JumpStart understands that access to a reliable car can dramatically improve the quality of life for low-income families - providing access to better jobs, good daycare for children, family activities, and medical services.

JumpStart works with the everyday realities faced by working families: The need to get to a job every day and on time, the lack of disposable income for insurance payments or expensive car repairs, and the problems caused by a poor credit history.

JumpStart assistance includes:

• Help in getting a loan to buy an affordable, reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient car that is protected for 5 years/100,000 miles against major breakdowns.
• Assistance in applying for and obtaining auto insurance
• Help from JumpStart’s car dealership and experienced staff in finding a good quality, late model car with a substantial savings on price.
• Support in maintaining a consistent car maintenance schedule.

How JumpStart Works

For more detailed information about JumpStart go to “Becky Goes To Work”

JumpStart I
Jump Start I is available to TANF eligible families with children. The program provides clients with a 0% down payment loan and assists them in receiving financing from either the Westconsin Credit Union or the Chippewa Valley Credit Union. Clients can have partial loan forgiveness if all payments are completed as agreed. Participation in JumpStart I is limited by the amount of funding the program receives.

JumpStart II
JumpStart II is available to any family or individual whose income is below 200% of poverty. The main benefit of this option is access to Jumpstart’s car dealership in finding the right car at a very substantial savings. Our experienced car buyer is able to purchase quality vehicles directly at wholesale auction, and we are able to pass these savings on to our low-income clients. Clients using JumpStart 2 will need to arrange their own car financing.

JumpStart III
JumpStart 3 is available to individuals who are not eligible for assistance from WETAP. The program provides access to a loan from S&C Bank at 2 ½% above prime. No down payment is required and the terms of the loan can be as long as 5 years on vehicles typically costing $6,000-$10,000. There are no credit rating restrictions for this program. Because West CAP guarantees any loss of principle on the loan, the clients apply for the loan through West CAP. Once West CAP approves the loan, the application is sent to S&C Bank for approval.

JumpStart Rules
Because JumpStart is a unique, publicly funded opportunity, the JumpStart rules place much of the responsibility on you – the participant. For example, you must agree to make your car and insurance payments on time, to properly maintain your car, operate your vehicle safely, and not allow others (besides your spouse) to drive your car. Breaking a rule could result in repossession of your car.

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Are You Eligible?

JumpStart 1 Program – Any low-income family receiving Employment Training, W-2 Case Management, Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, or Subsidized Child Care is likely to be eligible for JumpStart 1. The number of clients we can serve each year will be limited by the amount of funding available.

JumpStart 2 – Application for this JumpStart program is limited to individuals with a family income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. For example, in 2003 an area family of four could have a household income of $36,800 or less and be eligible to purchase a vehicle through the JumpStart program.

How to Apply

JumpStart staff can provide information on the application process and help determine which program you could be eligible for. All JumpStart programs require:

• A valid drivers license.
• Income enough to make car loan and insurance payments.
• No recent history of OWI (operating a vehicle while intoxicated) violations.

To begin the application process or to obtain additional information about the JumpStart program, contact us at 1-866-565-3066 ext. 101

What Happens Next?

If you qualify, our staff will meet with you to assess your transportation needs. They will assist JumpStart 1 clients in submitting a financing request to a credit union loan officer for approval. They will also help develop a purchase or lease agreement for other clients. Our Transportation Specialist will use our dealer license to find a good quality, late model car at the best possible price – usually by purchasing directly from a wholesale auction. Before you pick up the car, it will have a full inspection and servicing.

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