Family Tire provides discounted tires to households that meet income requirements, usually through a nonprofit or community organization in your area
Family Tire is not a single national program — it is a model that different nonprofits and community groups run locally. The basic structure is the same across locations: your household income must fall below a certain threshold (often around 200% of the federal poverty line, though this varies by program), and you receive either a discount on tire purchases or tires at no cost. The organization typically partners with tire shops or warehouses to make this happen.
Because Family Tire programs are run locally, the details of how you access them, what you pay, and what tires are available depend entirely on which organization runs the program in your area. Some programs give you a voucher to use at a partner shop. Others distribute tires directly. Some charge a small fee; others do not. The first step is finding out whether a Family Tire program exists where you live and what its specific rules are.
Key Takeaways
- Family Tire programs are run by local nonprofits or community organizations, not by a single national office, so you need to find the program in your specific area.
- Income limits vary by program and location, but most serve households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
- Contact your local 211 service, community action agency, or nonprofit that focuses on transportation or poverty relief to learn whether a program operates near you.
- You will typically need proof of income, a valid ID, and information about your vehicle to complete the process.
- Tire selection is usually limited to basic, safe options rather than premium brands, and installation may or may not be included depending on the program.
How to find a Family Tire program in your area
Start by calling 211 or visiting 211.org and searching for "Family Tire" or "tire information" in your county or city. The 211 database connects people to local nonprofits and government programs, and staff can tell you when ready whether a program exists near you and how to reach it.
If 211 does not list a program, contact your local community action agency (CAA). Every county has at least one, and they often run or know about transportation information programs. You can find your local CAA through the Community Action Partnership website or by searching "[your county] community action agency."
Nonprofits focused on poverty relief, workforce development, or transportation in your area may also run or know about tire programs. Call your city or county social services department and ask whether they know of any tire information programs — they often have a list of local resources.
What you will need to bring or provide
Most Family Tire programs ask for proof of household income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a benefits statement from a program like SNAP or Medicaid. Some programs accept a signed statement of income if you do not have documentation. Bring a valid photo ID and information about your vehicle — the year, make, model, and current tire size if you know it.
Some programs also ask for proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease. A few require that you be employed or in a job training program, though this is less common. When you contact the program, ask what documents to bring so you do not make a wasted trip.
How the tire selection and installation process works
Most Family Tire programs stock a limited inventory of tires — usually basic, all-season options from mainstream brands rather than premium or specialty tires. The program staff or a partner tire shop will help you choose a tire that fits your vehicle and meets safety standards. You do not usually get to pick from dozens of options, but the tires available are safe and legal for road use.
Installation varies by program. Some programs include installation at a partner shop as part of the service. Others give you a voucher or the tires themselves and you arrange installation separately, sometimes at a discount through a partner. Ask whether installation is included when you contact the program, because this affects the total cost to you.
Income limits and what they mean for your household
Most Family Tire programs use 200% of the federal poverty line as their income cutoff, though some go higher or lower. For 2024, 200% of the poverty line for a family of four is roughly $62,000 per year in gross income, but this number changes annually and varies by family size. Some programs use a different measure, such as area median income or a fixed dollar amount.
When you contact a program, ask them directly what the income limit is for your household size. They can tell you in one conversation whether you likely meet it. If you are close to the limit, bring documentation anyway — some programs have flexibility or separate tracks for households just above the threshold.
What happens after you receive your tires
Once you have your tires, they are yours to keep. There are no repayment obligations or strings attached. Some programs ask you to fill out a brief follow-up survey a few months later to help them understand how the program is working, but this is optional and does not affect your tires.
If a tire fails or has a defect within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days), contact the program or the shop where it was installed. Most programs will replace a defective tire at no cost to you. After that window, you are responsible for maintenance and replacement as with any tire.
What to do if there is no Family Tire program in your area
If 211 and your local community action agency confirm that no Family Tire program operates near you, ask about other tire information options. Some nonprofits offer general transportation information that can be used toward tires. Others run car repair programs that include tire replacement. A few offer small grants or vouchers for vehicle maintenance.
You can also ask whether the program you contacted knows of plans to start a Family Tire program, or whether they can connect you with a nonprofit that might be interested in starting one. Some communities have started programs after residents expressed the need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be employed to get tires through Family Tire?
Most programs do not require employment, though a few do. Some programs prioritize working households or those in job training. When you contact the program, ask directly whether employment is required or preferred. If you are unemployed or underemployed, mention it — many programs serve people in transition.
Can I choose the brand or type of tire I want?
No. Family Tire programs stock a limited selection of basic, all-season tires that meet safety standards. You can usually choose among the options available, but you cannot request a specific brand or specialty tire like all-terrain or winter tires. The goal is to get you safe, legal tires quickly, not to match a preference.
What if my income is slightly above the program limit?
Contact the program anyway. Some have flexibility, especially if your income is just above the cutoff or if you have unusual expenses. A few programs have a second tier for households slightly above the main limit, sometimes with a small fee. It costs nothing to ask.
How long does the process take from first contact to having new tires?
This varies widely. Some programs can get you tires within a week or two if they have your size in stock. Others have a waiting list and may take several weeks. When you call, ask how long the current wait is. If you have an urgent safety issue with your current tires, mention it — some programs prioritize safety concerns.
Will Family Tire help if I have a bad credit score or past debt?
Yes. Family Tire programs do not run credit checks or consider your credit history. They look at current household income and sometimes employment status. Your credit score does not matter for this program.