California Approves Pilot State-Guaranteed Income For Transition-Age Foster Youth

California is planning to implement a pilot state-funded universal basic income (UBI) for transition-age foster youth. The program was proposed in state Senate Bill 739, which was folded into Assembly Bill 153, the state budget bill signed on July 23, 2021. The pilot will provide payments of up to $1,000 per month to eligible program participants. People exiting the state’s extended foster care program as well as pregnant individuals will be prioritized for participation in the three-year pilot.

The budget provided $35 million for the program, which will be administered by the California Department of . . .