Starting in May 2025, a new program called the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) is rolling out, offering selected families $725 every month through the spring of next year. That’s a total of up to $8,700 in direct payments, no strings attached. The goal: to help parents of young children stay afloat, reduce economic pressure, and avoid unnecessary involvement with the child welfare system.
And while this program is limited in scope, its impact could be life-changing for the families who qualified.
What Is the FFESP?
Launched by Sacramento County in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the FFESP is part of a broader movement exploring guaranteed income—the idea that consistent, unconditional cash support can help families build financial stability without red tape or restrictions.
Unlike traditional assistance programs, the FFESP lets families decide how to use the money. Rent, food, child care, gas, diapers—you name it. No receipts. No approval process. Just help when it’s needed most.
Who Qualified?
Earlier this spring, Sacramento County opened applications for the program and received hundreds of entries. But only 200 families were selected through a random lottery—and eligibility was pretty specific:
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Families must live in one of six Sacramento ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838
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They must be raising at least one child between the ages of 0 and 5
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Income has to be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (around $40,880 for a family of two)
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They can’t already be receiving money from another guaranteed income program
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Priority was given to Black, African American, American Indian, and Alaska Native families, in recognition of the disproportionate challenges these communities face
The application window closed in late April, and selected families were notified earlier this month.
When Do Payments Start?
Although the program officially kicks off in May, the first $725 payment is expected to be deposited in mid-June. From there, families will continue to receive monthly payments for a full year.
The money is unrestricted—meaning recipients can spend it however they see fit. That freedom is a key part of what makes guaranteed income different from welfare or benefits programs that often come with strict usage rules.
Why This Program Matters
The FFESP isn’t just about putting cash in people’s hands—it’s about keeping families together. County officials say that financial hardship is one of the biggest drivers of child welfare cases. By helping parents meet basic needs, the hope is to prevent situations where poverty—not abuse or neglect—leads to children being removed from their homes.
And while 200 families may not sound like much, this pilot could serve as a model for other counties or even statewide programs. Similar initiatives in Stockton, Oakland, and Los Angeles have already shown promising results, including increased employment, improved mental health, and greater family stability.
What’s Next?
For now, the FFESP is a one-year pilot, but if it proves successful, Sacramento County could look into expanding the program—or inspire similar efforts elsewhere. Guaranteed income remains a hot topic among policy experts, and California continues to lead the way in testing real-world solutions to poverty.
