areas, both have limited public transportation options, which places additional importance on individual vehicle ownership.

"We wanted to focus on more rural areas," he said.

The IDA program aims to help disabled individuals save $2,000 with monthly financial education classes. Once the money is saved between either a six-month or two-year timetable, the state will match the saved money and give back a $4,000 check, which the individual can use to make a down payment, full payment or to pay for insurance on a car, Matheis said.

The program is an extension of one currently offered by the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, Matheis said. However, unlike the KDA program, participants need not be domestic violence survivors, he said.

The KDA will be handling the new accounts through its banking partners, PNC Bank and Firth Third Bank, he said.

Applicants to the program must receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, received earned income tax credit on their most recent tax return (with a net worth less than $10,000) or their household income must be within twice the federal poverty level with a net worth less than $10,000, Matheis said.

In addition to monthly financial education meetings, participants will take a one-time course on proper vehicle maintenence and save at least $20 a month toward the car fund, he said.

According to Matheis, state officials will be on hand answer questions about the program at next week's meeting, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the main branch of the Boyd County Public Library, 1740 Central Ave.

KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.

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