Low Income Repair and Replacement Program
What To Do If You Can't Afford Vehicle Emission Repairs

Residents of Travis County must have their vehicles emissions system tested once a year using a new, improved testing system. This test is part of the annual safety inspection administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The reason for using the new emission test is to reduce air pollution caused by gasoline powered vehicles that don't function properly.
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A vehicle that fails the emissions test must be repaired so that it can pass a retest. Owners are responsible for making sure their vehicles are able to pass the test.
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YES. Travis County administers the Air Check Texas Repair and Replacement program which provides limited assistance for low-income individuals and families with eligible vehicles in Travis County.
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NOTE: As of September 1, 2011 the Travis County Commissioners Court has suspended issuing replacement vouchers until additional funding becomes available. However, the county is still issuing repair vouchers.

Travis County pays the repair facility directly, and we can pay no more than $600 for a repair. You must pay the first $30 of the repair bill and any costs over $600 or we can pay up to $3,500 toward the cost replacement/retirement of your vehicle.
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To be eligible for assistance, you must:

• Have a total annual family net income (after taxes) that meets program guidelines, listed below.
  

  Family Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
  Eligible Income	$32,670	$44,130	$55,590	$67,050	$78,510	$89,970	$101,430	$112,890

• You may automatically be eligible for assistance if you already receive financial assistance from federal, state, or county social services, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Medicaid, Food Stamps, or other public programs.
• Have a vehicle 2 to 24 years old that has:
  • Failed the AirCheckTexas emissions test;
  • Passed the DPS safety inspection;
  • Been registered in Travis County for 12 of the past 15 months; and
  • Is able to be driven to a recognized emissions repair facility.

NOTE: As of September 1, 2011 the Travis County Commissioners Court has suspended issuing replacement vouchers until additional funding becomes available. However, the county is still issuing repair vouchers.

If your vehicle is unable to be repaired, or you choose to replace your vehicle rather than repair it, the program can assist in the purchase of another vehicle. In order to be eligible to replace/retire a vehicle, you must:

• Meet the family income guidelines;
• Meet the vehicle guidelines;
• Purchase the replacement vehicle through any participating dealer in Texas.

The vehicle owner contacts Travis County by calling 512/267-0301. The application form is available at emissions testing and repair sites and under "Helpful Links". Supporting documents include:

• Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) which the AirCheck Texas inspection station gives you at the end of the safety and emissions test;
• A copy of your most recent federal income tax return or copies of pay stubs for all members of your family who have worked during the previous three months or latest paycheck stubs if Year-to-Date (YTD) is provided; or
• A case or identification number for SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Medicaid, Food Stamps or other public program.

You can fax the application and supporting documentation to 512/267-1253. You must apply for the program, no later than 30 days from the date your vehicle fails the emissions test.
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As soon as we have verified that your family income meets the guidelines and your vehicle is eligible, we will issue a voucher along with a list of DPS Recognized Emissions Repair Facilities that perform emissions-related repairs. This process will be completed within 3-4 weeks after receipt of the application. A voucher will be mailed or a letter explaining why your vehicle is not eligible.
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No. All repairs must be performed by a DPS Recognized Emissions Repair Facility. Furthermore, you must use a repair facility from the list provided with the voucher since Travis County has an agreement with these facilities to participate in the program.
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No.We can only help you repair the vehicle's emissions systems. You are responsible for making sure that your vehicle passes the safety portion of the inspection. If you have questions about applying for AirCheckTexas financial assistance, call us at 512/239-0301
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