CITIES in the US are still sending out Universal Basic Income (UBI) payments in 2025.
A handful of programs in the country are giving out checks to those in need of support.
Cities in the US are still sending out Universal Basic Income (UBI) payments in 2025[/caption]
Universal Basic Income is a type of welfare that provides a regular and unconditional payment, regardless of financial situation.
1. UNITED WAY BAY AREA
The philanthropic organization United Way Bay Area (UWBA) first set up its guaranteed income program back in November 2024 in California.
It benefits at least 100 families in Alameda County, about 52 miles west of downtown San Francisco.
Those who qualified were paid an initial $3,000 and are now sent $1,000 every following month for the coming year.
An upcoming payment for August 15 arrives in just days, with each of the 100 families getting $18,000 in total for the benefits period.
UWBA CEO Keisha Browder said: “Poverty is not an individual failing, it’s a policy choice.
“At United Way Bay Area, we followed the research and it led us to direct cash payments, an innovation proven to break the cycle of poverty.”
“The Bay Area is a place where many people thrive, while others struggle to survive.
By targeting support to these first 100 families, we want to understand how unconditional cash assistance offered alongside optional financial coaching services impact wellbeing and behavior.”
“Our goal is to learn from this pilot program and replicate a successful effort across the Bay Area and beyond.”
2. SUN BUCKS
Hawaii’s SUN Bucks Summer EBT program offers $177 per eligible child during the summer months.
The deadline to apply ended on August 3.
First Lady Jaime Kanani Green noted: “In Hawai‘i, we care for one another — we mālama our keiki, our kūpuna and our ‘ohana.
“SUN Bucks reflects those values.”
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.
“It’s about ensuring every child has what they need nutritionally to grow and thrive — not just during the school year, but all year long.
“No child in Hawai‘i should ever go hungry and this program helps us live up to that kuleana.”
More than 8,000 children have already received support through the program.
To be eligible, you need to be a student-aged child whose household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy.
3. CREATIVE GROWTH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The third and final program comes from the Creative Growth Fellowship Program from the Office of Arts and Culture (OAC) in Sacramento County, California.
The program was designed to benefit 200 artists across multiple disciplines living within Sacramento.
Payments of $850 are being sent out every month for a year, meaning recipients are getting $10,200 total.
The application deadline for the guaranteed income program already passed on June 20 after opening on June 2, and there’s currently “no plans for a future second round.”
Those applying needed to be residents of Sacramento and be creating within a list of 13 disciplines, including dance, film, literary arts, theatre or music.
