Stimulus update: Applications for $500 in monthly payments for two years to open in six days

Ryan King

October 25, 10:46 AM October 25, 10:46 AM

A pilot guaranteed income program in Alexandria, Virginia, featuring $500-a-month payments for two years is opening in six days.

Known as Alexandria’s Recurring Income for Success and Equity, the program will randomly select 170 eligible applicants to obtain payments. Applications will be open between Oct. 31 and Nov. 9.

UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME 2022: DEADLINE FOR EVANSTON RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR $500 MONTHLY PAYMENTS TODAY

"We are providing financial resources to individuals and families so they are empowered to decide how to best meet the needs in their lives. We are creating this unique program to evolve the ways that we assist our neighbors in need of extra support. That is what ARISE is about," Mayor Justin Wilson said in a press release.

To qualify, applicants must be within the designated income threshold, which ranges from $49,850 for households of one to $82,550 for households of six. The program will be organized by the Department of Community and Human Services and permit applicants to receive payments in the manner they prefer.

The first payments for the program will be rolled out in January 2023. Applicants must be 18 and older to apply. There are no work or citizen requirements.

Additional information about the program will be made available during a webinar at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The program will be funded, in part, through pandemic funds.

Guaranteed income and universal basic income pilot programs have cropped up in numerous cities across the United States, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. Guaranteed income programs differ from universal basic income programs in that they target specific people rather than issuing broad payment schemes.