Originally initiated as a pilot guaranteed income initiative, the Bridge Project has now transitioned into a permanent money program. The Bridge Project, a non-profit foundation dedicated to assisting low-income expectant mothers, offers ongoing financial support during the crucial first 1,000 days of their child’s life. Qualified participants will be eligible to receive $1,000 per month for a duration of 18 months, followed by an additional 18 months of $500 per month, ensuring a comprehensive support period of three years.
Initiated in 2021, this program in New York initially provided temporary assistance to 50 pregnant mothers in the form of $500 debit cards distributed every two weeks over a period of three years. With the utilization of public funds, the program is set to expand its reach to encompass all five boroughs of New York City as well as Rochester by the end of the current year.
Determining Eligibility for Participation Monthly Payouts
Recognizing its effectiveness as a poverty-alleviating solution, the program is now transitioning into a permanent phase. Although The U.S. Sun is awaiting a response from the Monarch Foundation, the organization responsible for its creation, it remains uncertain whether the eligibility requirements will undergo any modifications or remain unchanged.
Having successfully completed its initial three phases with a budget surpassing $32 million, benefiting 1,100 participants, The Bridge Project has emerged as the nation’s first guaranteed income program to commit to an indefinite future.
In the previous year, prospective participants were required to meet specific criteria to be eligible for the program. This included being pregnant, having an annual household income below $52,000, and residing within designated zip code areas.
A Brief Historical Background Bridge Project
Guaranteed income shares similarities with the concept of universal basic income (UBI) in terms of providing regular fixed incomes to individuals. These programs can be funded through public funds or government initiatives and are designed to combat poverty at both federal and state levels. Although guaranteed income aligns with UBI in principle, it generally offers smaller financial support and targets specific groups. In response to the aftermath of the pandemic, such programs have been emerging nationwide, addressing the unemployment crisis and rising homelessness, particularly notable in states like California.
Expanding Horizon: Diverse Array of Guaranteed Income Programs in United States
In an effort to address basic needs and provide financial support, the UpLift program has recently initiated the disbursement of $500 monthly installments to low-income residents in Iowa. Out of a pool of 6,000 participants, a random selection of 110 individuals were chosen, as confirmed by The Harkin Institute, a nonpartisan research firm. The first round of payments is scheduled to be deposited into accounts starting from May 15, with the financial assistance continuing for an additional 23 months.
Another noteworthy program, Rise Up, is preparing for its launch in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this spring. Designed to benefit approximately 2,000 individuals, the program will provide $500 per month for a duration of one year. Applications for participation will open on June 1 and remain accessible until July 31, ensuring a fair and inclusive selection process.
What other guaranteed income programs currently exist in the United States?
There are currently 33 active or recently active guaranteed income programs in the United States, where cities and states provide direct payments to residents with no strings attached in businessinsider.com. Some notable examples include:
- The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) in Stockton, California, which offers low-income residents hundreds of dollars a month
- The Miracle Money program, which provides $500 per month in direct cash transfers to participants for unhoused people across the nation mashable.com.
- California’s statewide guaranteed income project, which has a budget of $35 million for the next five years.
These programs vary in terms of eligibility, duration, and funding sources. Some focus on specific demographics, such as pregnant people and young adults leaving the foster care system in California.