“New Support Program Offers $725 Monthly to Eligible Families—Apply Now!”
According to The Sun, California residents may soon benefit from a new basic income initiative, offering $750 in monthly cash assistance for eligible families. Applications for this program are currently open.
Sacramento County has introduced the Sacramento Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) to aid approximately 200 low-income families. This initiative specifically targets Native American and African American families, providing monthly payments of $725 for one year, totaling $8,700.
The first payment is anticipated to be issued on December 15, 2024, with the final payment scheduled for November 15, 2025. According to behealthysacramento.org, Black American and American Indian or Alaskan Native families in Sacramento County reported the lowest median household incomes in 2023. This program aims to address this income disparity and empower parents to improve their lives and mental well-being.
Eligibility Requirements
Funding for the FFESP comes from the State Block Grant provided by the California Department of Social Services. A lottery system will select the families who will benefit from this initiative, with payments expected to start in December.
To qualify, candidates must have children aged five or younger who reside with the parent or legal guardian at least 50% of the time. Additionally, they must live in one of the following zip codes:
- Valley High and Florin (95823 & 95828)
- North Sacramento (95815)
- Del Paso Heights (95838)
- Arden Arcade (95821 & 95825)
Immigration status will not affect eligibility for the program.
Also read: “SSDI Payments of $1,539 Arriving Soon: What You Need to Know!”
Michelle Callejas, Sacramento County’s director of Child, Family, and Adult Services, noted that Native American and African American families in the area face disproportionate challenges related to child welfare. “These are families living in high poverty rates across all the zip codes,” Callejas stated.
The Impact of Increased Income
Dr. Steve Wirtz, a developmental psychologist and First 5 Sacramento Commissioner, emphasized the positive effects of increased income on families. A stable income allows families to pay bills on time, reducing the risk of dysfunction or child neglect and decreasing the need for intervention from the child welfare system.
“Programs like this have proven effective time and again. Over 150 similar initiatives are currently underway,” Wirtz told KXTV, an ABC News affiliate in Sacramento. “Investing in children early is our best option, yielding benefits for everyone.”
Wirtz explained that these types of programs also help combat issues related to crime and homelessness.
For more details about the FFESP, visit the United Way California Capital Region website.
Additional Support Programs
In Harris County, Texas, select low-income families may benefit from another pilot program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This universal income program aims to assist 1,928 households by providing $500 monthly payments for 18 months, also selected through a lottery system. The payments will help families manage their expenses amid rising living costs.
Stay updated on the eligibility for stimulus checks and the rollout process for additional support programs. Additionally, a $10.5 million settlement is set to provide payments to customers who purchased Macy’s bedsheets.
