SELECT families can get hundreds in checks every month through a brand new program.
The direct payment opportunity is about to begin, and applications remain open for those who qualify.
Select families can get direct payments worth $500 in a key state (stock image)[/caption]
Through a partnership between the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) and the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood (GHPN), a two-year guaranteed income program will provide money to select residents in Columbia County, New York.
A total of 42 families will get monthly funds worth $500 throughout the 24-month period for a total of $12,000 each.
Only two crucial criteria must be met by families who apply, aside from them residing in Columbia county.
First, they must earn no more than 80% of the median income for the county.
According to data provided on GHPN’s website, that’s around $72,150 for a two-person household with one adult and one child.
Other median income data for household sizes up to eight persons is detailed on the page.
Secondly, applicants must have at least one child that’s under the age of six.
MOVE FAST
For those who are eligible that apply, selections will be made through a lottery system for the cash payouts.
The deadline to apply is also coming up fast on July 1, leaving Columbia County families less than a month to take action.
Kelly Sweet, Interim Director of Philanthropic Services at BTCF, emphasized that the mission is that those families selected would find financial stability.
“The simplicity of guaranteed income is powerful — it’s direct, effective, and rooted in trust,” Sweet said in a statement to iHeart Hudson Valley.
“This initiative is about more than money — it’s about stability, dignity, and opportunity for families during the most important years of a child’s life.”
BTCF also noted that similar programs conducted nationwide already have data showing a significant positive impact on American families.
Overall physical, mental and relational health improved.
How does Guaranteed Income work?
Guaranteed Income and Universal Basic Income programs have taken off in popularity recently.
After the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan of 2021 sent stimulus money to local governments, dozens began testing guaranteed income (GI) systems.
The specifics vary, but GI typically involves payouts to people with low incomes. Unlike traditional welfare, there are no job requirements, drug tests, or other strings attached.
Some have pushed for a Universal Basic Income (UBI), which would go to everyone regardless of how much money they make at work. Alaska has used a similar system since the 1970s.
Proponents say this alleviates poverty while incentivizing work, unlike classic welfare, which cuts benefits from people who begin earning “too much” money to qualify.
Opponents argue such a system is too expensive to function on a large scale and suggest Americans should avoid becoming reliant on government money.
With some cities heralding the success of GI programs, some Republican-led states have moved to ban them. States like Texas and Iowa, for example, have undermined major spending plans by pushing against GI.
During this two-year program, GHPN will also head the administrative efforts, answering any questions and supporting the 42 selected families throughout the process.
“This initiative is designed to help families meet basic needs, spend more time with their children, and pursue work, education, or training for a stronger future,” Joan Hunt, executive director of GHPN, explained in a statement.
“It is part of a broader effort to provide practical and transformative support to families in need.”
MOMS IN MIND
An ongoing program in Ohio also seeks to offer security and improved financial health for single mothers.
Backed by nonprofits Motherful, RISE Together Innovation Institute, and UpTogether, at least 32 mothers in Columbus are getting direct payments of $500 monthly for an entire year.
They must’ve met similar criteria to the New York guaranteed income program, making less than 80% of the median income for the area.
Funds have been going out since December after the application period closed.
Guaranteed income programs in other states are sending out even more money on a monthly basis.
Some Americans can get up to $850 per month for a year as part of an unusual government program.
Select families can also get $750 monthly with no strings attached through a different initiative.
