City of Rochester New York
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.
When Can I Apply?
Mayor Malik D. Evans is excited to implement the $2.2 million Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program in the City of Rochester, New York. The GBI program will provide marginalized communities with critical resources and help to close the community’s wealth gap while boosting our residents’ ability to become homeowners. This program will put Rochester on the path to equity and fairness and create a city that is filled with hope and excitement for the future.
Starting this year (2023), Rochester, NY will offer 175 people $500 a month for one year. In the second year of the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program, the same amount will be provided to a different group of 175 people. These are unconditional, regular, and direct cash payments to individual participants that supplement existing welfare programs. This means there are no restrictions on how the money can be spent and no requirements for the participants.
When Can I Apply?
Mayor Malik D. Evans is excited to implement the $2.2 million Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program in the City of Rochester, New York. The GBI program will provide marginalized communities with critical resources and help to close the community’s wealth gap while boosting our residents’ ability to become homeowners. This program will put Rochester on the path to equity and fairness and create a city that is filled with hope and excitement for the future.
Starting this year (2023), Rochester, NY will offer 175 people $500 a month for one year. In the second year of the Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program, the same amount will be provided to a different group of 175 people. These are unconditional, regular, and direct cash payments to individual participants that supplement existing welfare programs. This means there are no restrictions on how the money can be spent and no requirements for the participants.
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.
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.
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
The guaranteed income pilot will provide monthly payments of $500 to 351 individuals for 12 months. It is unconditional, which means there are no strings attached: no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money can 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 will be short, the City of Rochester expects a significant response. A total of 351 households will be selected to participate. Qualified applicants will be chosen at random so everyone has a fair chance at participating. The more people who apply, the lower the chance of being selected to participate.
Applications will open on Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. and will remain open for one week, through Thursday, June 29 at 11:59 p.m.
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).
If you have been selected to participate in the GBI Pilot Program please click here to schedule your enrollment appointment
“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 apply for the Guaranteed Basic Income program
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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