Some California residents could be eligible for no-strings-attached cash injections thanks to a new guaranteed income initiative.
In an effort to stem poverty, eligible residents of central California’s Fresno County could be paid $500 per month for 12 months as part of Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission’s (EOC) Advancing Fresno County Guaranteed Income program. For 12 months, the initiative will pay monthly, supplemental cash payments to 150 households living in “vulnerable communities” that are at particular risk from financial hardship. The grants do not need to be paid back.
Guaranteed income programs select certain groups impacted by poverty and income equality, giving them monthly cash payments for a predetermined amount of time. Unlike other federal or state benefits like SNAP, participants are permitted to use the funds for whatever they see fit. Researchers then evaluate participants to look for improvements in well-being, financial well-being, and overall health.
This guaranteed income plan is specifically for young families or those about to start a family who meet certain income thresholds. There is also no requirement on how households spend the funds which have been provided.
“Researchers expect that recipients will experience increased levels of health, happiness, financial stability, and full-time employment,” a press release issued by the Fresno EOC reads.
The initiative has been started in response to the 2021 expiration of the expanded Child Tax Credit. The U.S. Census Bureau found that child poverty more than doubled in the year following its expiration.
“Economic security and dignity are essential to wellness, and guaranteed income programs protect people and families from financial distress by ensuring they have funds to put toward what they know they need,” California Wellness Foundation CEO Richard Tate said regarding the opening of applications. “We look forward to learning from Fresno and other communities how these programs link to improved health and wellness.”
Newsweek reached out to the Fresno EOC for comment via email outside of normal working hours.
GETTY
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on several factors, including location and household income. It is only open to residents of Huron with a zip code of 93234, and to southwest Fresno city residents with a 93706 zip code.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- aged 18 or over
- pregnant or have a child under five
- have an annual income that is 80 percent or less of their area’s median income. For Huron residents that would be $35,103 or less, and $30,615 or less for those in the city of Fresno.
How Can I Apply?
Eligible Californians can apply online or in person. For online users, there is an application portal.
Those who wish to apply in person can do so at two locations: Fresno EOC’s Local Conservation Corps (Neighborhood Youth Center), located at 1805 E California Ave, and in Huron at the Senior Center, 16900 5th Street.
Selection will be made through a lottery system, randomly selecting 75 individuals living in Southwest Fresno and 75 living in Huron.
How Long Is Left to Apply?
The program has now opened for all applicants, and anyone wishing to take part must submit their application by May 15. Payments will be made to accepted applicants beginning in the summer for 12 consecutive months.
The initiative is not the first of its kind in California. In November 2023, California launched its first guaranteed income pilot programs focused on young people who have spent time in foster care. The scheme gave 150 Ventura County residents $1,000 and 150 San Francisco residents $1,200 monthly.
Newsweek previously reported on a similar initiative for residents of Harris County in Texas.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.