Texas’ $500 Guaranteed Income Program: Deadline is just days away.

If you haven’t yet applied for the Texas Guaranteed Income Program, you’ll need to hurry because the application deadline is just a few days away. This program is designed specifically for Harris County residents and provides eligible residents with $500 per month for 18 months.

Guaranteed Income Program in Texas: What are the deadlines?

Last June, lawmakers approved the Uplift Harris program, which provides guaranteed income to low-income families. The application period for the program was scheduled to open at the beginning of the year, but was postponed to January 12th.

In the first week, more than 59,000 households applied for the program. The last date to apply for Texas’ Guaranteed Income Program is February 2.

Eligible households can expect their first monthly payment in early spring. Payments will be deposited into a bank account or eligible households will receive the money on a prepaid debit card. The Uplift Harris program uses $20.5 million in Harris County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Eligible households in the 10 ZIP codes with the highest poverty rates in the county (77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060, 77081, 77091, 77093, and 77547) will receive the payments.

Additionally, beneficiaries are selected from participants in the ACCESS program (Access to Coordinated Care and Empowerment to Self-Sufficiency). ACCESS is a customer-centered safety net service delivery model administered by Harris County Public Health.

Texas’ Guaranteed Income Program will benefit more than 1,900 households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level or about $29,160 per year ($60,000 for a family of four).

Eligible residents can apply by visiting the Uplift Harris program website. Please note that the application process is online only. People without internet access can visit an application support partner.

Uplift Harris Program: Is It Legal?

The Uplift Harris program is much-needed relief as the county has the highest rate of economic inequality in the nation and more than 16% of residents live in poverty. Despite the need, one senator believes the program should be declared unconstitutional.

About two weeks ago, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt sent a letter to the state Attorney General asking for comment on counties’ authority to implement guaranteed income programs.

Bettencourt’s letter states that a provision in the Texas Constitution states that the Legislature cannot give counties any authority to use public funds for personal gain.

“They cannot make new laws on their own. And since I took office, I have not seen anywhere else that the state has given the authority to have a program like Uplift Harris,” Bettencourt told Houston Public Media.

Harris County Prosecutor Christian Menefee, on the other hand, said the Uplift Harris program is completely legal and that he will do everything possible to defend it against the senator’s legal claims.