Access to Jobs
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What is Access to Jobs?
Access to Jobs (AtJ) is a government program that provides up to six months of free transportation services for current and former TAFDC recipients who are transitioning from public assistance to work. Access to Jobs transportation options include public transportation, car ownership, and gas cards. The goal of Access to Jobs is to make sure that transportation is not a barrier to employment for people with limited incomes.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) funds Access to Jobs, and a private company, TransAction Associates, manages the program.
Am I eligible?
Access to Jobs is for:
- current TAFDC recipients
- and former TAFDC recipients (case closed within the past six months)
who do not have access to other reliable transportation.
To be eligible, you must be:
- searching for a job
- working
- or taking part in an approved education or job training program
What benefits will I get?
Access to Jobs will pay for transportation services for up to six months for you to search for a job, commute to/from work, or take part in an approved education/training program. The program will also pay for transportation for child care, if needed.
The type of transportation you will get depends on your situation:
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Public Transit Commuter Check Program:
Access to Jobs first checks to see if you can get to your job and child care by using public transportation. Public transportation is the first choice because it is the least expensive way to travel, and most affordable for you after your six months of assistance are over.
If you can use public transportation, Access to Jobs will give you Commuter Checks each month to cover the cost of public transportation. The maximum amount you can get is $80 per month for six months.
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Car Ownership Program:
If public transportation cannot get you where you need to go, you may be eligible for the Car Ownership Program if:
- you have a full-time job or are about to start a full-time job within 30 days
- you do not already own a vehicle
- you have a valid driver's license
- you have an acceptable driving record
- you can afford to pay vehicle operating and maintenance costs
- you have not been sanctioned in the past six months
- you have no other way to get to work
If approved, Access to Jobs will give you a free donated car that has been checked and repaired by Good News Garage or Four Wheels to Work, non-profit social service garages. Cars come with a 30-day warranty.
Access to Jobs will pay for insurance, vehicle registration, title, inspection, AAA membership, excise tax, and approved repairs for one year. Clients must show pay stubs as proof that they are still employed to get these extra benefits.
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Gas Card Program:
If you are taking part in an approved education or training program, and you have your own car or can find someone to give you a ride, Access to Jobs will give you a gas card to pay for your gasoline. The value of the gas card that you get each month depends on the number of miles you travel for your program (and child care, if needed) and the cost of gasoline. The maximum you can get is $80 per month for six months.
You use the gas card like a debit or credit card to buy gasoline for the vehicle that is transporting you to your program and child care. Access to Jobs monitors your use of the card on a daily basis.
How do I apply?
The DTA must request Access to Jobs transportation services for you. If you are a current TAFDC recipient, speak to your case worker. Otherwise, call the DTA at 1-800-249-2007 or visit your local DTA office and ask about the Access to Jobs program.
To apply for Public Transit Commuter Checks or Car Ownership:
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Your DTA case worker must complete a Client Verification and Transportation Request Form (CVTR), sign it and fax it to Access for Jobs.
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Access to Jobs checks to see if you can get to your job (and child care, if needed) by using public transportation.
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If you can use public transportation, Access to Jobs calculates the monthly cost of your trips. You will get Commuter Checks for that amount each month. You can use the Commuter Checks to buy transit passes, tickets, or tokens.
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If you cannot use public transportation, you may apply for the Car Ownership Program by completing an Access to Jobs Car Ownership Application and sending it with a copy of your driver's license to Access to Jobs.
If Access to Jobs determines that you are eligible for the Car Ownership Program:
- Good News Garage or Four Wheels to Work will call you to explain their program
- Access to Jobs will work with you to pay for insurance and car ownership fees.
- Once you have insurance and have completed all the paperwork, you will get your car.
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You must fax or send in pay stubs each month to show you are employed.
To apply for Gas Cards:
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Your DTA case worker must complete a Client Verification and Transportation Request Form (CVTR), sign it and fax it to Access for Jobs.
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Access to Jobs determines if you are eligible for the Gas Card Program.
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If you are eligible, Access to Jobs will send your gas card with instructions within 24 hours. They will monitor your use of the card on a daily basis to make sure you are only using it for education/job training and child care transportation expenses.
If you have questions, you may contact Access to Jobs at 781-895-1100. The Access to Jobs fax number is 781-895-1122.
Useful links
These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.
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Massachusetts Access to Jobs Program
Official website of the Access to Jobs Program, including eligibility, benefits, forms, and how to apply for commuter checks, car ownership, and gas cards.
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Good News Garage
Information about the Good News Garage, including a history of the organization, and how to apply for a car or donate a car.
Access to Jobs section last updated on 9/10/09
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