(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The city of Chicago has started disbursing checks for its "guaranteed income" pilot program.
Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services said the first of the $500 monthly payments have gone out under the program, which is called the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot.
The aim is to give financial assistance to families living under federal poverty guidelines.
Five thousand households are expected to participate in the year-long experiment, and there are no restrictions in how the money may be used. During a three-week application window, the city received more than 176,000 applications.
Mayor Lightfoot says the direct cash payments have the potential to transform peoples’ lives. The total cost of the program is $31.5 million.
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