Americans could be looking for an economic boost with the holiday season around the corner. In California, the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP) is progressing in full swing, scheduled until November 2025. This initiative offers 200 selected families a monthly income of $725 for 12 consecutive months, with the aim of reducing poverty and strengthening the stability of households with young children, reports Marca.
The program, launched in December 2024, supports caregivers with children aged 0–5 living in Sacramento neighborhoods most affected by economic inequality. To qualify, families must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and meet certain demographic criteria, with priority given to African American and Native American communities.
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The FFESP is part of a larger statewide initiative studying how guaranteed income affects poverty reduction and dependence on social services. An independent evaluation by MEF Associates, a public policy research organization, tracks factors such as financial security, housing stability, and the number of child intervention cases.
Early findings show that the monthly payments help reduce financial instability and promote family independence. Participants also receive financial guidance and support to ensure they can continue accessing other state benefits, including CalWORKs and CalFresh. The program is managed by the Sacramento County Department of Child and Family Services (DCFAS) and United Way California Capital Region, with funding from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and private donations. Apart from to financial assistance, families have access to financial education workshops, budgeting guidance and support in opening bank accounts. These measures seek to promote economic independence and reduce social gaps in historically marginalized communities.
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According to Newsweek, Rep. Ro Khanna proposed $2,000 payments for Americans earning under $100,000, saying the move would help offset the impact of some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Trump has repeatedly suggested using revenue from new tariffs to fund rebate checks for taxpayers in certain income brackets, similar to the stimulus payments issued during the pandemic.
In February, he also floated the idea of giving out $5,000 stimulus checks as a “DOGE dividend” during a summit in Miami, describing it as a plan to return part of the 20% savings identified by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to taxpayers. However, he has not provided further details or confirmed whether the “DOGE dividends” or tariff rebates will go ahead.
During an October 2 interview on One America News, Trump once again proposed sending stimulus checks ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. "We’ll pay back debt, but we also might make a distribution to the people, almost like a dividend to the people of America,” he said.
The program, launched in December 2024, supports caregivers with children aged 0–5 living in Sacramento neighborhoods most affected by economic inequality. To qualify, families must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level and meet certain demographic criteria, with priority given to African American and Native American communities.
How will Americans receive stimulus payment?
According to the report, each family receives the money through direct deposit or through an account at SAFE Credit Union, an entity that collaborates with the program to facilitate financial inclusion. With this aid, households can cover essential expenses such as rent, food, transportation and childcare, without restrictions on how to spend the funds.ALSO READ: Trump caught snoozing during discussion on sleep and obesity; California Gov says 'Dozy don is back'
The FFESP is part of a larger statewide initiative studying how guaranteed income affects poverty reduction and dependence on social services. An independent evaluation by MEF Associates, a public policy research organization, tracks factors such as financial security, housing stability, and the number of child intervention cases.
Early findings show that the monthly payments help reduce financial instability and promote family independence. Participants also receive financial guidance and support to ensure they can continue accessing other state benefits, including CalWORKs and CalFresh. The program is managed by the Sacramento County Department of Child and Family Services (DCFAS) and United Way California Capital Region, with funding from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and private donations. Apart from to financial assistance, families have access to financial education workshops, budgeting guidance and support in opening bank accounts. These measures seek to promote economic independence and reduce social gaps in historically marginalized communities.
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When will you receive stimulus payment?
The final disbursement is scheduled for November 2025, completing an annual total of $8,700 per family. The data obtained will be used to support future public policies that promote a sustainable model of guaranteed income in the United States.Fourth stimulus check coming soon?
There has been no indication that a fourth stimulus check will be issued as a result of cost-cutting measures. Any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government would have to be approved by Congress. And with the government at a standstill, you shouldn't expect a check anytime soon.ALSO READ: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reveals his hardline smartphone policy, says 'The only notifications I get are from...'
According to Newsweek, Rep. Ro Khanna proposed $2,000 payments for Americans earning under $100,000, saying the move would help offset the impact of some of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Trump has repeatedly suggested using revenue from new tariffs to fund rebate checks for taxpayers in certain income brackets, similar to the stimulus payments issued during the pandemic.
In February, he also floated the idea of giving out $5,000 stimulus checks as a “DOGE dividend” during a summit in Miami, describing it as a plan to return part of the 20% savings identified by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to taxpayers. However, he has not provided further details or confirmed whether the “DOGE dividends” or tariff rebates will go ahead.
During an October 2 interview on One America News, Trump once again proposed sending stimulus checks ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. "We’ll pay back debt, but we also might make a distribution to the people, almost like a dividend to the people of America,” he said.
