City of Rochester
Guaranteed Basic
Income Pilot Program
Guaranteed Basic Income:
City of Rochester New York Pilot Program
WHY GUARANTEED
BASIC INCOME?
Poverty touches the lives of more than 38 million people living in America today — close to twelve percent of the U.S. population.
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, 31% of Rochester City Residents are living in poverty.
WHY GUARANTEED
BASIC INCOME?
Poverty touches the lives of more than 38 million people living in America today — close to twelve percent of the U.S. population.
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, 31% of Rochester City Residents are living in poverty.
BCFF Administer’s the City of Rochester’s GBI Pilot Program!
Watch This Panel Discussion!
GBI programs are founded upon the belief that the people enduring financial instability or poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that efficiently address their household’s needs— whether that means paying for rent, a new tire, or an unexpected trip to urgent care. These participants are granted the freedom to meet their most pressing needs without delay.
Furthermore, the participant’s financial future becomes more secure and predictable, providing families the resources to address problems before they lead to larger and costlier burdens. Through Rochester BCFF, the people of Rochester are empowered to forge their own path towards financial security. While no single program can reverse decades of economic and racial inequality that marginalize low-income people of color, Rochester BCFF can point the way towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
117%
Participants experienced a 117% increase in full-time and part-time employment
9%
GBI Studies have shown a 9.21% increase in participants who were free of mental health problems
37%
Participants spent the money on basic needs. Such as 37% of GBI recipients spent the funds on groceries
117%
Participants experienced a 117% increase in full-time and part-time employment
9%
GBI Studies have shown a 9.21% increase in participants who were free of mental health problems
37%
Participants spent the money on basic needs. Such as 37% of GBI recipients spent the funds on groceries
GBI Pilot Program Overview
In 2023, the City of Rochester piloted a year-long program that provided a Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI, to selected Rochester residents who lived at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The program was founded upon the belief that people in poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that address their households’ needs.
The guaranteed income pilot provided monthly payments of $500 to 351 individuals for 12 months. It was unconditional, which means there were no strings attached: no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money could be used.
Other communities are also exploring guaranteed income pilot programs. Rochester’s program will provide additional information to help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income and influence future policy decisions around broader poverty reduction programs.
Although the application window was short, the City of Rochester recieved a significant response. A total of 351 households were selected to participate out of over 16,000 applicants. Qualified applicants were chosen at random so everyone had a fair chance at participating. The more people who applied, the lower the chances were of being selected to participate.
Applications opened on Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m.,remained open for one week, through Thursday, June 29 at 11:59 p.m. Random selection began and those chosen began receiving payments September and December of 2023.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet specific qualifications to be considered to receive GBI payments. All participants will go through an eligibility process, and you will only be selected for the program if you meet all of the requirements.
- Only one individual per household can participate in the program.
- A “household” means people who live in the same home and share finances. For instance, parents and children, or people who are married.
- Roommates who do not share finances are not considered one “household.”
- Visit healthcare.gov/glossary/tax-household for more information and examples.
- Your household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Qualified incomes are as follows:
- Single person — $26,973
- 2 people — $36,482
- 3 people — $45,991
- 4 people — $55,500
- 5 people — $65,009
- 6 people — $74,518
- 7 people — $84,027
- 8 people — $93,536
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a City of Rochester resident and have been a resident for at least one year before applying.
- You must live in a specific area of the City of Rochester to apply (shaded blue sections of map below represent qualifying areas).
Selected applicants who participated in the GBI Pilot Program clicked here to schedule their enrollment appointments
“The concepts of Reparations and Universal Basic Income provide an excellent and exciting opportunity to help families overcome poverty and create a more just and equitable Rochester,” said Mayor Warren. “We are exhausting every possible approach to improve outcomes for our families; even if that means investing in them through a regular, basic living stipend. I encourage the community’s participation in this community conversation on a potential Guaranteed Basic Income program for Rochester.”
Mayor Lovely Warren, former Mayor of Rochester, NY 2014 – 2021
“The concepts of Reparations and Universal Basic Income provide an excellent and exciting opportunity to help families overcome poverty and create a more just and equitable Rochester,” said Mayor Warren. “We are exhausting every possible approach to improve outcomes for our families; even if that means investing in them through a regular, basic living stipend. I encourage the community’s participation in this community conversation on a potential Guaranteed Basic Income program for Rochester.”
– Mayor Lovely Warren, former Mayor of Rochester, NY 2014 – 2021
Work With Us
Reach out to join our coalition, request support to implement your program, or click to learn more about Guaranteed Basic Income programs.
Work With Us
Reach out to join our coalition, request support to implement your program, or apply for the Guaranteed Basic Income program
The Black Community Focus Fund is a 501c3 public charitable organization created to provide direct support in housing, education, and economic opportunity to black families in the Rochester community impacted by racism’s history and current manifestations.
The Black Community Focus Fund is a 501c3 public charitable organization created to provide direct support in housing, education, and economic opportunity to black families in the Rochester community impacted by racism’s history and current manifestations.
The Black Community Focus Fund is a 501c3 public charitable organization created to provide direct support in housing, education, and economic opportunity to black families in the Rochester community impacted by racism’s history and current manifestations.
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