Who is eligible for the first U.S. Guaranteed Income Program with $500 a month?

An epoch-making and unusually significant move was made in the American history of social assistance when the county of Cook in Illinois introduced the first-ever Guaranteed Income Program that was totally supported by the government. As part of this extraordinary plan, a random selection of persons was given the right to receive the financial support of $500 every month with no strings attached. In the times of economic uncertainty, high inflation, and unstable jobs, this program came to be viewed as a new lifeline for many needy households.

The program was not limited to conventional welfare systems because it operated with no spending conditions or limitations whatsoever. Providing people with financial liberty to choose living options according to their real needs was the main goal of this initiative. While this model gained recognition and became a topic of conversation all over the nation, concerns about the initial participants in the pilot program and the future of the project arose.

Understanding the Guaranteed Income Program

Cook County’s plan, which was called the “Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Program,” started in December 2022. It was a two-year pilot program that the American Rescue Plan Act funded. The plan was that 3,250 families would be chosen to get $500 every month for two years in total.

The intention was to bring the families stability who were economically pressed because of inflation, low income, or unstable employment situations. The program was designed for all the residents of Cook County, which is the area that includes Chicago and its surroundings.

After the application period closed, a lottery system was used to select winners from among the eligible applicants, which made sure everyone had the same chance. The most important feature of the program was that the recipients didn’t have to give any information on their spending of the money. The family could use it for any purpose they saw fit—rent, grocery, daycare, medical, travel, or even emergencies.

Even when the pilot program was not yet over, early reports already indicated that the program had brought about huge reductions in stress, financial stability, and improved budgeting. With these positive results, Cook County declared that the program would be extended permanently from 2026—thus making it the first government-funded program of permanent income guarantee in the U.S.

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Key Eligibility Requirements for the Program

Cook County focused the eligibility requirements on those most impacted by economic hardship. To be eligible, all of the following conditions had to be met:

1. Age Requirement

Applicants had to be at least 18 years old at the time of application. This ensured that they were adults capable of making independent financial decisions.

2. Residency Requirement

Applicants had to be bona fide residents of Cook County, Illinois. This included the city of Chicago and all its suburbs.

3. Household Income Limit

Household income had to be less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This limit was designed to include families struggling with low income, even if they were employed.
For example: A four-person household could have a maximum annual income of approximately $69,000.

4. Not Participating in Other Guaranteed Income Programs

Individuals already receiving assistance from a similar program were not eligible for this program. This ensured equitable distribution of benefits.

5. Immigration Status Did Not Matter

One of the most unique aspects of this program was that people of any immigration status—documented or undocumented—could apply.

6. Restriction for County Officials

Cook County officials and their families were not permitted to apply to maintain transparency. —

How ​​were participants selected?

Due to the overwhelming number of applications, a lottery system was used to ensure a fair selection process. After the application period closed, all eligible applicants were entered into a digital lottery, and 3,250 families were randomly selected.

Once selected, participants began receiving $500 every month—with no strings attached. This type of assistance gave people complete freedom to make decisions based on their own expenses and priorities.

Why were low- and moderate-income residents chosen?

Following the pandemic, many families earning at or slightly above the poverty line were facing significant financial strain.

• Work hours were reduced
• Rent and food became more expensive
• Childcare became more difficult
• Healthcare costs increased

In these circumstances, even a small amount of regular assistance can provide significant stability.
Other guaranteed income experiments around the world have shown that such support leads to improved mental health, reduced stress, and better future planning. Cook County adopted this same approach.

Moving towards a permanent program in 2026

After seeing the good results of the pilot program, the county government made up its mind to adopt it as a permanent policy. The 2026 budget has set aside $7.5 million. Thus, Cook County is going to be the first ever in the U.S. to operate a Guaranteed Income Program with public money permanently.

More precise details about who can apply, when the application period is, and how large the program will be will be made known in 2026. Most probably, the eligibility criteria will be widened later on so that more families are included.

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Why is this program important nationally?

This historic initiative in Cook County signals a major shift in America’s social safety net.
Traditional government assistance is often complex, limited, and burdened by rigid rules. In contrast—

• Guaranteed Income provides direct and transparent assistance.
• It empowers people with dignity and financial autonomy to decide how to spend the money.
• It can be more effective in reducing poverty.

In case this system is embraced by other states or by the federal government in the future, it could truly revolutionize America’s social security system and transform it into one that provides needy families with simple, flexible, and dignified financial support.

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