To be eligible for the monthly checks, they must first enter a lottery.
The payment program is intended to benefit families with children aged six and under.
However, there are strict eligibility requirements.
Americans who apply must earn less than 80% of the median income in Columbia County, New York.
They must live in the area and be the sole caregiver.
A single caregiver could be a parent or legal guardian, depending on the income program’s requirements.
The income limit for a two-person household (care provider and child) is $72,150.
However, only 42 families will benefit from the guaranteed income program.
Those who may be eligible must participate in a lottery that runs until July 1, 2025.
Households can only submit one application.
Columbia County officials have revealed the motivations behind the program.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve financial stability, well-being, and opportunities.
Officials have revealed that the average rent in Columbia County for a two-bedroom home is higher than the national average.
Additionally, childcare can cost up to $2,000 per month.
Officials confirmed that more than 700 households in the county rely on SNAP benefits.
What are SNAP benefits?
Over 41 million people in America receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits each month.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households to help people get groceries.
Recipients get money on a debit card that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The amount of money distributed depends on several factors including how much money you make, how much money you receive from other benefits, and how many people are in your household.
The electronic benefits can help people buy food including food and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snacks.
You can’t use SNAP to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or cooking utensils.
SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, allow low-income families to purchase healthy foods.
The income program in Columbia County is not the only guaranteed income initiative that has been implemented.
Americans can apply for payments of up to $850 through a $2 million program in Sacramento, California.
Dozens of low-income Americans in Austin, Texas, are receiving monthly $1,000 checks as part of the city’s guaranteed income program.
However, the local outlet KUT has reported on efforts to block specific types of programs.
“There is no such thing as free money—especially in Texas,” Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, warned.
Americans in Georgia are receiving rebates of up to $500.
Residents of South Carolina may also apply for a share of unclaimed property.
On average, payments of $500 are sent out.