Guaranteed income program eligibility expanded in Chicago suburb: 'We all need help'

On Monday, the Evanston, Illinois city council broadened the scope of its guaranteed basic income program, which it had previously advertised as a successful model for other cities to emulate.

The Evanston city council passed a 5-4 vote to raise the age limit for children in the program due to concerns that the program was not effectively serving enough residents in census tract 8092, as reported by The Chicago Tribune.

With only 60 households participating, there were 90 spots left in the program that did not receive as many applicants as expected.

Council members Krissie Harris and Clare Kelly highlighted the importance of expanding the program prior to the vote.

"All areas require assistance, not just Evanston."

Harris expressed concerns about the need for guaranteed income beyond one area and suggested that any adjustments should be made in an open manner.

"Regardless of whether you live in the First Ward or any ward and are poor, you require the same amount of money," Kelly stated.

The program expansion in Chicago's suburbs was approved on Monday night.

In 2022, a pilot program was launched in collaboration with Northwestern University and other stakeholders to provide $500 monthly stipends to households in tract 8092 for a year. Eligible families must have children aged 5 or younger and reside below 184% of the federal poverty line.

Undocumented residents were also eligible for the funds.

The city received funding from Northwestern University, the City of Evanston, a non-profit, and the Federal Rescue Plan to issue a loaded prepaid debit card for residents to use without restrictions.

The analysis report stated that Evanston's tract 8092, which is located in the Fifth and Second Wards, experienced a "consistent pattern of economic hardship."

According to the Tribune, Northwestern University has committed $900,000 in funding for the program, but their future financial support remains uncertain.

Since 2018, over 100 guaranteed income programs have been launched in cities across the U.S., including Evanston.

Despite the benefits of pilot programs, they often encounter obstacles such as funding and legal issues.

The Supreme Court of Texas banned the operation of a program launched at the county level in Texas.