Financial help is on the way to Angelinos living in poverty. Los Angeles City officials announced today, that a new 'Guaranteed Basic Income' pilot program would invest about $40 million dollars into local families living in or at the poverty level. The BIG:LEAP - Basic Income Guaranteedprogram will give about $1,000 in direct cash payments to 3,200 families each month for 12 months, no strings attached. Do you qualify? Applicants must live in the city of LA, have an income at or below federal poverty level, have at least one dependent child or be pregnant and experienced hardship during the pandemic.
More than a quarter of participants will be residents in Councilmember Curren Price’s district, District 9 which covers portions of Downtown and South Los Angeles, which have the highest percentage of people living in poverty. The 2021 federal poverty level (FPL) income numbers are as follows...$17,420 for a family of 2, $21,960 for a family of 3, $26,500 for a family of 4, $31,040 for a family of 5, $35,580 for a family of 6, $40,120 for a family of 7 & $44,660 for a family of 8.
According to Fox 11 LA, "Here is where more than 780 families will be turning the corner. We’re going to be mobilizing the community in a big way," said Price, who plans to open six hubs in his district to help his constituents apply for the program, including the Los Angeles Trade Tech College. The campus on 400 W. Washington Blvd. will offer access to computers, WiFi and language assistance.
The 10-day application period begins on Oct 29. Qualifying residents will be selected at random and notified by the city. Residents can apply online at www.BIGLEAP.lacity.org.