Get Help: LIFT United

United Way of Bucks County can help you secure reliable transportation.

Having a safe and reliable car is essential – but it’s not always affordable. If you need help with a car loan, LIFT United (Learn to Invest in your Future and Thrive) is here for you! Our free program can help you build your financial skills, boost your credit score, and either refinance your current high-interest car loan into a new, lower-interest loan OR secure a low-interest used car loan and help with your down payment.

HOW TO GET HELP

Please review the eligibility criteria below before applying.

LIFT United, which stands for “Learn to Invest in Your Future and Thrive,” is designed to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households in Bucks County.

ALICE households earn more than people living in poverty, but often struggle to cover the cost of basic needs.

LIFT United is a collaboration between United Way of Bucks County, Penn Community Bank, the County of Bucks, and Credit Counseling Center.

  • Interested participants submit an application using the form below.
  • Credit Counseling Center provides eligible clients with free financial literacy courses and one-on-one budget coaching
  • Program participants earn incentives for completing coursework and counseling
  • Successful participants identify vehicles with an all-in car loan cost of no more than $15,000
  • Penn Community Bank offers a loan at 3.5% interest
  • United Way co-signs the loan and matches down payments of up to $1,000
  1. Lower-Interest Car Loans: Refinance your current high-interest car loan into a new, lower-interest loan OR secure a low-interest used car loan and help with your down payment.
  2. Boost Your Credit Score: Your credit score is your financial lifeline, and LIFT United is here to help you strengthen it. By participating in our program, you’ll receive valuable guidance and support to improve your credit score and overall creditworthiness.
  3. Financial Empowerment: Gain the essential financial skills you need to thrive. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit and managing debt, LIFT United will equip you with the financial knowledge and tools you need for a successful future.

In order to be eligible to enter the LIFT United program, applicants must:

  • ✔️Be a current resident of Bucks County and plan to remain a resident for the duration of the program.
  • ✔️Be working at least 30 hours per week
  • ✔️Have a household income between 25% and 80% of Area Medium Income in Bucks County
  • ✔️Have a valid drivers license
  • ✔️Be prepared to participant in 1-on-1 financial empowerment counseling sessions and educational webinars
  • ✔️Be prepared to save a minimum of $500 for a down payment (if approved for loan assistance)
  • ✔️Be prepared to save a minimum of $500 for a maintenance fund (if approved for loan assistance)
  • ✔️Be prepared to work to build their credit score to at least 600 with the assistance of a certified credit counselor
  • ❌Not have defaulted on an auto loan, or, had a vehicle repossessed within the past 2 years
  • ⚠️Note: If your current car loan is significantly “underwater” (meaning you owe much more than the car’s value), you may need to pay down some of the balance before a new or refinanced loan can be approved.

LIFT United Application for Participation

Please fill out the application below. Your submission will be reviewed, and a member of our team will respond to you as soon as possible. We appreciate your interest and look forward to connecting with you!

Return to GET HELP