Several states and counties have started experimenting with basic income programs after the COVID-19 pandemic. Now one more U.S. city is starting a basic income program, and that is Baltimore. Under the program, young parents would get a monthly $1,000 stimulus check from Baltimore. Eligible parents would get the monthly stimulus checks over a two-year period.
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Stimulus Check From Baltimore: Who Will Get Them?
Baltimore’s basic income program, called the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund, focuses on young parents. Under the program, 200 young parents will get $1,000 per month over a two-year period. The primary objective of the program is to offer an unconditional monthly cash payment, in order to improve the existing social safety net.
“The Baltimore Young Families Success Fund (BYFSF) will increase economic mobility, improve access to resources for children and families and provide financial and emotional stability necessary for pursuing opportunities and planning for the future,” the program’s website says.
To send out these $1,000 stimulus checks from Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott has allocated $4.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the plan. The plan is a collaboration between the City of Baltimore, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) and others.
“This program will greatly improve financial stability and economic opportunity for residents by putting money directly in the hands of recipients so they can put funds towards the things they need the most,” Mayor Scott said in a statement.
To apply for the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund, applicants must reside in the city of Baltimore, aged 18 to 24 years at the time of the application deadline, have income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, and be either biological or adoptive parents, or guardians with full or partial care-taking responsibilities.
Moreover, applicants need to answer all eligibility questions, complete the application and give their approval to take the survey.
How Does The Program Work?
Authorities will use a randomized lottery system to select 200 participants from all eligible applicants. For the lottery, applicants will be placed into four groups – Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D.
Group A will include 70 individuals and recipients will get a monthly payment of $1,000 for 24 months. Group B will include 130 individuals and recipients will get a monthly payment of $1,000 for 24 months.
Group C will include 156 individuals and they won’t get any monthly payments but will be eligible for incentives. Group D will include the remaining applicants.
Individuals in Group A will form part of a "storytelling cohort" and will share their experiences. Group B and C individuals will be part of the research study and will have to participate in surveys and interviews.
To get more details on the Baltimore Young Families Success Fund and to apply, visit the city's website.
