California Launches First State-Funded Guaranteed Income Pilot Programs For Former Foster Youth

On November 3, 2023, California launched two state-funded guaranteed income pilot programs to help former foster youth. The pilots, funded by the state Department of Social Services are taking place in San Francisco and Ventura counties. In each county, 150 recipients will receive a monthly stipend ($1,200 in San Francisco and $1,000 in Ventura County) for 18 months. The participants will also receive benefits counseling to evaluate the impact of guaranteed income payments on their eligibility for various public benefits.

The pilot was included in the state budget bill signed on July 23, 2021. The budget provided . . .