Cook County’s Guaranteed Income Program Helps More Than 3,200 Low-Earning Families

The first-ever guaranteed income program in Cook County, Illinois, is now providing more than 3,200 families with a monthly direct payment.

Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

The program provides monthly stipends of $500 for two years to low-earning households. The program is one of 130 similar guaranteed income pilot programs in 32 states and Washington, D.C., which offer monthly stipends of anywhere from $50 to $1,500 with both public and private funding. The Economic Security Project, which advocates for guaranteed income programs, reports that these programs are proving to be very beneficial, particularly for mothers. They are spending the money on essential needs such as food, diapers, and clothes for their children. Some mothers use the money to get interviews for full-time jobs or to start small businesses.

Adriana Flores, a single mother of two who earns less than $40,000 per year as an educator, is one of the beneficiaries of the Cook County program

Flores, who used to struggle to make ends meet, has found the program to be a relief. The extra income has allowed her to purchase new soccer gear for her son and rent a prom tuxedo for her other son. “I don’t stress as much because I have that little cushion,” Flores said. The guaranteed income program is a significant relief for low-earning families who struggle to meet their basic needs. With programs such as Cook County’s Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, families can now breathe a little easier and enjoy a better quality of life.

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