Thousands of low-income families in Sacramento County, California, are set to receive monthly $725 payments under a new program aimed at reducing economic hardships and preventing foster care placements. The Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) officially launched in December 2024, providing a financial boost of $8,700 per family over 12 months.
But who qualifies for this program, and when can families expect their payments? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the FFESP Program?
The FFESP program was developed to help struggling families, particularly those with young children, meet their basic needs and stay financially stable. Under the program, 200 qualifying households will receive $725 each month from December 2024 to November 2025. The goal is to address financial disparities and prevent children from entering the foster care system.
Eligibility Requirements: Are You Qualified?
To be considered for the program, families must meet the following criteria:
- Location: Applicants must live in one of the following Sacramento County ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838.
- Income: Household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty line. For example, a two-person household must earn less than $40,880 per year, while a family of four must earn less than $62,400.
- Children: Families must have at least one child aged 0-5 living with them at least half the time. The child must be of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African American descent.
- No Double Benefits: Applicants cannot be receiving guaranteed income from other government-funded pilot programs.
When and How Are Payments Issued?
The first round of payments was distributed on December 15, 2024. After that, families will receive their $725 payments on the 15th of every month through November 2025.
Recipients can choose how they want to receive the funds:
- Direct Deposit: By opening a bank account with SAFE Credit Union, families can have the money directly deposited each month.
- Debit Card: Families who prefer not to open a bank account can opt for a prepaid debit card issued by the program.
What About Other Benefits? Will This Affect Them?
One major concern for many families is whether receiving this extra money will impact other benefits like food stamps (CalFresh), cash aid (CalWORKS), or healthcare coverage (Medi-Cal). The good news is that FFESP payments are not expected to reduce or interfere with these programs. However, families are encouraged to speak with a tax advisor to understand how the extra income may affect them at tax time.
How Were Families Selected?
The application window for the program was open from September 30 to October 13, 2024. Eligible families who applied during that time were entered into a lottery system. From there, 200 families were randomly selected and notified between October and December 2024. Those chosen had to verify their eligibility before officially enrolling in the program.
Why This Program Matters
FFESP was created with the goal of addressing poverty in targeted ZIP codes and ensuring that families with young children have the resources they need to stay together and thrive. By providing consistent financial support, the program aims to prevent children from entering foster care, improve long-term outcomes, and reduce financial stress on families.
The program is a collaboration between Sacramento County officials, local organizations, and financial institutions, making it a major effort to support vulnerable communities.
For more information about FFESP, families can visit the official website of the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services or contact local community organizations offering program support.
Stay updated on future stimulus programs and financial aid opportunities by keeping an eye on local government announcements.
