MONEY MOVES: Americans can score $500 monthly payments in free money from ‘breathe’ program – Know Everything

According to THE SUN, The Breathe program, a universal basic income initiative, is set to expand its reach with monthly payments extended to more residents. Initially, the program provided $1,000 monthly payments to 1,000 participants for three years. Now, Los Angeles County has approved an expansion to include 2,000 additional participants.

The expanded program will focus specifically on foster youth aged 18 to 21. These individuals will receive $500 per month for up to 18 months, according to the program’s website. This cash support is provided without any restrictions, allowing participants to use the funds as they see fit, with no requirement to repay.

The goal of the Breathe program is to enhance financial stability and reduce economic stress for residents. Foster youth eligible for this expansion will be notified by their social workers from the Department of Children and Family Services.

Data from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research indicates that similar pilot program payments have been effective in helping participants achieve financial stability. The additional income has primarily been used for essential expenses such as food, groceries, and household goods.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “When we started working to implement Breathe, we had a simple vision: to provide no-strings-attached funding that would mean real economic liberty for Angelenos. Since then, we have seen families able to pay for childcare, rent, and grow their savings for the first time. I am proud of this second expansion of Breathe, which will reach young people during the vulnerable stage of transitioning out of our foster care system.”

Over the past three years, the Breathe program has invested $3.4 million into the community.

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Additional Universal Basic Income Programs in California

California is home to several other universal basic income programs administered at the city and county levels:

• Pomona HUG: The City of Pomona’s Household Universal Grants Pilot Program (Pomona HUG) offers another UBI opportunity. To qualify, residents must be 18 or older and the parent or legal guardian of a child aged four or under. Of the 600 applicants randomly selected, 250 participants will receive $500 monthly payments for 18 months. A control group of 350 people will receive $20 monthly for the same period. Both groups can earn $50 bonus payments by completing surveys about the program, which will be studied by UCLA to assess the impact of the payments.
• Long Beach UBI Program: Long Beach, California, also offers $500 monthly payments through its own universal basic income initiative.

In addition to these programs, there are opportunities for soon-to-be mothers to receive $1,000 monthly payments. For more details on these and other financial assistance programs, check local resources and program websites.