Sacramento County is rolling out a financial lifeline for low-income families in 2025. Under the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), eligible households can receive $725 per month for a full year. This program aims to ease financial burdens and create more stability for families with young children.
Who Qualifies for the $725 Monthly Payments?
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria:
- Live in Sacramento County: Only residents of the following ZIP codes can apply: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, and 95838.
- Meet the Income Limit: Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (around $53,000 per year for a family of four).
- Have Young Children: Families must have at least one child between the ages of 0 to 5 and belong to Black, American Indian, or Alaska Native communities.
Since the application window was open between September 30 and October 13, 2024, participants were chosen through a lottery system to ensure fairness.
How Will Payments Be Sent?
Once selected, participants have two options for receiving their money:
- Direct Deposit – Families can set up an account with SAFE Credit Union to get the money deposited directly.
- Prepaid Debit Card – Payments can also be loaded onto a debit card provided by Usio Company.
The first round of payments started on December 15, 2024, and will continue every month until November 2025. Payments are scheduled for the 15th of each month.
Why Is Sacramento Launching This Program?
The FFESP program is more than just financial aid. It’s designed to:
- Help struggling families cover essential expenses like rent, groceries, and childcare.
- Boost financial stability in communities facing economic hardship.
- Reduce child welfare involvement, especially in at-risk ZIP codes, by providing more financial support to families.
What’s Next?
The county will closely monitor the program’s impact to see how it benefits families. If successful, it could set the stage for similar initiatives in the future.
For updates and more information, visit the United Way California Capital Region website.
If you live in the eligible ZIP codes and fit the criteria, this $725 monthly payment could be a game-changer for your family. Keep an eye out for updates and future opportunities!
