Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Program: $500 Coming This Month
Many Texans will begin receiving $500 a month starting this month, thanks to Uplift Harris’ Guaranteed Income Program. Under this program, eligible low-income households will receive $500 per month for 18 months. The application period for the program closed in February.
Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Program: When can I expect my money?
Guaranteed income is essential for the survival of many recipients, especially after pandemic-era programs like stimulus checks, rental assistance, and others end. The main goal of the program is to address economic inequality and reduce poverty.
“Uplift Harris will provide direct, unconditional financial assistance to low-income families and households to meet their basic needs, such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing and utilities, and health care,” the program’s webpage says. there is.
Under this program, 1,928 households will receive $500 per month with no strings attached. More than 82,000 people applied for the guaranteed income program, but only about 2% of all applicants were selected.
Applications for the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot closed on February 2, 2024, and those who were asked to submit additional documentation had until February 7 to complete their applications. The announcement of successful candidates was made on March 22nd.
Winners were selected at random through a drawing. Some recipients were selected through the county’s Coordinated Access to Care and Self-Sufficiency Empowerment Program. Additionally, the program selects some people to participate in surveys and studies, but these people will not be paid.
Participants can expect to receive their first payments in April and no later than the end of next month. The recipient will receive the funds via bank transfer (direct deposit) or prepaid reloadable debit card. The majority of selected applicants live in zip codes with high poverty rates.
Who will get the money?
To be eligible for the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Program, you must have Harris County residency and live in certain zip codes (77050, 77093, 77051, 77060, 77028, 77033, 77026, 77081, 77547, and 77091). Your household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty line, or about $60,000 for a family of four or $29,000 for an individual.
Participants are free to use their monthly payments, with a few exceptions. Funds must not be used to purchase or support activities that may jeopardize the safety and security of other participants. Additionally, funds must not be used to support and/or promote groups or individuals involved in criminal or illegal activities or terrorism.
The cost of the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Program is estimated at $20.5 million, and funding for the program will come from the American Rescue Plan Act. It’s important to note that beneficiaries do not have to pay taxes on the money they receive because the funds qualify as tax-exempt charitable donations under IRS regulations.
