ELIGIBLE Americans will soon be receiving $500 monthly payments.
Two guaranteed income programs are now supporting families.
1
Income programs are putting extra cash directly into the hands of Ohio residents.
The pilot programs, launched this year, aim to help families build stability without traditional restrictions on how the money is used.
Early participants are already seeing payments roll in, offering a financial boost amid rising costs.
The programs have launched this year in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio.
The programs offer no-strings-attached financial support to hundreds of local residents.
Both programs aim to boost economic stability for participants.
However, the two programs differ slightly in structure and funding.
OHIO MOTHERS TRUST
Announced in December 2024, the Ohio Mothers Trust is a pilot program designed to support 32 single mothers in the area.
Each participant receives $500 a month for 12 months, with payments beginning in January 2025.
Eligible participants had to be members of Motherful, a local collective of single mothers.
They must also earn less than 80% of the area’s median income, and complete an application.
The program is funded by RISE Together Innovation Institute and UpTogether.
Additional support comes from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Motherful.
Those interested in supporting the work of Motherful can donate at www.motherful.org.
ECONOMIC MOBILITY ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
The Economic Mobility Accelerator Program was announced in October 2024.
The program welcomed its first round of 200 participants this spring.
Payments of $500 per month started in March 2025 and will continue for 24 months.
Participants qualified by earning more than the federal poverty level but less than the median income in central Ohio.
To stay eligible, they must also participate in and graduate from one of six programs.
These programs are focused on job training, career development, or wealth-building initiatives.
Both pilots reflect a growing trend of local guaranteed income efforts designed to create pathways toward long-term financial security.
