According to The Sun , A new program in California offers guaranteed monthly payments to families in the Sacramento area who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) aims to assist approximately 200 low-income households this year, providing a crucial financial boost for families in need.
The initiative is designed to address financial disparities within Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities. Its goal is to offer parents the opportunity to improve their financial well-being while supporting their mental health. According to behealthysacramento.org, the program will provide a monthly payment of $725 to eligible families, totaling $8,700 over the course of one year.
Funding for the program comes from the State Block Grant through the California Department of Social Services.
Eligibility Requirements for FFESP
To qualify for the FFESP program, applicants must meet three key criteria:
- Family Composition: Applicants must be parents or legal guardians caring for Black, American Indian, or Alaska Native children ages 0 to 5. The children must reside with their parents or guardians at least 50% of the time.
- Income: Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. This means an annual income of less than $40,880 for two-person households or under $105,440 for households with eight or more members.
- Geographic Location: Applicants must live in one of the following six zip codes in Sacramento: 95821 (Arden Arcade), 95838 (Del Paso Heights), 95815 (North Sacramento), and 95823 (Valley High and Florin).
Importantly, immigration status does not affect eligibility for the FFESP.
Program Timeline and Payments
Applications for FFESP closed on October 13, 2024. The families who qualified through the lottery-based selection process will begin receiving their $725 monthly payments in December 2024. The final payment will be issued in November 2025, providing recipients with essential financial support over the course of the year.
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Aiming for Long-Term Impact
Sacramento County Director of Child, Family, and Adult Services, Michelle Callejas, emphasized the program’s focus on addressing the challenges faced by Black and Native American families. These communities often experience higher rates of poverty, which can lead to negative impacts on child welfare.
Dr. Steve Wirtz, a developmental psychologist and First 5 Sacramento Commissioner, noted that providing families with additional income through programs like FFESP has proven to create a better environment for children. Research has shown that guaranteed income programs help families cover basic bills before they are due and significantly reduce the chances of child neglect and family instability.
“Investing in children early is the best bet we can make,” Dr. Wirtz said. “It pays off for everyone in the long run.”
For more information on the FFESP program, visit the United Way California Capital Region website.
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