Rising inflation, job instability, and widening income inequality have placed millions of American families under sustained financial pressure. In response to these challenges, Cook County, Illinois, made history by launching the first publicly funded Guaranteed Income (GI) program in the United States. This initiative provided $500 per month in unconditional cash assistance to selected families, giving them full freedom over how the money was used.
More than just financial relief, the program reshaped conversations around poverty reduction, economic dignity, and the future of social support systems in the U.S. Understanding who qualified, how recipients were chosen, and why the program is becoming permanent offers insight into a potential new direction for American welfare policy.
What Is the U.S. Guaranteed Income Program?
The Guaranteed Income Program was introduced by Cook County as a two-year pilot project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. It began in December 2022 and ran for two years, providing monthly cash payments to 3,250 families.
Each selected household received $500 every month, with no restrictions and no reporting requirements. Families could use the money for any purpose that suited their needs.
The core objectives of the program were:
- Reducing financial stress
- Providing predictable income stability
- Allowing families flexibility in meeting daily needs
Recipients used the funds for rent, groceries, healthcare, transportation, education, childcare, and emergency expenses. County evaluations showed that families experienced lower stress levels, improved financial planning, and greater confidence in decision-making.
Because of these outcomes, Cook County announced that the program would transition into a permanent policy starting in 2026.
Who Was Eligible for the Guaranteed Income Program?
Eligibility criteria were carefully designed to ensure support reached those most affected by economic hardship. Applicants had to meet all of the following requirements.
Age Requirement
Applicants had to be at least 18 years old at the time of application. This ensured participants were legally responsible for managing household finances.
Residency Requirement
Only residents of Cook County, Illinois were eligible. This included:
- Chicago
- All surrounding Cook County suburbs
Applicants were required to verify residency within the county.
Income Limit
Household income could not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
For example:
- A family of four earning up to approximately $69,000 annually qualified
This threshold targeted low-to-moderate-income families rather than only those in extreme poverty.
No Participation in Other Guaranteed Income Programs
Applicants already receiving cash from another guaranteed income program were not eligible. This rule ensured the program reached as many new households as possible.
Immigration Status Was Not a Factor
One of the most significant aspects of the program was its inclusivity.
- Open to all immigrants
- No documentation status requirement
- No citizenship verification required
The intent was to ensure that vulnerable families were not excluded due to immigration status.
Exclusion of County Officials
To maintain fairness and transparency:
- Cook County employees
- Elected officials
- Immediate family members of officials
were excluded from eligibility.
How Were Participants Selected?
The number of applications far exceeded the number of available slots. To ensure fairness, Cook County used a computer-based random lottery system.
The selection process included:
- Verifying eligibility for all applicants
- Entering eligible applications into a database
- Conducting a random computerized draw
- Selecting 3,250 families
Once selected, families automatically began receiving $500 per month, with no conditions and no requirement to explain or justify spending.
Why the Program Focused on Low-to-Moderate-Income Families
Economic disruptions over recent years have disproportionately affected households that:
- Rely on hourly or contract work
- Face rising childcare costs
- Carry heavy medical expenses
- Spend a large share of income on rent and utilities
Research from guaranteed income pilots worldwide shows that unconditional cash support leads to:
- Improved mental health
- Reduced financial anxiety
- Better job focus and productivity
- More stable household planning
Cook County’s model was directly informed by these findings.
Why the Guaranteed Income Program Becomes Permanent in 2026
After evaluating the results of the two-year pilot, Cook County determined that the program delivered meaningful, measurable benefits.
As a result:
- The program is scheduled to become permanent in 2026
- $7.5 million has been allocated in the 2026 county budget
Further announcements in 2026 are expected to clarify:
- Updated eligibility criteria
- New application timelines
- Selection methods
- Possible expansion to additional families
- Adjustments to income thresholds
Why This Program Matters Beyond Cook County
This initiative represents more than a local policy, it signals a potential shift in how social support is delivered across the United States.
Traditional assistance programs often:
- Require complex applications
- Impose strict spending rules
- Penalize recipients for earning more income
Guaranteed Income programs take a different approach by:
- Trusting families to manage their own needs
- Providing predictable financial stability
- Reducing administrative complexity
- Acting as a safety net during economic shocks
If adopted by other states or at the federal level, this model could reshape America’s social welfare system.
Final Summary
Eligibility for the first U.S. Guaranteed Income Program included:
- Residents of Cook County, Illinois
- Individuals aged 18 or older
- Households earning up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
- People not enrolled in other guaranteed income programs
- Applicants regardless of immigration status
- Non-government officials
This program was not just a financial initiative, it was a statement about dignity, trust, and economic security. With its transition into a permanent program in 2026, Cook County has opened the door to a new chapter in American social policy, one that may influence how the nation addresses poverty and financial instability in the years ahead.