This month, Sacramento kicked off a bold new cash assistance program targeting low-income parents with young children. Under the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP), 200 selected families will receive $725 a month—starting today, June 15, 2025—and continuing for a full year.
The idea is simple: give families direct cash to help them breathe easier financially. But the rules are strict—and the benefits are limited to a specific part of the city.
Who’s Getting the $725 Payments?
Not everyone qualifies. This is a targeted pilot program for Sacramento parents and guardians who meet all the following criteria:
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Live in one of these ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838
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Have a child aged 0–5 living in the home
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Earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level
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Are not already receiving guaranteed income from another program
Applications closed earlier this year, and the city used a lottery-style selection to choose 200 families from eligible applicants. Those selected were notified between May and early June, with payments now rolling out.
When and How Will Payments Arrive?
The first payment of $725 hit accounts on June 15, and families will receive this amount every month through May 2026. Payments will be delivered via either:
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Direct deposit, if banking information was provided
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A prepaid debit card, for those without a bank account
Recipients can use the money however they see fit—no restrictions, no reporting requirements. That means it can cover essentials like rent, diapers, groceries, utility bills—or even help ease summer childcare costs.
Why Is Sacramento Doing This?
The goal of the program is to provide financial stability to families with young children, especially those in neighborhoods hit hardest by inflation, unemployment, and housing costs. By giving parents more breathing room, city leaders hope to reduce reliance on emergency services and promote long-term economic resilience.
Sacramento is joining a growing list of U.S. cities testing guaranteed income programs—offering direct cash to residents as an alternative to traditional welfare.
What If You Didn’t Get Picked?
If you applied but weren’t selected, you’re not alone. The program had more applicants than available spots. Right now, there’s no open waitlist or application process, but city officials haven’t ruled out expanding the program in the future.
If you think you qualify but never received a notification, check your email, text messages, or voicemail from late May to early June—or contact the city’s Family First support team for confirmation.
The Bottom Line
If you live in the right ZIP code, have a child under 6, and your income qualifies, this monthly $725 is meant to make a real difference. From groceries to rent to daily essentials, the extra cash gives breathing room in a time when many families are just trying to stay afloat. And while the pilot is small, its impact could help shape bigger programs across the state—and even the country.
