Contra Costa launches basic income program, but eligibility rules could leave out neediest

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a guaranteed income pilot program designed to aid 178 residents over 18 months. This initiative, funded with $4. 25 million, aims to provide unconditional cash payments to help participants meet their basic needs. Targeted populations include youth exiting foster care, financially struggling families with young children, low-income seniors, and individuals on probation. However, eligibility requires participants to be enrolled in existing county programs, which has sparked criticism from community advocates who believe it may leave out the most disadvantaged individuals.

Supervisor John Gioia highlighted that similar programs in other counties do not have such enrollment requirements. Marla Stuart, head of the Employment and Human Services Department, defended the approach to minimize administrative costs. The program will feature a control group to aid evaluation, with a five-year study conducted in partnership with UC Davis to measure its effectiveness. The first payments are expected to be distributed starting January 15, with most participants opting for monthly payments of $1,250.