Alabama Transportation Help: Free Cars & Transit for Single Mothers (2025 No‑Fluff Guide)

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical, Alabama‑specific hub for single moms who need a way to get to work, school, child care, or medical appointments—fast. It includes exact dollar amounts, phone numbers, links to official sources, timelines, and backup plans.

Quick Help Box

• Medicaid rides to medical care (NET): Call 1‑800‑362‑1504 (option 4) at least 5 days before your appointment; you’ll be reimbursed via an EBT Transportation card after the visit posts. Details and rules are here: Alabama Medicaid NET Procedures (updated July 10, 2025). (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• TANF (Family Assistance) cash help plus transportation for work activities: Apply online in ACES. Alabama’s TANF payment standard for a family of three is $215/month. Ask your JOBS caseworker about gas vouchers or bus passes during required activities. Start here: Family Assistance. County contacts are on DHR’s site. (law.cornell.edu, dhr.alabama.gov)
• SNAP Employment & Training (A‑RESET) transportation: Alabama reimburses up to $100/month for transportation and clothing while participating. Ask your DHR office to refer you to A‑RESET. See Alabama’s plan on the WIOA portal. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
• City bus fares at a glance: Birmingham MAX $1.50\ast \ast one‑way;HuntsvilleOrbit\ast \ast$1.00; Montgomery “The M” $2.00\ast \ast ;MobileWAVE\ast \ast$1.25. Discount, pass, and paratransit prices are below with links and phone numbers. (maxtransit.org, huntsvilleal.gov, themtransit.com, thewavetransit.com)
• Rural transit (county dial‑a‑ride): Find your county provider and call to book. Examples: BRATS Baldwin (251) 972‑6871, CARTS Cullman (256) 734‑1246, Lee‑Russell (334) 744‑6087. Full directory: ALTRANS Transit Agency Directory. (altrans.org)
• Free/low‑cost car help: 1‑800‑Charity Cars accepts applications for donated cars nationwide; apply at Free Charity Cars. In Huntsville, Wheels 4 Working now funds repairs (not car placements) if you work 20+ hours/week and own the car. (freecharitycars.org, wheels4working.org)
• Veterans: VA travel pay is $0.415/mile\ast \ast witha\ast \ast$3 one‑way/$6round‑trip\ast \ast monthlydeductibleupto\ast \ast$18. File in the VA app or BTSSS. Central Alabama VA main line 800‑214‑8387. (va.gov, news.va.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Program	Who it helps	What you can get	Typical timeline	How to apply
Medicaid NET (Non‑Emergency Transportation)	Anyone with full Alabama Medicaid on appointment day	Reimbursement for medical trip by car, transit, or approved transporter; funds load to an EBT Transportation card	Call to request at least 5 days before visit; reimbursement posts after provider’s medical claim is paid	Call NET at 1‑800‑362‑1504 (option 4); see NET Procedures (7/10/25) (medicaid.alabama.gov)
TANF Family Assistance + JOBS	Very low‑income families with kids	Cash aid (e.g., $215/mo for 3); work supports like gas vouchers/bus passes during JOBS activities	Up to 30 days to decide after you apply	Apply in ACES; ask county DHR JOBS staff for transportation supports. Family Assistance (law.cornell.edu, dhr.alabama.gov)
SNAP E&T (A‑RESET)	SNAP recipients in approved training/work	Transportation & clothing reimbursements up to $100/month; more if partner pays	Usually monthly reimbursements during participation	Ask DHR for A‑RESET referral. See Alabama’s SNAP E&T plan details. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
WIOA Career Centers	Jobseekers in training or job search	Supportive services (varies by region): bus passes, gas cards, help with work gear	Varies by local policy and funding	Call your Career Center (e.g., Montgomery 334‑286‑1746, Mobile 251‑461‑4146, Tuscaloosa 205‑758‑7591). (centralalabamaworks.com, sawdcalabamaworks.com, westalabamaworks.com)
City Transit	Urban riders	Low fares, discount passes, ADA paratransit	Same day if you can get to a stop; paratransit requires eligibility	See city sections below for phone numbers and passes. (maxtransit.org, huntsvilleal.gov, themtransit.com, thewavetransit.com)
Rural Transit	Rural counties	Dial‑a‑ride demand response	Often 24–72 hours scheduling notice	Find your county provider in the ALTRANS directory. (altrans.org)

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How to Use This Guide

• Start with the program that fits your immediate need (medical ride, work commute, training, or child appointments).
• Use the tables to pick your option.
• Apply or call the number listed.
• If a path doesn’t work, use the “What to do if this doesn’t work” step at the end of each section.

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Medicaid Non‑Emergency Transportation (NET): Medical Rides Paid Back

First Action to Take

• Call 1‑800‑362‑1504 (option 4) to open a transportation request. Do this at least 5 days before your appointment. If it was urgent (after‑hours clinic/ER follow‑up), you can call within 24 hours after the visit. Keep the 7‑digit ticket number. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

What It Covers

• Trips to Medicaid‑covered care: doctor, dentist (if covered), clinic, hospital outpatient, dialysis, radiation, etc.
• You must use the “least costly” way that still gets you there (your car, friend’s car with gas reimbursement, bus, or an approved transporter). (medicaid.alabama.gov)

How You’re Paid

• After your provider submits and Medicaid pays the medical claim, NET issues your reimbursement through an EBT Transportation card (separate from food EBT). Funds are released Monday–Friday, excluding state holidays. New recipients get a card when the first claim is paid. Card help: 1‑877‑391‑4757. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

Important Rules and Limits

• If care is over 100 miles away or out of state, you need prior authorization and medical documentation that the service isn’t available locally. Keep lodging and travel receipts if approved. (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• Some areas may have no transport vendors; you may need to arrange your own ride and seek reimbursement. (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• Alabama Medicaid doesn’t publish a public per‑mile rate on NET pages; ask the call center how your trip will be reimbursed for your mode. Policies and amounts can vary by trip type. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

Required Info When You Call

• Your full name, Medicaid number, address; appointment date/time; provider’s name, address, phone; how you’re traveling (car/van; wheelchair). Ask for your ticket number. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

Documents to Keep

• Ticket number, appointment proof, mileage/route if using a car, and any receipts for approved lodging on out‑of‑area trips. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

Timeline

• Request must be on file ≥5 days before the visit (or within 24 hours after urgent care). Reimbursement posts after the provider’s claim is paid. There’s no fixed “pay date”—it follows the medical claim’s payment. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the 5‑day request window.
• Not asking for (and writing down) your ticket number.
• Forgetting to mention wheelchair or special needs when booking.
• Assuming NET will schedule a driver in every county—sometimes you must arrange the ride yourself. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your clinic if they have patient transportation funds or a shuttle.
• For children’s care, ask about Children’s Health/EPSDT transportation assistance via your Medicaid Primary Care Network.
• If you’re a veteran using VA care, you may qualify for Beneficiary Travel pay ($0.415/mile\ast \ast ,witha\ast \ast$3 one‑way deductible up to $18/month). File in the VA Health & Benefits app, BTSSS, or call Central Alabama VA 800‑214‑8387. (va.gov, news.va.gov)

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TANF Family Assistance + JOBS: Cash and Work‑Travel Help

First Action to Take

• Apply for TANF (Family Assistance) in Alabama’s ACES portal, then speak with your JOBS caseworker about transportation supports (gas vouchers, bus passes) required for your work plan. Start here: Family Assistance – DHR. (dhr.alabama.gov)

How TANF Works in Alabama

• Payment standards (monthly maximums before counting income): $165\ast \ast (1),\ast \ast$190 (2), $215\ast \ast (3),\ast \ast$245 (4), $275\ast \ast (5),etc.Familyof3example:\ast \ast$215. You must be “in need” under state rules and meet other requirements. (law.cornell.edu)
• Processing time: up to 30 days from application. (dhr.alabama.gov)
• Adults have a 5‑year lifetime limit and must cooperate with JOBS (work activities), child support, etc. (law.cornell.edu)

Transportation Help Through JOBS

• DHR can provide transportation supports during required activities. Alabama has even purchased gas via voucher programs in specific counties (e.g., recent RFP covering Choctaw, Conecuh, Cullman, Escambia, Greene, Madison, Tuscaloosa). Ask your county worker about active vendors. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Contact Your Local Office

• Find county contacts on DHR’s site or call Family Assistance statewide: 334‑242‑1950 (Family Assistance Division). For general DHR help, see the contact directory and county office links. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Documents Checklist

• Photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income and resources, proof of relationship and birth certificates for children. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Timeline

• Eligibility decision within 30 days; supports like bus passes or gas vouchers are issued per your JOBS plan and vendor availability. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not telling your JOBS worker you need transportation to comply.
• Not keeping gas receipts or bus pass stubs if your county asks for them.
• Missing assigned activities due to ride issues without notifying your worker (can cause a sanction). (dhr.alabama.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If TANF isn’t an option, check SNAP E&T (A‑RESET) below, WIOA Career Centers for supportive services, or use county rural transit plus reduced‑fare city passes where available.

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SNAP Employment & Training (A‑RESET): $100/Month for Work Transportation

First Action to Take

• If you’re on SNAP and doing training or job search through A‑RESET, ask for participant reimbursements. Alabama’s plan lists $100/month for transportation and clothing during participation (state may approve more through partners for specific needs). (wioaplans.ed.gov)

What’s Covered

• Bus passes, gas, and other reasonable costs tied to your assigned activity. Keep receipts and follow provider instructions for reimbursements. Federal rules require states to cover reasonable E&T costs. (fns.usda.gov)

How to Get In

• Ask your county DHR office for an A‑RESET referral or respond if they contact you. Use the new ACES portal to manage documents. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Timeline

• Reimbursements are typically monthly after attendance is verified in the provider portal. (dhr.alabama.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not turning in proof of attendance on time.
• Exceeding the reimbursement cap without provider approval. (wioaplans.ed.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If A‑RESET slots are full or not in your county, ask a WIOA Career Center about supportive services for training/placement, or use your city/rural transit (see below).

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Public Transit: Fares, Passes, Phone Numbers (Urban Systems)

Table: Major Alabama City Transit Fares (2025)

City/Agency	One‑Way Adult	Day Pass	Monthly	Discounted	Paratransit	Where to get details
Birmingham MAX (BJCTA)	$1.50\ast \ast fixed‑route;MagicCityConnector\ast \ast$0.30; Birmingham Xpress currently free	Two‑hour pass $2.00\ast \ast ;All‑day\ast \ast$3.50	$53.00\ast \ast adult;reduced\ast \ast$25.00	Seniors 62+/Disability/Military $0.75	$2.00\ast \ast one‑way;monthly\ast \ast$80	BJCTA Fares & Passes — Customer Care 205‑521‑0101 (maxtransit.org)
Huntsville Orbit	$1.00; free transfers	—	$30.00\ast \ast monthly;bookof20for\ast \ast$18	Seniors/Disabled/Medicare/Students $0.50	Access Paratransit (see site)	City of Huntsville – Orbit — Info 256‑427‑6811 (huntsvilleal.gov)
Montgomery “The M”	$2.00; transfer free	$18.00 weekly	$45.00 monthly	Seniors/Disabled/Student $1.00\ast \ast ;monthly\ast \ast$25.00	$4.00 one‑way	The M – Fares — Customer Service 334‑625‑4012; Microtransit 334‑625‑4075 (themtransit.com)
Mobile WAVE	$1.25; free transfer with MyWAVE	$3.00 day	$40.00 monthly	Seniors/Disabled/Medicare $0.60\ast \ast ;Studentmonthly\ast \ast$20.00	MAP paratransit $2.50 one‑way	WAVE Fares — Customer Service 251‑344‑6600; MAP 251‑344‑5656 (thewavetransit.com)

Reality check: Service gaps exist (limited nights/Sundays in many cities). Expect full buses at school/work peaks and occasional missed trips. Use each system’s app (MyStop/TransLoc/Token Transit/MyWAVE) to time your ride. (maxtransit.org, huntsvilleal.gov, thewavetransit.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Mix modes: bike + bus; ask your employer for a pre‑tax transit benefit; check microtransit zones (Birmingham MAX On‑Demand, Montgomery Microtransit). (maxtransit.org, themtransit.com)

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Rural & Regional Transportation (Dial‑A‑Ride)

If you live outside the big cities, Alabama’s county and regional providers run demand‑response vans. You usually call 24–72 hours ahead, give your address and pickup time, and pay a low fare. Find your provider in the statewide directory. (altrans.org)

Table: Sample Rural Providers & Contacts

Provider	Counties/Area	Phone	Typical Hours
BRATS – Baldwin Regional Area Transit	Baldwin County (Gulf Coast)	251‑972‑6871	Mon–Fri, daytime (confirm) (altrans.org)
CARTS – Cullman Area Rural Transportation	Cullman County	256‑734‑1246	Varies; call to schedule (altrans.org)
Lee‑Russell Public Transit (LRPT)	Lee, Russell	334‑744‑6087	Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (altrans.org)
Areawide Community Transportation System (Anniston/Calhoun)	Calhoun & area	256‑237‑6741	Mon–Sat (hours vary) (altrans.org)
Blount County Public Transportation	Blount	205‑274‑4170	Call for schedule (altrans.org)
Autauga County Rural Transportation	Autauga	334‑358‑6730	6 a.m.–4 p.m. (altrans.org)
Covington Area Transit System	Covington	334‑428‑2690	8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon–Fri (altrans.org)
NACOLG Transit (Shoals)	Colbert/Lauderdale/Franklin area	256‑389‑0500	Call to schedule (altrans.org)
Eufaula‑Barbour Transit Authority	Barbour	334‑687‑1242	City of Eufaula service (altrans.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Call 2‑1‑1 to ask for volunteer driver programs near you or talk to your county DHR worker about a short‑term gas voucher if you’re in JOBS/A‑RESET. (hsvha.org)

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Free Cars and Repair Help (Realistic Options)

1‑800‑Charity Cars (Free Charity Cars)

• National nonprofit that awards donated vehicles to selected applicants (including single parents, DV survivors, veterans). Requirements include having a valid driver’s license and income under 200% FPL, plus being able to pay tag/insurance if awarded a car. Apply online: Free Charity Cars – Application & FAQ. (freecharitycars.org)
• Timeline varies. Think months, not days. Strengthen your application story and keep your contact info current.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your church/community group to help with insurance/down payment on a low‑cost used car, and use WIOA/A‑RESET for gas/repairs.

Wheels 4 Working (Huntsville/Madison area – repair help)

• As of April 1, 2023, they stopped placing vehicles due to volunteer shortage. They now help with repairs only for employed adults (work 20+ hours/week) who own their car, with current registration and insurance. Request help: 256‑319‑7871 or submit the online form. (wheels4working.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask St. Vincent de Paul or Salvation Army in your county about one‑time repair aid; many chapters provide limited help when work is at risk. (Service levels vary.)

Reality check: “Free car” programs are very limited and competitive. Repair grants are more common than car giveaways. Plan B is often a modest, reliable used car with help from your network and ongoing gas/bus support from DHR or Career Centers.

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Veterans: Travel Pay for VA Appointments

• VA Beneficiary Travel reimburses $0.415/mile\ast \ast foreligibleveteransandcaregivers,witha\ast \ast$3 one‑way or $6\ast \ast round‑tripdeductible,cappedat\ast \ast$18 per month; after that, trips that month are fully reimbursed. File in the VA Health & Benefits app (now supports “mileage‑only” claims) or BTSSS. Central Alabama VA: 800‑214‑8387 (Montgomery 334‑272‑4670, Tuskegee 334‑727‑0550). (va.gov, news.va.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your VA social worker about VA shuttles or community transportation partners; if using non‑VA care authorized by VA, ask the clinic about travel reimbursement options too. (news.va.gov)

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Paratransit & Disability Transportation

• Every urban system offers ADA paratransit for riders whose disability prevents fixed‑route use. Fares are higher but discounted vs. taxis.
• Examples:
  • Mobile: MAP paratransit $2.50 one‑way. Apply via the MAP office 251‑344‑5656. (thewavetransit.com)
  • Birmingham: Certified paratransit $2.00 one‑way; certified riders can ride fixed‑route free. Apply through BJCTA. (maxtransit.org)
  • Tuscaloosa: City FAQ notes demand‑response for riders with physical/mental disabilities, $2.00 each boarding; call 205‑343‑2300. (tuscaloosa.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask your Medicaid care coordinator about mobility devices or home‑based care options, or check your county’s rural dial‑a‑ride for door‑to‑door service. (altrans.org)

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Safety & Domestic Violence: Transportation When Leaving

• Alabama’s statewide DV hotline 1‑800‑650‑6522 can connect you to shelters that often arrange transportation (including emergency rides) for you and your kids. The national hotline is 1‑800‑799‑7233. See ACADV’s resources and shelter list. (acadv.org)
• Many Alabama shelters include local rides to court/medical; for example, Domestic Violence Crisis Services notes transportation for medical visits in Marshall/DeKalb/Cherokee. (dvcsal.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

• Ask law enforcement for a safe transport to a shelter; if you must flee quickly, get to a public place (hospital, fire station) and call the hotline above for next steps. (acadv.org)

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City‑by‑City Notes and Contacts

• Birmingham (BJCTA MAX): Standard fare $1.50\ast \ast ;All‑Day\ast \ast$3.50; Birmingham Xpress (BRT) currently free courtesy of the City. Customer Care 205‑521‑0101. BJCTA Fares. (maxtransit.org)
• Huntsville (Orbit): One‑way $1.00\ast \ast ;Monthly\ast \ast$30; free transfers; Token Transit app accepted. Info 256‑427‑6811. Huntsville – Orbit. (huntsvilleal.gov)
• Montgomery (“The M”): One‑way $2.00\ast \ast ;Weekly\ast \ast$18; Monthly $45\ast \ast ;microtransit\ast \ast$1.50 per ride during intro pricing. Customer Service 334‑625‑4012; Microtransit 334‑625‑4075. The M – Fares. (themtransit.com)
• Mobile (WAVE): One‑way $1.25\ast \ast ;DayPass\ast \ast$3; Monthly $40\ast \ast ;reduced\ast \ast$0.60; Moda downtown $0.50. Customer Service 251‑344‑6600; MAP 251‑344‑5656. WAVE Fares. (thewavetransit.com)
• Tuscaloosa (TTA): Demand response for riders with disabilities $2.00\ast \ast perboarding;call\ast \ast 205‑343‑2300\ast \ast ;fixed‑routefarescommonly\ast \ast$1.00 (verify with TTA). City FAQ: non‑emergency hospital rides. (tuscaloosa.com)

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Gas, IDs, and Small but Useful Help

• DHR Fraud & EBT Safety: Use the ConnectEBT app; DHR urges PIN changes and “lock card” features to reduce theft. If stolen, report promptly and ask about reimbursement. (dhr.alabama.gov)
• Career Centers can sometimes fund gas cards or bus passes tied to training or a new job. Call yours: Montgomery 334‑286‑1746; Mobile 251‑461‑4146; Tuscaloosa 205‑758‑7591; Huntsville 256‑851‑0537. (centralalabamaworks.com, sawdcalabamaworks.com, westalabamaworks.com, cm.hsvchamber.org)
• 2‑1‑1 Alabama: Call 2‑1‑1 or (888) 421‑1266 to ask for gas vouchers, ride shares, or repair aid from churches and nonprofits in your county. (hsvha.org)

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Application Checklist (Save Time)

• Photo ID and Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of Alabama residency (lease, utility, mail)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, child support, benefits) and resources
• For medical rides: appointment details, provider info, Medicaid number
• For TANF/SNAP E&T: training or work activity schedule, child care plans
• For paratransit: disability documentation or completed eligibility form
• For repair help: estimate from mechanic, proof you own the vehicle, insurance

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to book Medicaid NET (miss the 5‑day window and you may miss reimbursement). (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• Not asking DHR (JOBS or A‑RESET) about transportation supports—many moms miss the $100/month A‑RESET reimbursement because they never enrolled. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
• Paying cash fares daily when a pass is cheaper (e.g., Mobile monthly $40 can save serious money if you ride daily). (thewavetransit.com)
• Not checking rural dial‑a‑ride; many counties do have service—you just have to call ahead. (altrans.org)

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Timelines You Can Expect

• Medicaid NET: call ≥5 days before; reimbursement after provider claim is paid (no fixed date). (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• TANF Family Assistance: decision in ≤30 days; work supports issued per JOBS plan/vendor. (dhr.alabama.gov)
• SNAP E&T (A‑RESET): reimbursements monthly during participation (up to $100 cap unless partner funds more). (wioaplans.ed.gov)
• City transit passes: same day purchase; paratransit eligibility varies (often up to 21–30 days for processing; check your city’s ADA program pages). (thewavetransit.com)

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Diverse Communities: Targeted Transportation Tips

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: When safety is a concern, ask ACADV for a shelter that matches your family’s needs and privacy concerns. Transportation can often be arranged to intake. Hotline 1‑800‑650‑6522. (acadv.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Apply for ADA paratransit and ask Medicaid about specialized transport to therapy (wheelchair vans). Keep therapy schedules handy for standing orders. Mobile MAP details: 251‑344‑5656. (thewavetransit.com)
• Veteran single mothers: Use VA travel pay ($0.415/mile). The VA app now supports mileage‑only submissions to speed up payment. (news.va.gov)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: DHR offers free language assistance and Alabama Relay. Ask your county DHR office for interpreter services: 711 or 800‑548‑2546 (TTY). (dhr.alabama.gov)
• Tribal citizens: If you are Poarch Band of Creek Indians or another tribal member, check your tribal health or social services office for transportation support layered on top of Medicaid NEMT.
• Rural single moms: Book county transit 1–3 days ahead; ask your clinic to schedule multiple appointments on one day to reduce trips. See the rural directory. (altrans.org)
• Single fathers raising kids: These same programs apply (TANF, A‑RESET, NET). Don’t skip services because of the program name.
• Language access: Ask every agency for translated forms or an interpreter—DHR must provide free language help. (dhr.alabama.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Programs & Links)

Need	Best first step	Backup plan
Doctor/therapy ride	Call NET 1‑800‑362‑1504 (opt 4) ≥5 days before	Ask clinic for shuttle; use county dial‑a‑ride; consider telehealth when appropriate. (medicaid.alabama.gov)
Work commute	City bus pass or rural dial‑a‑ride	Ask JOBS/A‑RESET or Career Center for gas card; carpool with co‑workers. (wioaplans.ed.gov, centralalabamaworks.com)
Training/job search	A‑RESET reimbursement up to $100/mo	WIOA Career Center supportive services; community help via 2‑1‑1. (wioaplans.ed.gov, wioa-alabama.org, hsvha.org)
Car repair	Wheels 4 Working (Huntsville area repairs)	St. Vincent de Paul/Salvation Army local; faith‑based aid; modest used car with help from network. (wheels4working.org)
Free car	Apply at Free Charity Cars	Explore low‑interest credit union auto loans with small down payment from community aid. (freecharitycars.org)

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“Resources by Region” (Examples with Phones)

• Central Alabama: Montgomery “The M” 334‑625‑4012; Montgomery Career Center 334‑286‑1746; Central Alabama VA 800‑214‑8387. (themtransit.com, centralalabamaworks.com, va.gov)
• North Alabama: Huntsville Orbit 256‑427‑6811; Huntsville Career Center 256‑851‑0537; Wheels 4 Working 256‑319‑7871; NACOLG 256‑389‑0500. (huntsvilleal.gov, cm.hsvchamber.org, wheels4working.org, altrans.org)
• Gulf Coast: Mobile WAVE 251‑344‑6600; BRATS 251‑972‑6871. (thewavetransit.com, altrans.org)
• West/Black Belt: Demopolis Career Center 334‑289‑0202; West Alabama Public Transportation (via ALTRANS directory). (westalabamaworks.com)

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FAQs (Alabama‑Specific)

1. Can Alabama Medicaid pay my friend for gas to take me to the doctor?

• Yes, if you open a NET request and use the least costly mode. Reimbursement is issued to you via EBT Transportation card after the provider’s claim posts. Ask the NET rep about your trip’s reimbursement method when you call. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

2. What happens if I forget to call NET 5 days early?

• You may miss reimbursement. For urgent after‑hours care, you must call within 24 hours after the visit to apply for payment. (medicaid.alabama.gov)

3. How much does TANF pay in Alabama?

• Payment standards: $165\ast \ast (1);\ast \ast$190 (2); $215\ast \ast (3);\ast \ast$245 (4); $275 (5); etc. Your actual grant depends on countable income. (law.cornell.edu)

4. Does SNAP E&T (A‑RESET) really cover transportation?

• Yes. Alabama lists $100/month for transportation/clothing during participation, with options to exceed caps through partners when justified. (wioaplans.ed.gov)

5. How fast can I get TANF?

• DHR has up to 30 days to decide. Let them know if you’re at risk of losing a job because of transportation—JOBS may help with gas or passes during your plan. (dhr.alabama.gov)

6. What if buses don’t run when I work?

• Check microtransit (Birmingham MAX On‑Demand or Montgomery Microtransit), arrange carpools, or ask your Career Center for supportive services. (maxtransit.org, themtransit.com)

7. I’m a veteran mom—how do I get VA mileage pay?

• File in the VA Health & Benefits app or BTSSS. VA pays $0.415/mile\ast \ast withasmalldeductiblecappedat\ast \ast$18 per month. (va.gov)

8. Is there a statewide list of rural transit phone numbers?

• Yes. Use the ALTRANS directory to look up your county’s provider and phone. (altrans.org)

9. I’m fleeing abuse—can a shelter help with transportation?

• Yes. Call 1‑800‑650‑6522 (Alabama DV hotline). Shelters often arrange safe transportation to intake or critical appointments. (acadv.org)

10. How do I talk to DHR if I don’t speak English or I use TTY?

• DHR provides free language help and Alabama Relay at 711 or 800‑548‑2546 (TTY). Ask your county office for an interpreter. (dhr.alabama.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Alabama Department of Human Resources, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Transportation, USDA/FNS, city transit agencies, VA, and established nonprofits. It follows our Editorial Standards and is updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

• Program amounts, fares, and rules can change any time. Always verify with the relevant agency before you spend money or make plans.
• This content is general information, not legal advice or case‑specific guidance.
• Security note: To help keep this website safe for readers, we monitor and update external links and remove any reported malicious links promptly.
• Health and safety: For medical travel, ask your provider if telehealth is appropriate when transportation is unsafe or unavailable.

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Sources (selected, dated)

• Alabama Medicaid NET Procedures (Non‑Emergency Transportation), updated 07/10/2025; NET FAQ; Transportation Services page; Medicaid contact. (medicaid.alabama.gov)
• Alabama DHR Family Assistance (TANF) & JOBS program pages; TANF payment standards (Admin. Code 660‑2‑2 Attachment 660‑2‑2‑.03); DHR contact directory; Family Assistance FAQ (processing time). (dhr.alabama.gov, law.cornell.edu)
• SNAP E&T (A‑RESET) reimbursement cap ($100/month) — Alabama PYs 2024–2027 SNAP E&T entries in WIOA State Plan Portal; FNS guidance on required reimbursements. (wioaplans.ed.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• City transit fares: Birmingham BJCTA (fares & how to ride); Huntsville Orbit fares; Montgomery The M fares; Mobile WAVE fares and MAP paratransit. (maxtransit.org, huntsvilleal.gov, themtransit.com, thewavetransit.com)
• Rural transit directory (county providers, phones): ALTRANS Transit Agency Directory. (altrans.org)
• VA travel pay: VA mileage $0.415/mile, deductibles, BTSSS/App, Central Alabama VA contact. (va.gov, news.va.gov)
• DV transportation help: ACADV resources & hotlines; Domestic Violence Crisis Services (transportation). (acadv.org, dvcsal.org)
• Free Charity Cars (eligibility & application); Wheels 4 Working (repairs only as of 4/1/2023; contacts). (freecharitycars.org, wheels4working.org)

If you see anything out of date, please email info@asinglemother.org so we can fix it quickly.

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