From the Houston Chronicle: What to know about Harris County's guaranteed income program

For our look at local governments and policies related to poverty. One of the innovations of the Great Society was to create policies that would allow the national government to directly assist local government in caring for the needs of poor people. 

Some states - like Texas - have never liked such assistance and have pushed back against them.


- Click here for the article.

Harris County will start its guaranteed basic income program in 2024, while many counties and cities around the country experiment with similar concepts to provide financial relief for low-income families.

The $20.5 million Uplift Harris program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. It is unclear if the pilot program will continue once the one-time funding source runs out.

The application window will open in January. Here are a few things to know.

The pilot program will offer monthly payments of $500 to 1,928 low-income households in Harris County for 18 months. Members of the program are not allowed to use the payments for illegal activities, according to the program's website.

Members will receive their first payment before the end of April 2024 through a bank transfer or a reloadable debit card if selected. Most participants will get their first payment in March. The payments are tax-exempt.

Participants in the program will be chosen through a randomized lottery given their household meets the eligibility criteria. One applicant per household will be given the funds.

Members of the program must have household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Individuals making less than $29,160 are eligible for the program, with the income level rising based on the number of members in the household. Families of three can make up to $49,720 and still be eligible.

Enrolled members must be at least 18 years old and live in one of 10 high-poverty ZIP codes: 77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060,77081, 77091, 77093 and 77547.

Participants of Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency Harris County are also eligible.