Transportation Solutions

The CEAP Transportation Solutions (CTS) car loan program provides interest-free car purchase loans to low income families. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable transportation for those who qualify. This allows our clients to further themselves in other ways; to get to school or work on time, to meet necessary appointments, and to avoid predatory lenders.

Eligibility

Applicants must:
  • Be an involved parent of a dependent child.
  • Provide a valid Minnesota Drivers License.
  • Be living at their current residence for a minimum of 6 months
  • Be current on their rent or mortgage.
  • Be continuously employed for a minimum of 6 months and/or provide evidence of sufficient disposable income to repay the loan.
  • Have a household income no greater than 80% of the area median income.
  • Be unable to borrow from a conventional lending institution at a reasonable rate of interest.

Service Area

The CTS program serves residents of:
  • Anoka County
  • Brooklyn Center
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Champlin
  • Corcoran
  • Dayton
  • Greenfield
  • Hamel
  • Hanover
  • Hassan
  • Hopkins
  • Independence
  • Loretto
  • Maple Grove
  • Maple Plain
  • Medina
  • Mounds View
  • Navarre
  • New Brighton
  • Osseo
  • Rogers
  • St Louis Park
  • Minneapolis (55430 only)

If you meet the above requirements:

Download and complete our application form and send it, together with all requested materials, to the address listed on the application OR call 763-566-9600 and ask to apply for the Transportation Solutions loan program.


Frequently Asked Questions

I don't live in your service area. Do you ever make exceptions?
No. However, we may be able to refer you to an agency that offers the loan in your community.

I have been employed for over 2 years, but I just switched jobs 3 months ago. Am I still eligible to apply?
If there is no more than a two week gap in employment from one job to another and you have been at your current job at least three months, you would be eligible to apply. If the gap is more than two weeks you will need to be at your current job six months.

I have been employed with the same company for over six months, but I am just coming off of maternity leave. Am I eligible?
Yes. However you will need to wait until you have accumulated at least 1 month of pay before CEAP will review your application.

I am self-employed. What do you want for verification in my case?
You probably filled out form 1040 for taxes, so we would want your previous two years of tax returns along with evidence of current year-to-date income.

I am paid in tips/commission only. What do you want for verification in my case?
We can only count that income which you report on your tax returns.

Do you look at a credit report?
Yes, CEAP does review your credit report. However, our review guidelines may differ from a bank or credit union in terms of how we evaluate credit information.

Do you choose a car for me?
No. But we do have resources available to help you. Also, each car has to pass a third party inspection

I want to buy a car at an auction. How does financing work for this option?
Buying a car at an auction is not an option with the CTS program. We only finance cars purchased through dealerships or private sellers.

Can I reapply if I have already received a loan in the past?
Yes. It is not uncommon for families to use this program more than once, assuming of course that payment history on a previous loan is satisfactory. However, keep in mind that the ultimate goal of this program is to situate you in a better position to obtain a bank loan.

Do I have to be single to qualify for the car loan?
No. Married couples are eligible provided their combined income does not exceed the income guidelines. Call and ask us what the income limit is for your size household.

Can I get a loan for a car repair?
No. CEAP does not have car repair loans available.