Families to get monthly $750 checks in free money from little-known program – and there’s a single requirement
FAMILIES who were approached about an income program in March should be on the lookout for their $750 monthly checks.
The pilot program not only aims to help residents with their financial needs but also wants to support housing stability across the city.
The Somerville Guaranteed Basic Income Program in Massachusetts — four miles northwest of Boston — was announced on March 20.
Families were identified by using networks already set in place including the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative of the Somerville Public Schools and the City’s Office of Housing Stability, per the City of Somerville.
Anyone who enrolled in the program started to receive payments in July.
The goal of the program is to help residents with already documented needs so people who need the funds can get it.
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The program hopes to help approximately 200 households.
It was developed through a partnership with two research centers at the University of Massachusetts Boston; The Center for Social Policy and the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management.
The program mirrors a similar one launched in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2021.
It gave $500 a month to 130 homeowners for 18 months.
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ENROLLED FAMILIES
In March 2024, the preexisting networks started to contact families who met the requirement of having previous needs.
If a family enrolls in the Somerville Guaranteed Basic Income Program, they will receive $750 a month to use for expenses.
Residents who receive the money can make their own decisions about how it's spent.
The unrestricted use of the money is "designed to increase household financial stability, and ultimately housing stability," per the outlet.
Once payments start in July, they will continue for a year resulting in $9,000 per family.
The funding comes from Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act which helps support economic and health recovery efforts.
This pilot program is a wonderful opportunity to address some very challenging hardships, provide the stability needed for families to stay here in Somerville, and allow their children to thrive in the Somerville Public Schools.
Regina Bertholdo
'A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY'
Somerville's mayor, Katjana Ballantyne, hopes the program can put "solid ground" under the feet of people who need it.
"Sometimes you just need some solid ground under your feet to get by and move forward, and this program is looking to provide that foothold," said Somerville's mayor, Katjana Ballantyne, per the City of Somerville.
Ballantyne joined Mayors for a Guaranteed Income when they launched the program.
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a group of over 100 leaders who promote programs providing cash payments to people in poverty, also known as guaranteed-income programs.
"As the Mayor of Somerville, I’m proud to join my fellow mayors nationwide to call for a guaranteed income. The data proves that this is one of the most impactful ways to empower and build stability for struggling families and households," she said.
"We are seeking to not only assist participants with affording housing as well as other necessities. Rather by helping to build a foundation of greater stability, we aim to support related progress linked to stability including improved health, mental health, and the ability to seize the educational, job, and other opportunities needed for individuals and families to thrive."
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Director of Basic Needs and Housing Support Services in the Somerville Public Schools, Regina Bertholdo, also shared the importance of schooling and housing for families with children.
"This pilot program is a wonderful opportunity to address some very challenging hardships, provide the stability needed for families to stay here in Somerville, and allow their children to thrive in the Somerville Public Schools," she said.