FREE CASH: Women may get $1000 a month in free money from new program – Just Know How To Apply
According to THE SUN, After two years of development, the Philly Joy Bank guaranteed income pilot program is now accepting applications to provide $1,000 monthly payments to pregnant women. This initiative aims to support low-income pregnant Philadelphians over an 18-month period with no strings attached.
Addressing Infant Mortality and Racial Disparities
Philadelphia, which has the highest infant mortality rate among the top 10 most populated U.S. cities, is the focus of this program. The city also faces significant racial disparities, with Black infants over three times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to white infants.
Dr. Stacey Kallem, director of the Philadelphia Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, emphasized the importance of alleviating financial stress during pregnancy to improve health outcomes. “It doesn’t have to be that way,” Kallem said. “Alleviating financial stress during pregnancy can have real and positive impacts on birth outcomes. And the way to alleviate financial stress is actually pretty simple – you give people cash.”
Kallem and her team secured $6 million in public and private funds to support this initiative. The program aims to improve maternal and infant health and reduce racial disparities by providing 250 mothers with $1,000 each month for 18 months. Payments will begin during the second trimester of pregnancy and continue through one year after birth.
How the Program Works
The cash payments are unrestricted, allowing participants to use the funds as needed—for essentials like diapers and food, or for personal expenses. “Buy diapers, get on the bus, get something to eat, pay a bill, take a day off and be paid for it,” said Crystal Yates-Gale, city deputy managing director of health and human services.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Philly Joy Bank pilot, expectant mothers must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be in their second trimester of pregnancy at the time of application (between 12 and 24 weeks gestation).
- Have a total annual household income below $100,000.
- Reside in Nicetown-Tioga, Strawberry Mansion, or Cobbs Creek—neighborhoods with high percentages of very low birth weights.
A lottery system will select 250 participants, with drawings occurring every two weeks. Chosen applicants will receive an email and phone call from the Philly Joy Bank Navigator to complete their enrollment.
Those not initially selected will remain in the lottery for additional opportunities, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Immigration status is not a factor in the selection process.
Interested mothers can apply through the Philly Joy Bank website.
Other Guaranteed Income Programs
In addition to the Philly Joy Bank, other cities are also implementing guaranteed income programs. For example, American families can receive $9,000 in no-strings-attached funds, and some Americans are eligible for $1,400 a month for two years to spend as they wish.
