Residents in one particular county of the state of California will be beneficiaries with a new stimulus check program that will offer more than $500 a month for one year, but only those who meet certain requirements will be able to apply. This initiative comes at a time marked by rising inflation, with rates having risen from 3.2% in February 2024 to 3.5% in March 2024, highlighting the increasing financial pressure households are facing.
The concept of guaranteed income programs has gained relevance in recent years, as it seeks to provide complementary cash payments to people based on socio-economic criteria such as income and geographical location. In this context, the Advancing Fresno County Guaranteed Income Program, led by the Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission (Fresno EOC), is providing support to eligible residents through monthly stimulus check payments.
Qualified Californians Could Get Up to $6,000/Year in Stimulus Checks
The Fresno EOC, established in 1965, makes efforts to address social and economic disparities in the residents of Fresno County, which has a population of 1,018,965, according to the most recent census data. It has an annual budget of about $100 million, which it invests in initiatives ranging from social and educational sectors, to professional development, housing and healthcare.
The Fresno Guaranteed Income Program will provide monthly stimulus checks of $500 for 12 months to 150 households that meet certain requirements. These payments will be made through reloadable prepaid debit cards, ensuring that the beneficiaries can easily access the funds.
To be eligible for these payments, it is necessary to meet several criteria, such as residing in specific zip codes, having children from 0 to 5 years old and meeting the income thresholds determined according to the zip code of residence.
The application process is simple and interested individuals have until May 15th to submit their application either online or in person at designated locations in Fresno and Huron. A lottery system will be used to select the beneficiaries, and those chosen will be notified in mid-May, with the payments distributed in mid-June 2024.
Requirements to Claim $500/MO in Stimulus Checks in Fresno
Families wishing to apply to receive the $500 per month for one year must live in designated zip codes and earn 80% or less of the median income in their zip code area.
The qualifying codes are: 93706-Southwest Fresno, or 93234-Huron. The maximum income that families who want to qualify must have is: $30,615 or less annually for 93706-Southwest Fresno or $35,103 or less for 93234-Huron.
The application period is already open from March 15 and will be valid until May 15. Those who wish to apply should enter this website and fill out the application.
Over the past four years, there has been a nationwide expansion of guaranteed income programs. In 2022, California allocated over $25 million to fund seven agencies for this purpose, but the Central Valley was not included in this funding. Due to the region’s high poverty rate, Fresno EOC collaborated with community partners and actively pursued funding to initiate similar efforts locally.
“Our local community did not take no for an answer when the state decided to leave the Central Valley out of its Guaranteed Income Pilot Program funding in 2022. As an anti-poverty agency, we continued to fight and advocate for funding for the community. We are grateful for the foundations who have stepped in to help make this vision a reality,” said Emilia Reyes, Fresno Economic Opportunities CEO.
