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Every now and then, this happens. It does happen, sometimes.

https://x.com/mattvanswol/status/2003171246804959447
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JoAnn29 Dec 24, 2025
There are good people in this world.
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My father has been deceased over 30 years an veteran how can find out how retrieve his benefits from social security an retirement from the service Sacramento California
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Reply to MsMcGnns101
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I made my post about the AI search not because I think people can, should, or will find help with car repairs here but to illustrate that an internet search for help with car repairs DOES suggest Aging Care (and other resources).
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Reply to Rosered6
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This question has hit this forum frequently lately. It would be nice to know why the OPs think this forum can help them with car repairs.
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lealonnie1 Dec 20, 2025
Because AI specifically directs them to AgingCare
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This isn't a caregiving related issue therefore I ask the Moderators to please remove it.
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JoAnn29 Dec 20, 2025
Its called Aging care. Could be those that care for LOs or in this instance a Senior who needs help. Thats how I have always looked at it.
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I found this:

Local Organizations That Help with Auto Repairs
The following local organizations and auto shops offer help by providing free or low-cost repairs, or they provide financial assistance for repairs.

Arizona
The State of Arizona has a Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program that helps pay for required repairs on qualified vehicles that couldn’t pass an emissions test. The vehicle owner is responsible for the first $100, the service pays the next $900, and any remaining repair amount falls on the owner.

Florida
The Brevard County Florida Community Action Agency just outside of Orlando offers grants for minor car repairs.

Georgia
Members of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church have spent time on the weekends repairing cars for people who would otherwise be unable to afford them.

Minnesota
The Lift Garage is a nonprofit repair shop that “aims to move people out of poverty and homelessness by providing low-cost repairs, free pre-purchase inspections, and honest advice” that supports the local community.

Mississippi
The Community Services Division in Mississippi provides financial aid to benefit community members and could be able to help you handle car repair bills through its grant and loan program.

Texas
At Houston-area sites, the First Baptist Church’s Car Care Ministry makes vehicle repairs for single parents and widows “whose budgets may be stretched to the point that maintaining transportation for work, family needs, and everyday life becomes a heavy burden.” The organization asks individuals to bring any necessary parts, but the labor is free.

Washington
Those participating in Washington’s WorkFirst Program can get help with expenses, including transportation and vehicle repair.

The organizations above are just some of the many that help with free car repairs. For help in your area, consider calling local charities or religious institutions and explaining your situation.
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PeggySue2020 Dec 20, 2025
All of these programs are highly selective and unrestricted by age or other status on paper. Mothers with sick children and mothers with many children would be expected to take priority. One church’s program can’t handle a whole states need. They might be like agingcare in getting a bunch of requests from unwanted publicity.

Today, we went to the in laws where dh had installed a sliding door just to exit their garage. He did that because they are his parents, same as my sister doctor who provides unofficial house calls to my mom. Yet we’ve got people here saying, “oh peggysue, you’re wrong about boomer derision, look at MY CHILDREN and how they love me and do things.” Because they’re your family. Most aren’t.

A problem with ChatGPT or similar AI solutions is that even if accurate can be misleading. Theres only one state program in that list and it only covers one type of repair. Washington’s WorkFirst is ONLY for welfare recipients with minor children. How much is one church going to help a whole state’s worth of people? It looks “helpful” on the surface but in reality theres no helpful stranger seeing this like helping their personal mom or grandma.

Seniors have car free options. They can sign up for a door to door free bus service to appointments. Groceries, pharmacy and meals can all be delivered. They can enlist in mealsonwheels, which is the equivalent of a 25 dollar door dash daily for free, just with a more limited selection. Them not utilizing said options suggests that they are not needed, a bad example at a bad time.
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I just did an internet search: "I'm a low-income senior where can i get help to pay for car repairs." Here's what AI told me: "Low-income seniors can find help for car repairs through local non-profits (like Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Higher Power Garage), community action agencies (211/findhelp.org), and government programs for emissions, often getting vouchers or low-cost repairs for essential fixes. Start by calling 211 or checking 211.org, findhelp.org, and AgingCare.com to find local resources in your area." 
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AlvaDeer Dec 20, 2025
Rose, thanks for this good information; it will help others.
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Maybe we need to keep saying Aging care cannot help people fix their cars in the hope that AI will pick up on that statement?

I have no idea how AI works.
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Reply to southernwave
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I think Sam maybe right here.

I am sorry but we are a group of caregivers sharing our experiences from all across the US. This question has been popping up a lot lately. The last poster need a water pump the garage wanted 1200 to fix it. The part was about $400. To be honest, you may be able to find the labor for free but not the part.

Call your County Office of aging to see if they can help. They may have senior bussing you can take advantage of. There comes a time though, when we have to give up driving because we can no longer afford the upkeep.
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PeggySue2020 Dec 18, 2025
To be honest you have as much chance fir finding a free pump as you do fir finding someone who usually charges three times more.

Can we just be honest? By all means ask for free stuff but don’t expect garages to take you on unless they know you or maybe your church. Theres not just the fact that it’s dirty and hazardous to the worker, there’s also the fact that he’s covered by the garages insurance while working there. No, most ppl are not gifting seniors with their hands out or anyone when there are cheap or free car free alternatives p,us Uber. A car is not a necessity.
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Ray, call your local council on aging in your city and ask if there are any out there who can help seniors on limited funds with car expenses. Sadly this is not common help to find. Most are in business so they can put food on their own tables, and simply cannot afford to give free serves. You might also asked your faith-based communities if they are aware of any local businesses offering help to those in need.

Sadly, once it comes time when you can no longer afford a car, it may be beyond your capability to keep one. Back in the day every kid on the block used to love tinkering with autos in their driveways; now they are all electronic, that time is over.

Wish you best of luck. This unfortunately is common questions for the forum. Who can remove my tree? Who can fix my car? Who can cut my grass? Really, that is something for your own research in your own community.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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I think AI is sending people here asking questions like this. We're just a bunch of caregivers, some pros, some not, who are helping each other.
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Reply to SamTheManager
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This question has been covered in depth here. The standard answer is to contact your county’s area on aging, 211 and 311 plus churches. The realistic answer is that garages and individual mechanics aren’t charities and if they are gonna be helping any grandpa, it’s gonna overwhelmingly be someone they know.

There are senior buses and other alternatives to having your own car you can use. It may just be that you can’t afford a car.
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