Guaranteed income program launches

Posted: https://www.the-sun.com/money/4913564/guaranteed-income-program-launches-san-diego/

By: Chris Bradford

Published: 4:21 ET, Mar 17 2022 / Updated: 4:25 ET, Mar 17 2022

MORE than a hundred households in San Diego are receiving monthly $500 payments as part of a guaranteed income scheme.

The $2.9million program sees eligible families get the financial assistance each month for the next two years.

There were two qualifying criteria in order to be eligible for the initiative and 150 households were selected.

Families needed to have kids 12 or under and live in the areas of Encanto, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro, and National City.

Officials targeted the areas as communities are more likely to experience childhood poverty and be rent-burdened, according to KPBS.

“I am super excited to see families actually get the money that they've been waiting for and us to be able to support them in this way.”

- Khea Pollard, who leads a program called San Diego for Every Child.

There are no strings attached meaning families can spend the money as they wish.

Pollard said: “You know how to best use the money to support your family and the ways that they need it.”

Guaranteed income schemes are providing a helping hand to struggling Americans across the country.

Officials in El Monte have outlined a program that will see 125 people get monthly $500 payments for a year.

Eligible participants must be female heads of household and residents with children under 18 that have an income at or below the poverty level based on the US Department of Commerce thresholds.

“We look forward to joining the other cities in the United States that are using their precious resources to strive to make a difference in their communities by exploring new models of direct support to those most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

- City Manager, Alma K. Martinez.

And, 54 families in Yolo County, California will receive monthly payments between $1,200 and $1,500 for the next two years from April.

The basic income pilot program is targeted at households who are already receiving aid through CalWORKs - the state’s public assistance program for families.

Those eligible must also have at least one child younger than six.

Approved by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors last year, the bulk of the initial funding for the program will come from cannabis tax revenue.

The selected families will receive guaranteed income payments in addition to the assistance they already get. 

And, 166 families in Mountain View could get up to $12,000 over two years.

Households will get monthly payments of $500 as part of the Elevate MV scheme.

Officials expect applications will start being accepted from May at the earliest.

Claimants are randomly selected and those that are successful will get payments from 12 to 24 months.

Elevate MV is designed to support low-income families and care providers with at least one kid under the age of 18, according to the City of Mountain View.