What is the cash amount? For how long?
Enrolled participants will receive $725 per month for 12 months (1 year). The first payment is expected to be issued December 15, 2024 and the last payment will be November 15, 2025.
What am I expected to do with the money if I enroll in the pilot?
You are free to choose how to best spend the money to meet the needs of your family. You do not need to do anything to receive the guaranteed income, and you are not required to participate in any services. We will offer assistance to help connect you to other community-based organizations or services should you have a particular need or interest.
How will I receive the funds?
Enrolled participants can choose between signing up for a debit card or opening a bank account to receive FFESP funds. Those interested in the debit card option will provide information to FFESP Staff to be used to sign up for and receive a debit card through a company called Usio before the first payment is sent out.
Those interested in opening up a bank account will be supported with the necessary steps to open up an account with SAFE Credit Union. FFESP funds would then be deposited into your SAFE Credit Union bank account for you to access as needed.
Note: You do not need to have a bank account in order to participate, but you can get support in getting one set up if you are interested. Payments will be sent directly to Usio debit cards and/or SAFE bank accounts on the 15th of each month, starting December 15, 2024.
Do I need to pay it back?
No, you do not have to pay the money back.
Is there any reason why payments would be discontinued?
If a family permanently moves out of state or it is later determined that a family does not meet the criteria of the FFESP, the guaranteed income will need to be discontinued.
If selected, are there any other additional requirements as a pilot participant?
No, there are no additional requirements. However, participation in the research component of the FFESP is greatly appreciated (more on this below) and FFESP Staff will contact participants once a month for the purpose of connecting you with additional resources that may be helpful to you.
Participants may decline to receive these monthly calls at any time throughout the duration of the pilot.
I think every state should have this. One town doesn't tell anyone, anything. Up in Minnesota it's colder. It would get spent on energy cost or Jackets. Every location has different needs.