According to the article in The U.S. Sun, Chicago residents now have the opportunity to apply for $500 monthly payments for a year through an expanded guaranteed income program, as reported by The U.S. Sun. The program, a part of the Chicago Resilient Communities pilot, has received an additional $32 million investment to assist low-income families affected by COVID-19. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized that these funds from federal relief are intended to directly support residents and will not be returned.
The expansion of the program is a part of Chicago’s efforts to utilize the $576 million received in federal relief funds before the deadline. Mayor Johnson highlighted that this initiative aims to address both the economic challenges resulting from the pandemic and long-standing community inequalities. To be eligible for the program, residents must live in Chicago, be at least 18 years old, have faced economic hardship due to the pandemic, and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. While the reopening date for applications has not been announced, interested individuals can find updates and more information on the program’s website. This additional funding is intended to provide ongoing support and financial stability for residents still grappling with the impact of the pandemic.
In addition to Chicago, Boulder, Colorado, has also expanded its financial assistance programs, offering a Food Tax Rebate program that provides $104 for individuals and $318 for families to offset grocery sales taxes. Applications for this program are open from March 1 to June 30, 2024. This initiative reflects a growing trend of guaranteed income and financial assistance programs aimed at reducing poverty and providing immediate relief, driven by recent federal stimulus efforts. Supporters believe that these programs alleviate financial stress and encourage economic participation, while critics question their long-term sustainability. Residents can apply for the Boulder program and find more information on their city’s website.