As someone with a disability, you may be wondering if you can get a car loan. Acquiring a brand-new or second-hand handicap-accessible vehicle represents a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, there exist financial establishments willing to extend auto loans, easing the financial burden associated with procuring an adaptive mobility vehicle. However, before finalizing any agreements, it’s imperative to consider the following points.
How to Get a Car on Disability
If you’re wondering whether you can get a car loan on disability, the answer is yes. However, there are some factors you must consider first:
Eligibility Requirements
While the specifics might differ among various financial institutions, in most cases, individuals falling under the criteria outlined in the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) are typically eligible to submit applications for specialized auto loans. Additionally, eligibility may encompass family members and primary caregivers applying on behalf of individuals with disabilities. If you’re uncertain about your qualification for these loans, it is advisable to get in touch with your chosen financial institution for clarification.
Why Is It Difficult to Get a Disability Income-Credit Loan?
In a standard loan arrangement, lenders operate with the understanding that in the event of a borrower’s default, they can resort to wage garnishment as a means to recoup a portion of the borrowed funds. However, it’s crucial to note that disability or social security income is legally protected from garnishment.
Given this limitation on the lender’s safety net, they might approach such loans with increased caution. Moreover, looking for auto loans that will accept disabled persons with bad credit can be difficult.
Nevertheless, securing an auto loan tailored to your needs and adapted to your family’s circumstances can be a more achievable goal than you might realize, even if your income is primarily sourced from disability payments. While individual situations can vary, the following insights will bolster your chances of obtaining the ideal loan for both you and your family.
Maintain Good Credit
Regardless of the source of your income, maintaining a solid credit history remains a critical factor in obtaining cost-effective loans for top-notch vehicles. Ensuring timely bill payments and managing your debt in a responsible manner isn’t merely advantageous for your financial well-being; it also wields a significant impact on your credit score.
Show Other Income Sources
In the event that you possess an additional income stream, such as part-time or seasonal employment, it’s advisable to carry evidence of this supplementary income when you visit the dealership. Proof of income can encompass items like pay stubs, bank statements, or even tax records, serving as concrete evidence to lenders of the supplementary earnings bolstering your disability payments.
Choose a Cosigner
In case you have a close friend or family member who recognizes your responsible and dependable nature and is willing to extend a helping hand, consider approaching them to act as a co-signer for your loan. While having a co-signer doesn’t provide an absolute guarantee of loan approval, it significantly bolsters your prospects of securing the ideal vehicle with manageable payments.
Bring a Downpayment
Even a modest down payment can play a pivotal role in your quest to obtain a favorable loan. Although accumulating savings for a down payment might pose challenges, particularly when relying on disability income, it ultimately translates into borrowing a smaller sum and reducing your overall interest payments. However, if saving for a down payment proves to be a hurdle, fret not – we’re here to assist you in securing the necessary auto loan without one.
How to Finance a Car on Disability Using Social Security
Is it possible to obtain a loan while on social security? The answer is yes, but there are some key aspects to keep in mind. When you enter into a loan agreement, the monetary value of the loan or the item you acquire isn’t categorized as income, and it won’t, by itself, diminish your SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits. However, if you borrow funds, any remaining funds not utilized in that particular month will be factored into your SSI resource limit.
For a single person, this limit is set at $2,000, and for a couple, it stands at $3,000. If, at the start of the month, the value of your resources surpasses the allowable SSI limit, you may not receive SSI benefits for that particular month.
How to Get Approved for SSI Vehicle Financing
Given that numerous lenders tend to exercise caution when it comes to individuals seeking car loans with low income and poor credit, employing the following strategies can be highly effective in persuading them to grant approval. Take note that some are already mentioned above:
- Additional income source: Certain individuals, even those reliant on SSI as a source of income, might discover opportunities for additional employment that yield W-2 wages subject to garnishment. It’s equally crucial to ensure that the income derived from your job constitutes a significant portion of your overall income.
- Stable residence with good credit history: Having a combination of poor credit and disability can present a challenging situation, and an inconsistent residency history further compounds the issue. Maintaining stable residency in one location for an extended duration and exhibiting a recent history free from credit problems can notably enhance your standing when it comes to your credit report.
- Work with a cosigner: Utilizing a co-signer as part of your application for a bad credit car loan is akin to introducing an alternative source of income. This is because lenders tend to place increased emphasis on the creditworthiness and financial standing of your co-signer.
Securing a Car Loan as Someone with a Disability is Possible
If you’re navigating the challenge of securing an auto loan while dealing with disability or limited income, remember that there are avenues available to you. From exploring eligibility under the ADA to showcasing supplementary income sources, maintaining a solid credit history, and considering co-signers, these strategies can make a significant difference in your quest for the right vehicle financing. While the path may seem challenging, the road to affordable car ownership is still within reach.