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QUALIFYING Americans are receiving checks up to $500 per month.
The payments are part of a newly-introduced basic income program.
The fund seeks to provide low-income families with financial relief[/caption]
Residents in Illinois will receive checks with no strings attached.
The new program, operated by a non-profit called UpTogether, is distributing direct payments to more than 50 families.
The UpTogether Illinois Community Fund helps families “make ends meet, spend more time with their children, and pursue their goals.”
The one-year initiative began in September 2024.
It aims to emphasize how direct cash support can help families build financial stability and improve their overall wellbeing.
UpTogether launched the pilot for 52 Illinois earning as much as 80% of the area median income (AMI) in the state.
The families are located in Carbondale, Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Rockford, Belleville, and East St. Louis.
The participants were chosen from existing UpTogether members who showed interest in sharing their stories and engaging in advocacy efforts.
“It has impacted me in a positive way,” said participant Bria Gregory.
Gregory has three children and works as a delivery driver for a rental car dealership while studying business administration.
“I couldn’t even afford my car payment until I received those funds. So it helped me out a lot.
“With my work check alone, it’s not enough.”
Most of the participants are Black and Latina women, with two children on average.
Of those involved, 78% have household incomes below the federal poverty line, and 67% are employed, working an average of 34 hours per week.
Half of the participants spend more than 50% of their income on housing—an amount classified as a severe housing cost burden.
Improving their housing situation was the top priority identified by participants.
“It’s been wonderful,” said participant Janine Lamb.
Lamb has two children and works as a home health aide and rideshare driver.
According to Lamb, the funds give her space to earn a nursing certification and spend more time with her children.
The fund is financed by a private donor with the intention of raising awareness for the effectiveness of guaranteed income.
