In Ohio, new income programs are giving local families extra cash to help them build a better future. These pilot programs, started in 2025, offer money directly to people without telling them how to spend it. Early participants are already receiving their payments, giving them some relief from rising costs of living.
How the Programs Are Helping Ohio Residents
Two different programs have launched this year — one in Columbus and another in Franklin County. Both aim to boost economic stability and give residents the freedom to decide how best to use the money. However, they are slightly different in how they work and how they are funded.
What is the Ohio Mothers Trust?
The Ohio Mothers Trust was announced in December 2024. It is specially designed to support 32 single mothers living in the area.
Each mother will receive $500 every month for 12 months. The payments began in January 2025.
To qualify, participants had to be members of Motherful, a local group for single mothers. They also had to earn less than 80% of the area’s median income and complete an application form.
The program is funded by RISE Together Innovation Institute and Up Together, with additional help from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Mother full. Those who wish to support their work can donate through their website: www.motherful.org.
What is the Economic Mobility Accelerator Program?
The Economic Mobility Accelerator Program was announced earlier, in October 2024. It welcomed its first 200 participants this spring.
Participants receive $500 per month for two full years. Payments began in March 2025.
To qualify, participants needed to earn more than the federal poverty level but less than the median income in Central Ohio. To stay in the program, they must also complete one of six programs focused on job training, career development, or wealth-building skills.
A Growing Trend of Financial Support
Both the Ohio Mothers Trust and the Economic Mobility Accelerator reflect a new trend of guaranteed income programs across the country. These programs focus on giving people real financial choices and helping them achieve long-term financial security, without strict rules on how they must use the money.
By investing directly in people, these pilots aim to build stronger, more independent communities where families can grow and succeed.
Ohio’s new income programs show how direct cash support can make a big difference in people’s lives. With flexible spending options and a focus on real economic growth, these programs are offering families not just short-term relief, but a path to long-term stability. As more cities look at similar ideas, programs like these could be the start of a new way of helping communities thrive.
Financial freedom starts with trust — and Ohio’s pilots are proving that trusting people with their future can lead to real success.