Guaranteed income pilot aims to cut child poverty while boosting financial skills. Parents and guardians in Sacramento County now have a fresh lifeline: the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) pays $725 a month and bundles in free coaching and community links.
Sacramento officials say the program was designed to blunt stubborn child-poverty rates and help households meet everyday expenses until July 15, 2026. Recipients get money directly each month plus one-on-one financial counseling, support groups, and webinars—good news for tight budgets, right?
Eligibility checklist: key requirements every Sacramento caregiver must meet for FFESP
To secure the payments, applicants had to submit an online form by 11:59 p.m. on April 27, 2025. Still wondering whether your earlier application ticks every box? Review the core rules below and keep your paperwork ready when staff call:
• Residency in Sacramento County is mandatory.
• You must be a parent or legal guardian of a child aged 0–5 who lives with you at least half the time.
• 2024 household income must fall under 200 percent of the federal poverty level.
• Other guaranteed-income programs—public or private—make you ineligible.
Table 1 lists the only ZIP codes accepted under the program:
| Approved ZIP codes |
|---|
| 95815 |
| 95821 |
| 95823 |
| 95825 |
| 95828 |
| 95838 |
What are the important dates and payment schedule for Sacramento’s new guaranteed income pilot program? Missed deadlines often sink benefits, so mark these milestones: application submissions closed on April 27, 2025; eligibility decisions are rolling out now through early fall; first deposits hit bank accounts once approval letters are signed, and monthly transfers continue until July 15, 2026. Need to update direct-deposit details? Do it within ten days of any change to prevent delays.
Money helps, but coaching turns short-term aid into long-term stability. That’s why United Way California Capital Region and the Department of Child, Family and Adult Services pair each family with a financial mentor, small peer groups, and webinars on budgeting and credit. Consequently, participants leave the pilot with stronger skills and wider community ties—not just a thicker wallet.
What happens next for approved families and those still awaiting FFESP decisions
If your application was timely, keep an eye on your inbox and voicemail; staff may ask for proof of income or a child’s birth certificate. Once cleared, budget for an extra $725 each month and attend the free workshops—why leave free advice on the table? Families who missed the deadline should check unitedwayccr.org for future rounds or explore programs such as CalFresh and WIC.