Pomona HUG Pilot Program: $2.376M Guaranteed Income Initiative Near Los Angeles

• A rapidly growing West Coast city is gearing up to launch an innovative guaranteed income initiative.
• This pioneering project, known as the Pomona Household Universal Grants (HUG) Pilot Program, aims to distribute $2.376 million to parent participants in the vicinity of Los Angeles.
• According to the project details, selections will be made among 600 applicants, divided into two groups receiving monthly allowances.

Discover how Pomona’s new guaranteed income pilot program could set a precedent for universal basic income initiatives nationwide.

A Closer Look at the Pomona Guaranteed Income Initiative

The Pomona Household Universal Grants (HUG) Pilot Program is set to commence, offering financial aid as part of a one-and-a-half-year project. The program has allocated $2.376 million that will be disbursed to parent applicants residing near the Los Angeles area.

Detailed Breakdown of the Grant Structure

The initiative plans to select 600 participants, who will be divided into two distinct cohorts. The first cohort will comprise 250 individuals, each receiving $500 monthly for 18 months. The second group will include 350 participants, each receiving $20 per month for the same duration. This tiered approach offers a varying degree of financial support to the selected households.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Details

Potential applicants have until July 8th to apply. Criteria include being a resident of the city, at least 18 years old, and a parent or legal guardian of a child under four years old. Additionally, applicants must meet one of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requirements such as residing in a qualified census tract, being a recipient of another government aid program, or facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Another critical requirement is an income level at or below 65% of the area median income, approximately $72,150 for a two-person household.

Study Participation and Additional Compensation

All applicants must participate in a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Participants will receive a $50 bonus for each completed survey, providing an additional financial incentive.

Conclusion

The Pomona Household Universal Grants (HUG) Pilot Program aims to provide crucial economic support to families in need while generating valuable data on the impacts of guaranteed income. This program could offer significant insights and have broader implications for future income support initiatives nationwide.