Do you live in the Golden State? If so, get ready for some extra cash each month. Eligible residents can receive over $700 a month for a whole year, but there are a few things you need to do first.
Extra help from the government
With inflation rising and COVID-19 hitting local businesses hard, many folks have been feeling the pinch. This economic strain has led to job losses and made it tough for people to afford their day-to-day expenses. To give everyone a bit of breathing room, the government is stepping in with monthly stimulus checks, also known as guaranteed income.
So, how do these guaranteed income stimulus checks actually work? Well, Sacramento County has this great program called Family First Sacramento. It’s all about helping out families and preventing community issues like family separation, violence, and substance use.
Payments are sent out as cash or cash equivalent, such as Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. These same cards are used by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The goal is to target individuals or households, and there is a defined duration.
But that’s not all. The Board of Supervisors in Sacramento also voted to start a pilot program for stimulus checks. These checks will give a financial boost to individuals and households who really need it. Basically, it’s all about giving people financial support by giving them the freedom to choose what they want to do with their extra money.
How to get a monthly stimulus check
Now, if you’re thinking, “Hey, how do I get in on this?” Here’s what you need to know: You need to have kids who are American Indian, African American, or Alaska Native, aged between 0 and 5. Additionally, you need to earn below the federal poverty level (which is 200% below) and live in specific zip codes in California.
The specific zip codes are as follows
95823 Valley High
95828 Florin
95815 North Sacramento
95838 Del Paso Heights
95821 & 95825 Arden Arcade
Under the Family First pilot program, eligible families will receive monthly stimulus checks of $725 for a duration of 12 months, totaling $8,700. It’s important to note that these funds will be provided by the California Department of Social Services Block Grant and will be available as a one-time payment.
The plan is to kick off these payments in July 2024. So, if you think you meet the requirements, contact the Sacramento County Office as soon as possible.
Other programs across California
Perhaps you’ve read all of this and don’t live in Sacramento County. Fortunately, there are other stimulus check programs in California; there’s one in Breathe, Los Angeles, dishing out $1,000 a month for three whole years! It’s one of the biggest programs in the country and aims to see how folks’ lives change over a longer period.
Many counties across the nation are starting these guaranteed income programs. Be on the lookout for more information. If you’re eligible, get ready for some extra income.