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Economic Times
08-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
You could get $1,000 every month in 2025 — check if you're eligible for UBI and if your city still pays
Synopsis Universal Basic Income programs in California and Hawaii are giving thousands of families and individuals a fresh financial start in 2025. From $18,000 in monthly cash support for low-income families in Alameda County to $850 payments for artists in Sacramento and $177 per child through Hawaii's SUN Bucks, these guaranteed income initiatives are helping people breathe easier. With no work requirements or red tape, the money goes straight into the hands of those who need it most. This shift toward unconditional income support is redefining how communities fight poverty and offer real hope in uncertain times. California and Hawaii expand Universal Basic Income programs, offering families, artists, and children direct cash support—up to $18,000—aimed at easing inflation pressures, boosting stability, and empowering communities with dignity. Universal Basic Income Programs in California and Hawaii Expand in 2025, Offering Families and Artists Up to $18,000 in Direct Payments- As inflation pressures households across the U.S., Universal Basic Income (UBI) programs are gaining fresh momentum in 2025, with California and Hawaii leading the charge through generous guaranteed income initiatives that are changing lives. From creative workers in Sacramento to low-income families in Alameda County and schoolchildren in Hawaii, thousands of residents are now receiving monthly payments and financial support—no strings attached. In Alameda County, California, the United Way Bay Area has launched one of the state's most impactful guaranteed income pilots for struggling families. The initiative provides an upfront payment of $3,000, followed by $1,000 in monthly payments for up to one year, totaling $18,000 per family. Program Start Date: November 2024 November 2024 Next Payouts: Scheduled through mid-August 2025 Scheduled through mid-August 2025 Number of Families Benefiting: 100 low-income families 100 low-income families Funding Source: Backed by philanthropic and nonprofit partners This financial support is targeted at helping families stabilize their lives amid skyrocketing living costs, job insecurity, and housing challenges in the Bay Area. The goal of the program is not just financial relief, but to provide breathing room for families to plan, grow, and thrive. In a powerful acknowledgment of the economic vulnerability faced by creatives, Sacramento County launched the Creative Growth Fellowship to support local artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The program awards 200 selected artists with $850 per month for 12 months, totaling $10,200 per recipient. Eligibility: Visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers, filmmakers, and more Visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers, filmmakers, and more Applications Closed: June 20, 2025 June 20, 2025 Total Participants: 200 200 Program Duration: 1 full year This initiative reflects a growing national trend toward recognizing the value of creative work—and the need to provide sustainable income sources for those who enrich community culture. While the first application round is closed, the program may inspire future artist-centric guaranteed income pilots across other counties in California and beyond. In Hawaii, the focus of financial relief is squarely on children. The SUN Bucks Summer EBT program delivers $177 per eligible child to help low-income families cover food costs during the summer months when school meals aren't available. Application Deadline: August 3, 2025 August 3, 2025 Children Served So Far: Over 8,000 Over 8,000 Eligibility Includes: SNAP-enrolled children Students in schools offering free/reduced lunch programs Kids previously approved for school meal benefits This child-focused UBI-style program is an example of how targeted government assistance can fight hunger, reduce stress on working parents, and ensure kids don't go hungry during school breaks. With over 8,000 children already supported, the impact is immediate and meaningful. California continues to be a pioneer in guaranteed income innovation. In addition to the Alameda and Sacramento initiatives, the state has committed $35 million toward pilot programs targeting pregnant individuals, foster youth, and older adults aged 60 and above. Hawaii, on the other hand, is prioritizing food security through child-focused efforts like SUN Bucks, adapting the Universal Basic Income model to meet unique regional needs. These programs go beyond temporary aid—offering predictable, recurring payments that help families make long-term decisions. Across the country, guaranteed income programs are being studied and adopted as a solution to address poverty, wealth gaps, and economic inequality. Unlike traditional welfare programs, these efforts offer unconditional, recurring payments without work requirements or complex eligibility hurdles. Key reasons UBI is trending in 2025: Rising inflation and cost-of-living spikes Economic uncertainty post-pandemic Proven benefits from pilot programs Political support from city and state lawmakers Increasing nonprofit and private sector involvement California's approach is being watched closely by economists, lawmakers, and cities nationwide looking to design evidence-based, scalable income pilots. Meanwhile, Hawaii's SUN Bucks initiative is gaining traction as a model for seasonal support programs tied to food security and child welfare. These Universal Basic Income programs in California and Hawaii signal a broader transformation in how governments and communities view poverty and financial support. By providing consistent, flexible cash payments, these programs offer something that many traditional aid models can't—dignity, stability, and the freedom to choose. Whether you're a working parent in Oakland, a struggling artist in Sacramento, or a family in Hawaii trying to feed your children this summer, these guaranteed income initiatives are proving that financial support can be human-centered, direct, and transformative. Q1: What is the California Universal Basic Income program in 2025? It gives up to $18,000 to low-income families in Alameda through monthly payments. Q2: How much does Hawaii's SUN Bucks program offer in 2025? Eligible kids receive $177 to help cover food costs during summer.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Young children may go hungry as summer begins
Tens of thousands of children could go hungry this summer as a growing number of states and cities decline federal summer food dollars, slash their own offerings or reach capacity earlier than expected. More than 40 percent of summer meal participants are children ages 5 to 8. Thirteen states, all led by Republican governors, opted out of the federal SUN Bucks program this summer, which launched in 2024 and provides $120 in grocery benefits for eligible school-aged children during the months when school is out. Those states include Indiana, where last year, 669,000 children received SUN Bucks benefits, and Tennessee, which would have received $70 million in federal funds for the program. Instead of spending $6 million in state funds to administer the federal program, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee proposed a $3 million state-funded summer food program. That program will feed about 4 percent of the 700,000 children who were served by SUN Bucks last year. In Montana, legislators turned down nearly $20 million in federal funds, claiming the program is duplicative of other existing programs. "I think something people don't always recognize is that summer is the hungriest time of year for families," said Rachel Sabella, director of the nonprofit No Kid Hungry New York. SUN Bucks in particular gives families more flexibility during the summer to access food, she added. Cities and school districts have also announced cuts or limits to summer meals. Clarissa Doutherd, a parent and family advocate in Oakland, was stunned when she heard the news this spring that her town's summer food program would be canceled. In Oakland, California, where the cost of living far exceeds the national average and about 33,000 children rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year, she knew thousands of children would go without meals. "The idea that in the city of Oakland, children could possibly go hungry, that our most vulnerable families would be at risk of hunger, is unimaginable," said Doutherd, who is executive director of Parent Voices Oakland, a grassroots organization. In Maryland, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where more than 40 percent of students receive free or reduced-price lunch during the year, will be offering fewer summer meal locations than last year. A summer meal program in Santa Barbara, California, was canceled this year due to budget cuts. And in Dayton, Ohio, summer meal programs are already at capacity, far earlier than in previous years. Nationwide, 1 in 5 children don't have enough food each day. Elementary-age children account for the largest group of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and they are especially vulnerable when out of school. Food insecurity can have long-term consequences, especially for children who experience ongoing hunger early in life. Ongoing hunger has been linked to cognitive and health declines in children, and research shows children who experience food insecurity during the earliest years of school have lower test scores, are more likely to repeat a grade and have more social challenges. Summer meal programs can ease hunger and food insecurity, but already struggle to reach all children who may need food. Research shows only 15 children out of every 100 that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch during the school year access summer food programs, even before the recent shifts in policy. In Oakland, cutting summer meals is short-sighted, Doutherd said, especially at a time when Congress is debating cuts to other federal food benefits. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump canceled a program that brings local food to schools. Food banks are experiencing shortages after some federal funds were cut. And at least 2 million children could experience cuts to their food benefits under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cuts proposed by Congress. (Changes to SNAP could also affect summer meal eligibility.) Trump's proposed 2026 budget cuts the amount of money low-income children receive monthly for fruits and vegetables from $26 to $10. In New York, Sabella said she has seen community organizations and school districts step up to help fill food gaps this summer. "We are at least seeing communities recognize that families are struggling with economic costs going on, with hunger on the rise," Sabella said. But these programs are anticipating ongoing challenges as Congress considers more cuts. "If these federal proposals were to go through, we would see hunger rise in every ZIP code across the country," Sabella said. Private donors recently stepped in to help reinstate Oakland's summer food program. Still, summer meals never should have been considered as a possible cut, Doutherd said. "Families and children deserve better. Whatever savings our city might accomplish, … we will pay for in the future." Contact staff writer Jackie Mader at 212-678-3562 or mader@ This story about summer food programs was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for the Hechinger newsletter. The post Young children may go hungry as summer begins appeared first on The Hechinger Report.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Greg Abbott Vetoes Extra SNAP Benefits Over Trump Uncertainty
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott has vetoed a state budget measure that would have allowed more than three million children to receive extra food benefits. Signing off on a two-year state budget this week, Abbott said that "significant uncertainty" over federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) means the state will not proceed with the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) in 2025 — a federal program that provides additional benefits during the summer months. Newsweek contacted Abbott's office for comment via email outside of regular working hours. Governor Greg Abbott speaking in the Texas State Capitol in Austin in April. Governor Greg Abbott speaking in the Texas State Capitol in Austin in April. Brandon Bell Why It Matters Summer EBT, also known as SUN Bucks, is a program that provides $120 in food benefits to eligible children each summer in multiple states. Most of these children are in families who collect SNAP benefits, which are issued to low- and no-income households across the country to help them pay for groceries. According to Feeding Texas, a network of food banks that serves every Texas county, some 3.75 million children were expected to receive the Summer EBT. What To Know As it stands, states pay for half of the administrative costs of running the Summer EBT program, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pays the other half. The USDA also covers the entire cost of benefits. But this funding model has been earmarked for change under a House Republican budget bill, which is currently being considered in the Senate. It could see states paying for a portion of SNAP benefits in order to reduce federal spending. "As the contingency portions of this rider detail, there is significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates for this and other similar programs," Abbott wrote in the proclamation announcing the veto. "Once there is more clarity about the long-term fiscal ramifications for creating such a program, the Legislature can reconsider funding this item." Democratic Representatives Armando Walle and Toni Rose, along with No Kid Hungry Texas director Stacie Sanchez Hare, jointly said in a statement: "The reason given for the veto — uncertainty regarding the federal budget and the SNAP program — is unfounded. "Summer EBT matching funds are not tied to SNAP rates, and we have no reason to believe they are at risk." Summer EBT In total, 37 states are taking part in the SUN Bucks program this summer. It is not available in 2025 in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming. What People Are Saying Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, said in a statement: "We are deeply disappointed by the decision to veto funding for the Summer EBT program in Texas. This program would have provided critical nutrition support to children during the summer months when school meals are unavailable and food insecurity often peaks. "We appreciate Governor Abbott's openness to reconsidering Summer EBT funding in the future. We stand ready to work with the governor and legislative leaders to find a path forward that ensures Texas children do not go hungry during the summer months." The Texas House Democratic Caucus said in a statement: "In a stunning display of misplaced priorities, Governor Abbott used his line-item veto power to eliminate just one Legislature-approved item from Texas' $338 billion state budget: a $60 million program to feed hungry Texas children during summer months." Christina Morales, a Texas Democratic Representative, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Abbott just slammed the door on hungry Texas kids by vetoing summer lunch funding. This decision to hide behind federal uncertainty is morally bankrupt and shows he's completely out of touch with struggling families across our state." What Happens Next Abbott has confirmed that once there is more clarity regarding the funding of SNAP benefits, participation in the program can be reconsidered. Are you a SNAP recipient in Texas who could have received Summer EBT? How do you feel about Abbott's decision? Email
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
SNAP Summer EBT Payments: 3 States To Pay in July
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Certain families with school-age children across three states will be receiving extra food benefits in July. Why It Matters The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program—also known as Summer EBT or SUN Bucks—provides $120 per eligible school-aged child to help low- and no-income families across the U.S. buy groceries during the summer months when school meals aren't available. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which pays for the program, estimated it would assist some 21 million children nationwide, distributing about $2.5 billion in benefits across 35 states, five U.S. territories, and four tribal nations. Most recipients are those who already receive regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—monthly food benefits that are sent to some 40 million people across the U.S. and its overseas territories. What To Know This year, 37 states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories are participating in the Summer EBT program. Depending on the state, benefits will be issued in one of the following ways: Loaded onto an existing SNAP EBT card Added to a previous Summer EBT card Mailed on a new Summer EBT card Many states have already distributed benefits, sending out payments in June. The following states are expected to be sending out payments in July, according to fintech EBT benefits app Propel: Massachusetts Pennsylvania Virginia The following states will not be providing Summer EBT payments this season: Alaska Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Iowa Mississippi Oklahoma (with the exception of tribal nations) South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Wyoming Stock image/file photo: A young girl looking at products in a grocery store. Stock image/file photo: A young girl looking at products in a grocery store. GETTY Who Qualifies for Summer EBT? Children are eligible for Summer EBT if they participate in certain assistance programs or receive free or reduced-price school meals. Eligible groups include: Children in households enrolled in SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Medicaid (in participating states). Students attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and who meet income guidelines Most eligible families will get the extra benefits automatically. Those who don't but think they qualify can apply through their state's Summer EBT website. Summer EBT funds expire 122 days after being issued, so families should use them as soon as possible. What Can I Buy With Summer EBT? The extra benefits can be used like regular SNAP benefits. You can buy fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, meat, poultry, prepared snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, as well as seeds and plants if you like to grow your own food at home. SNAP benefits cannot be used for certain items, like alcohol, hot prepared meals, vitamins and food supplements, tobacco, cleaning products and other household items.
Chicago Tribune
15-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
SUN Meals answer summer hunger pangs
The kids sat at picnic tables at New Chicago's Twin Oaks Park Thursday munching on ham and cheddar submarine sandwiches provided by the food service department at the River Forest Community School Corp. 'They love it,' Britney Bansley said of her three children, Joshua Smith, 8, Cephas Smith, 6, and Evalynn Smith, 4. 'This my first time here because I have a random day off. My babysitter has been bringing them.' Bansley said she likes the program also because if the kids don't finish their meals, they're able to bring them home to eat later. River Forest is one of dozens of Northwest Indiana school districts and charter schools taking part in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SUN Meals, a free summer nutrition program for children 18-and-under. 'Our kids really need it,' said River Forest food service director Nick Alessandri. 'Thirty-five is a pretty good turnout,' he said of Thursday's attendance at Twin Oaks. 'I definitely think the program is necessary.' Throughout the U.S., various sites, including schools, parks, libraries, and others offer free lunches while school is out to make sure children receive nutritious options. Formerly known as the Summer Food Service Program, it's been around for decades and received a menu update last year by the Biden administration with SUN Meals, SUN Meals To-GO and the new SUN Bucks program. This year, Indiana opted out of the second-year SUN Bucks program, which provides needy families in the Electronic Benefits Transfer program (EBT) with a grocery benefit of $120 per eligible school child. Indiana joined the program last year under former Gov. Eric Holcomb, but officials in the Braun administration blamed Holcomb's administration for insufficient planning and funding preparations leaving it unable to fulfill the program's requirements. The SUN Meals program, however, remains unaffected throughout the state. The Twin Oaks Park site is one five sites served by River Forest schools, said Superintendent Kevin Trezak. Twin Oaks is the lone one with a learning component, said New Chicago Park Board vice president Morgan McCabe. On Thursday, the children watched Patricia Riley-Churilla teach common American Sign Language phrases such as family and mother. They also have speakers from the New Chicago-Lake Station Public Library and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. The kids craft art projects on Mondays and last year, they painted park benches, McCabe said. Trezak said the three offsites together are averaging about 85 kids a day. 'These are great numbers for us since the offsite spots are aimed to serve those with transportation needs,' he said. Northwest Indiana is home to multiple free school lunch sites from East Chicago to LaPorte. To find a site, see:
