City of Pomona Launches Guaranteed Income Program for Parents of Children Under Four

The City of Pomona in California is set to launch a new guaranteed income program called the City of Pomona Household Universal Grants Program (HUG), which will provide parents and legal guardians of children under the age of four with a monthly payment of $500. The program, funded with $2.4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to support families in need and help alleviate some of the challenges that come with parenthood.

The Pomona HUG will be administered through the city of Pomona and FORWARD, an organization with experience in managing similar projects in Southern California. A total of 600 eligible applicants will be randomly selected by lottery to participate in the program, with 250 recipients receiving the $500 monthly payments and additional resources and support services in Pomona and Los Angeles County.

The remaining 350 participants will be part of a control group, receiving a $20 monthly payment and being monitored by researchers. Both groups will have the opportunity to earn $50 bonus payments by participating in surveys provided by UCLA. Participants will also have access to free benefits counseling and resource navigation services as part of the program.

To be eligible for the Pomona HUG, applicants must live in Pomona, be 18 or older, be the parent or legal guardian of a child under four, and meet certain qualifiers related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, household income, or other criteria. The program aims to support families in need and invest in the well-being of the community.

The lottery to select participants will take place on July 10, with a review period and meetings with counselors following shortly after. Approved applicants will be notified of their participation in the program on August 12, with the first payments scheduled to be issued on August 16. The program aims to provide much-needed support to families in Pomona and contribute to the future of the city.