In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about guaranteed income initiatives within the United States, accompanied by a growing number of experiments to test their viability.
The concept underlying a guaranteed income initiative involves providing a fixed amount of money on a monthly basis to individuals with low incomes for a specified duration. The objective is to stimulate local spending and contribute to the overall growth of the community.
Each guaranteed income program draws both proponents and critics, and this holds true for the recent case in Fairfax County, Virginia.
How does Fairfax County’s guaranteed income program operate?
Officially termed the Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot, this program ensures regular payments to qualifying households while also offering additional resources such as financial guidance.
As outlined on the local government’s official website, the Fairfax County guaranteed income program entails:
- Monthly payments of $750 for a period of 15 months to 180 eligible families.
- Flexibility for families to allocate the funds according to their individual needs.
- Optional financial coaching and opportunities to expand social connections through virtual or in-person events.
Who qualifies for the $750 guaranteed income in Fairfax County?
An application procedure will be implemented to determine the recipients of these funds, with the application portal being accessible from September 23 to October 3, 2023. Thus, the application period is still some time away.
Looks like #BasicIncome is coming to #Washington!
Well, #Fairfax County, Washington- 180 households being given $750 per month for 15 months, but this is part of a big broad #US #UBI upswing https://t.co/gkUQhU2ZM4 pic.twitter.com/vrNNpc9lTu— Basic Income Earth (@BasicIncomeOrg) August 16, 2023
To be eligible for application, individuals must:
- Currently, hold employment.
- Have at least one child aged 16 or younger residing in the household.
- Possess an income falling within the range of 150% to 250% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level.
- Reside in neighborhoods covered by the following Zip Codes: 22306, 22309, 20190, 20191, 22041, 20170, 22003, 22150, 20120, or 20151.
What constitutes low income in Fairfax County?
The most crucial aspect when applying for the Fairfax County guaranteed income program is the income threshold.
As mentioned earlier, individuals must possess a low income falling between 150% and 250% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level.
For a household size of one, 150% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level equals $21,870, and 200% amounts to $29,160.