US communities testing cash payment programs—could yours be next?
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With food, housing, and other everyday expenses continuing to rise, some US cities and counties are piloting guaranteed income programs to help residents cover basic needs.
These initiatives provide cash payments—often monthly—to eligible households without restrictions on how the funds are spent.
In some areas, the payments can total $1,000 a month or more, while others focus on one-time stipends.
Supporters say these programs can reduce poverty and financial stress, while critics raise concerns about cost and long-term reliance.
Here’s a look at three places currently running these programs.
Franklin County, Ohio: Targeting families experiencing homelessness
In Franklin County, the “Stabilize Families” program is providing 80 families experiencing homelessness with a one-time $1,500 payment.
Of those, 20 families will also receive $500 per month for 11 months.
The initiative is led by a coalition of nonprofits, including RISE Together Innovation Institute, Community Shelter Board, and others.
“With the Community Shelter Board and other partners, we are building a new narrative to address poverty and support families experiencing homelessness,” said Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together Innovation Institute.
“Guaranteed income is a viable strategy to promote economic stability and well-being for residents in Franklin County.”
The program comes amid rising need—RISE Together’s research shows that 59% of families in the county will experience homelessness at some point in their lives, and homelessness is increasing faster than population growth.
Ohio State University will study the pilot’s impact.
In 2024, RISE Together, Motherful, and UpTogether also launched the Ohio Mothers Trust program, which provides 32 mothers in Columbus with $500 per month for a year.
It targets mothers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median.
Also read: This little-known program is mailing $500 surprise checks—here are the 2 requirements you must meet
Howard County, Maryland: Strengthening family stability
Howard County’s guaranteed basic income (GBI) pilot has enrolled 20 families and is run by the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC).
County Executive Calvin Ball noted that GBI pilot programs have been operating in the US for nearly a decade and have recently been implemented by nearby jurisdictions.
“These impactful programs have demonstrated long-term positive impacts not only on families’ economic stability but also on their emotional availability as parents,” Ball said.
“Howard County’s GBI pilot program aims to diminish and uplift families out of poverty, better their lives, and enable them to be more self-sufficient.”
Also read: DHS investigates state-run support program for elderly and disabled immigrants
Alameda County, California: Combining cash with coaching
In Alameda County, a program launched in November 2024 by United Way Bay Area (UWBA) is providing unconditional monthly payments to 100 families.
The initiative also offers optional financial coaching to participants.
“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,” said Keisha Browder, UWBA CEO.
Also read: Monthly payments with no strings? This program is changing how we think about financial help
Guaranteed income vs. universal basic income
Guaranteed income (GI) generally involves cash payments to people with low incomes, with no work requirements, drug tests, or other conditions.
Universal basic income (UBI), on the other hand, provides payments to everyone regardless of income or employment status—Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is a well-known example.
The growth in GI programs accelerated after the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan of 2021 sent stimulus money to local governments, allowing many to test pilot programs.
While proponents say GI reduces poverty and encourages work by not cutting benefits when earnings increase, opponents cite high costs and the risk of dependency.
Some Republican-led states, including Texas and Iowa, have taken steps to limit or ban GI programs.
Also read: Could you claim up to $300 in automatic cash? Here’s how it works
Research and ongoing debate
Pilot programs across the country are being studied for their impact on health, employment, and financial stability.
Franklin County’s effort is under evaluation by Ohio State University, and results from other cities have shown lower stress, improved health, better bill payment rates, and more time for education or higher-paying work.
The debate over GI’s future continues, with some communities expanding efforts and others moving to restrict them.
Guaranteed income programs remain a topic of active discussion in communities across the country.
Whether these pilots expand, change, or phase out will depend on future research, funding decisions, and public support.
Staying informed and engaged can help ensure that conversations about economic stability and community wellbeing reflect the needs and experiences of those most affected.
Read next: Is there hidden money waiting for you? How to instantly check if you have unclaimed cash
Have you participated in or supported a guaranteed income program? Do you think these payments are a good idea, or do you have concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments to add your voice to the discussion.
These initiatives provide cash payments—often monthly—to eligible households without restrictions on how the funds are spent.
In some areas, the payments can total $1,000 a month or more, while others focus on one-time stipends.
Supporters say these programs can reduce poverty and financial stress, while critics raise concerns about cost and long-term reliance.
Here’s a look at three places currently running these programs.
Several US communities are piloting guaranteed income programs to help residents meet basic needs and improve financial stability. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay.
Franklin County, Ohio: Targeting families experiencing homelessness
In Franklin County, the “Stabilize Families” program is providing 80 families experiencing homelessness with a one-time $1,500 payment.
Of those, 20 families will also receive $500 per month for 11 months.
The initiative is led by a coalition of nonprofits, including RISE Together Innovation Institute, Community Shelter Board, and others.
“With the Community Shelter Board and other partners, we are building a new narrative to address poverty and support families experiencing homelessness,” said Danielle Sydnor, CEO of RISE Together Innovation Institute.
“Guaranteed income is a viable strategy to promote economic stability and well-being for residents in Franklin County.”
The program comes amid rising need—RISE Together’s research shows that 59% of families in the county will experience homelessness at some point in their lives, and homelessness is increasing faster than population growth.
Ohio State University will study the pilot’s impact.
In 2024, RISE Together, Motherful, and UpTogether also launched the Ohio Mothers Trust program, which provides 32 mothers in Columbus with $500 per month for a year.
It targets mothers with incomes at or below 80% of the area median.
Also read: This little-known program is mailing $500 surprise checks—here are the 2 requirements you must meet
Howard County, Maryland: Strengthening family stability
Howard County’s guaranteed basic income (GBI) pilot has enrolled 20 families and is run by the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC).
County Executive Calvin Ball noted that GBI pilot programs have been operating in the US for nearly a decade and have recently been implemented by nearby jurisdictions.
“These impactful programs have demonstrated long-term positive impacts not only on families’ economic stability but also on their emotional availability as parents,” Ball said.
“Howard County’s GBI pilot program aims to diminish and uplift families out of poverty, better their lives, and enable them to be more self-sufficient.”
Also read: DHS investigates state-run support program for elderly and disabled immigrants
Alameda County, California: Combining cash with coaching
In Alameda County, a program launched in November 2024 by United Way Bay Area (UWBA) is providing unconditional monthly payments to 100 families.
The initiative also offers optional financial coaching to participants.
“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,” said Keisha Browder, UWBA CEO.
Also read: Monthly payments with no strings? This program is changing how we think about financial help
Guaranteed income vs. universal basic income
Guaranteed income (GI) generally involves cash payments to people with low incomes, with no work requirements, drug tests, or other conditions.
Universal basic income (UBI), on the other hand, provides payments to everyone regardless of income or employment status—Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend is a well-known example.
The growth in GI programs accelerated after the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan of 2021 sent stimulus money to local governments, allowing many to test pilot programs.
While proponents say GI reduces poverty and encourages work by not cutting benefits when earnings increase, opponents cite high costs and the risk of dependency.
Some Republican-led states, including Texas and Iowa, have taken steps to limit or ban GI programs.
Also read: Could you claim up to $300 in automatic cash? Here’s how it works
Research and ongoing debate
Pilot programs across the country are being studied for their impact on health, employment, and financial stability.
Franklin County’s effort is under evaluation by Ohio State University, and results from other cities have shown lower stress, improved health, better bill payment rates, and more time for education or higher-paying work.
The debate over GI’s future continues, with some communities expanding efforts and others moving to restrict them.
Guaranteed income programs remain a topic of active discussion in communities across the country.
Whether these pilots expand, change, or phase out will depend on future research, funding decisions, and public support.
Staying informed and engaged can help ensure that conversations about economic stability and community wellbeing reflect the needs and experiences of those most affected.
Read next: Is there hidden money waiting for you? How to instantly check if you have unclaimed cash
Have you participated in or supported a guaranteed income program? Do you think these payments are a good idea, or do you have concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments to add your voice to the discussion.
