If you live in the City of Evanston, Illinois, you could receive a surprise windfall of an extra $500 per month for a year.
By Dawn Allcot
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A year-long pilot program, a joint effort between the City and Northwestern University, will give 150 families, selected at random from a lottery, $500 per month on a prepaid debit card to spend as they see fit. The funds will supplement the existing social safety net, according to a press release issued by the City of Evanston.
To be entered in the drawing, participants must live in Evanston and have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. In 2022, the federal poverty level for all states besides Alaska and Hawaii is $13,590 for an individual and $27,750 for a family of four.
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In addition to meeting maximum income requirements, entrants must fall into one of the following categories, according to the press release:
- Between the ages of 18 and 2462 years or olderAn undocumented community member
The program is funded by Northwestern University and the city, as well as $700,000 in excess funds from the 2021 federal American Rescue Plan. The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, as it is called, will contain a research component that will study the impact of providing those in need with guaranteed funds to spend however they choose.
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The application period for the program ends on August 29, 2022. Shortly after that, recipients will be selected. Evanston residents can visit cityofevanston.org.gi to learn more and apply.
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