“Rise Up” is an extension of the earlier Cambridge RISE pilot project that provided qualified residents with $500 per month for a period of one and a half years. The goal of this updated program is to bridge the economic divide and tackle racial inequity in Cambridge. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, this $22 million program was made possible.
Beneficiaries are free to spend the funds however they choose – there are no restrictions. However, only certain residents qualify for this program. To be eligible, you need to be a resident of Cambridge, have at least one child aged 21 or younger, and be at least 18 years old. Another criterion is that your income must not exceed 250% of the federal poverty level, which varies depending on the size of your family. For example, a family of two can only earn up to $49,300 annually, while a family of four must have an income less than $75,000.
Thousands of Americans Earning an Extra $500 Monthly
What sets the Cambridge program apart from others is its decision to operate as a “non-lottery program.” If you’re eligible, you’re encouraged to apply online. The application portal opens on June 1 and will close shortly thereafter on July 31. Applicants will receive a confirmation via text or email, which includes a link to check the status of their application.
The first payments are set to begin on June 30, with further approvals occurring on a rolling basis. It’s estimated that around 2,000 people are eligible for this program.
For those not residing in Cambridge, don’t worry! There are many other guaranteed income programs available nationwide. For instance, an initiative in Rochester, New York, sponsored by the Local Sound Collaborative, is open to members of the local music community. Eligible studio musicians, production engineers, and sound technicians could receive monthly support of $200. Applications are open online until June 3, 11:59 PM.
Richmond, Virginia also launched a program offering $500 monthly payments to nearly 40 residents with children, provided they are not currently receiving public benefits. Eligibility requires residency in Richmond and an income of at least $12.71 per hour but not more than what is defined as a “living wage”. This program will provide 125 low-income residents with $500 monthly for two years.