Extra cash incoming? Here’s who may qualify for monthly payments of $500
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Imagine a little extra cushion in your bank account each month, a financial safety net that allows you to breathe easier.
For some Americans, this isn't just wishful thinking—it's about to become reality.
In a bold move to support those facing economic hardship, three states are set to distribute $500 monthly checks, and the best part? There are no strings attached.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many families find themselves struggling to keep up.
Recognizing this, nonprofits across the nation are rallying together to provide a much-needed lifeline.
These guaranteed income initiatives are being launched across different regions of the US, but they all share a common goal: providing consistent financial support to those in need.
Each program is distributing payments this month and is set to continue for months or even years into the future.
For the Artists
In Minnesota, a unique effort called Springboard for the Arts is delivering monthly guaranteed income to local artists.
This initiative offers $500 per month for five years, allowing recipients to potentially receive up to $30,000 without any requirements or strings attached.
According to The US Sun, this program is one of the earliest of its kind in the country. While other similar initiatives exist, they remain rare and difficult to access.
Springboard also created one of the first basic income pilot programs specifically for artists, known as the Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot.
Launched in 2021, this pilot initially supported 75 artists living in Saint Paul’s Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods, as well as Otter Tail County.
That initial version provided $500 monthly for 18 months, and has since been expanded to a five-year duration.
Funding has been made possible through private donors, including the Bush, Kresge, Ford, and McKnight foundations.
As of January, 100 Minnesota-based artists are now receiving these no-strings payments.
Source: Springboard for the Arts / Youtube.
Laura Zabel, Springboard’s executive director, said: “Our program is emerging as a national model, demonstrating how guaranteed income can transform artists’ lives, build community resilience, and strengthen local economies.
“We're not just defying political headwinds – we're changing the narrative with data, artwork, and meaningful stories of impact.
“When artists can focus more on their work, families, art, and their community instead of worrying about basic needs, everyone benefits.”
For the Family
Another effort known as UpTogether is supporting families in Michigan and Illinois, according to The US Sun.
The program is focused on households earning less than 80% of their area’s median income, offering up to $500 in monthly assistance.
Launched in September 2024, the program is expected to continue through September 2025. Payments vary based on each household's unique situation.
UpTogether explained to The US Sun: “These initiatives aim to demonstrate the power of direct cash investments in helping families achieve financial security and economic mobility.”
For the Mothers
The Ohio Mothers Trust is a similar initiative providing unconditional cash support, backed by nonprofits like UpTogether and the RISE Together Innovation Institute.
Participants receive $500 each month for one year, with the next round of payments scheduled for April, The US Sun reported.
Eligible recipients were selected before the first payment was distributed in December.
To qualify, participants had to be single mothers living in Columbus, Ohio, with annual incomes at or below 80% of the area’s median income. Currently, 32 single mothers in the Columbus area are receiving the monthly aid.
Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together, said in a press statement that the Ohio Mothers Trust was launched to “show that providing unconditional cash support to mothers can significantly boost the financial stability and overall well-being of families.”
She added, “Childhood poverty was estimated to cost Franklin County $5.2 billion in lost economic activity in 2021.”
One recipient shared how the program changed her outlook: “It’s not just about the money. It’s about the confidence it gives you.
“I can walk into a store, look people in the eye, and know I can buy what I need.
“It’s given me breathing room to start over and focus on healing.”
The initiative has received praise for empowering families to use the funds however they see fit.
Astar Herndon, Midwest Partnership Director at UpTogether, stated: “We believe families know best how to meet their own needs when given the resources and trust to do so.
“These initiatives show that families across Illinois and Michigan can benefit from direct cash investments, and their stories are critical in advocating for broader policies and practices that promote trust and economic mobility.”
Currently, 103 families are supported by UpTogether.
“Providing families with the resources they need is an investment in their future and the future health of our community.”
After this month’s distribution, the total amount disbursed through the program will reach around $80,000.
If you're in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, or Ohio, you might be eligible for these groundbreaking programs. It's worth exploring whether you qualify for this extra financial support.
For those not in these states, keep an eye on the evolving landscape of GI and UBI programs—they could be coming to your community next.
Read next: Dollar General shoppers are struggling to afford basic necessities—here’s what it means for you
Have you or someone you know benefited from similar programs? What difference has it made in your life? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
For some Americans, this isn't just wishful thinking—it's about to become reality.
In a bold move to support those facing economic hardship, three states are set to distribute $500 monthly checks, and the best part? There are no strings attached.
As the cost of living continues to rise, many families find themselves struggling to keep up.
Recognizing this, nonprofits across the nation are rallying together to provide a much-needed lifeline.
These guaranteed income initiatives are being launched across different regions of the US, but they all share a common goal: providing consistent financial support to those in need.
Each program is distributing payments this month and is set to continue for months or even years into the future.
Three states in the US are distributing $500 monthly checks without any conditions, mainly targeting those in need. Image source: Alexander Grey / Unsplash.
For the Artists
In Minnesota, a unique effort called Springboard for the Arts is delivering monthly guaranteed income to local artists.
This initiative offers $500 per month for five years, allowing recipients to potentially receive up to $30,000 without any requirements or strings attached.
According to The US Sun, this program is one of the earliest of its kind in the country. While other similar initiatives exist, they remain rare and difficult to access.
Springboard also created one of the first basic income pilot programs specifically for artists, known as the Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot.
Launched in 2021, this pilot initially supported 75 artists living in Saint Paul’s Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods, as well as Otter Tail County.
That initial version provided $500 monthly for 18 months, and has since been expanded to a five-year duration.
Funding has been made possible through private donors, including the Bush, Kresge, Ford, and McKnight foundations.
As of January, 100 Minnesota-based artists are now receiving these no-strings payments.
Source: Springboard for the Arts / Youtube.
Laura Zabel, Springboard’s executive director, said: “Our program is emerging as a national model, demonstrating how guaranteed income can transform artists’ lives, build community resilience, and strengthen local economies.
“We're not just defying political headwinds – we're changing the narrative with data, artwork, and meaningful stories of impact.
“When artists can focus more on their work, families, art, and their community instead of worrying about basic needs, everyone benefits.”
For the Family
Another effort known as UpTogether is supporting families in Michigan and Illinois, according to The US Sun.
The program is focused on households earning less than 80% of their area’s median income, offering up to $500 in monthly assistance.
Launched in September 2024, the program is expected to continue through September 2025. Payments vary based on each household's unique situation.
UpTogether explained to The US Sun: “These initiatives aim to demonstrate the power of direct cash investments in helping families achieve financial security and economic mobility.”
For the Mothers
The Ohio Mothers Trust is a similar initiative providing unconditional cash support, backed by nonprofits like UpTogether and the RISE Together Innovation Institute.
The Ohio Mothers Trust program offers single mothers in Columbus, Ohio, $500 monthly payments for a year, contributing to financial stability and community well-being. Image source: Hillshire Farm / Unsplash.
Participants receive $500 each month for one year, with the next round of payments scheduled for April, The US Sun reported.
Eligible recipients were selected before the first payment was distributed in December.
To qualify, participants had to be single mothers living in Columbus, Ohio, with annual incomes at or below 80% of the area’s median income. Currently, 32 single mothers in the Columbus area are receiving the monthly aid.
Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together, said in a press statement that the Ohio Mothers Trust was launched to “show that providing unconditional cash support to mothers can significantly boost the financial stability and overall well-being of families.”
She added, “Childhood poverty was estimated to cost Franklin County $5.2 billion in lost economic activity in 2021.”
One recipient shared how the program changed her outlook: “It’s not just about the money. It’s about the confidence it gives you.
“I can walk into a store, look people in the eye, and know I can buy what I need.
“It’s given me breathing room to start over and focus on healing.”
The Springboard for the Arts program in Minnesota provides artists with $500 per month for up to five years, serving as a national model for supporting creative professionals. Image source: Centre for Ageing Better / Unsplash.
The initiative has received praise for empowering families to use the funds however they see fit.
Astar Herndon, Midwest Partnership Director at UpTogether, stated: “We believe families know best how to meet their own needs when given the resources and trust to do so.
“These initiatives show that families across Illinois and Michigan can benefit from direct cash investments, and their stories are critical in advocating for broader policies and practices that promote trust and economic mobility.”
Currently, 103 families are supported by UpTogether.
“Providing families with the resources they need is an investment in their future and the future health of our community.”
After this month’s distribution, the total amount disbursed through the program will reach around $80,000.
If you're in Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, or Ohio, you might be eligible for these groundbreaking programs. It's worth exploring whether you qualify for this extra financial support.
For those not in these states, keep an eye on the evolving landscape of GI and UBI programs—they could be coming to your community next.
Read next: Dollar General shoppers are struggling to afford basic necessities—here’s what it means for you
Have you or someone you know benefited from similar programs? What difference has it made in your life? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
