NYC to fund guaranteed income program: Who qualifies

NEW YORK (PIX11) – New York City will provide funding for a guaranteed income program to support soon-to-be mothers experiencing housing insecurity.

The New York City Council is allocating $1.5 million in funding to support the work of The Bridge Project, a nonprofit that operates a guaranteed income program for expecting mothers.

The funding will allow The Bridge Project to provide regular income assistance to 161 pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity. The program aims to improve the health of mothers and reduce child poverty.

“This is an important step towards reducing the economic stressors that threaten maternal health and empowering low-income mothers to secure pathways to stability and security,” New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement.

The 161 women participating in the program will receive financial assistance during the first three years of their children's lives.

The women will receive a $2,500 payment up front, followed by monthly payments of $1,000 for the first 15 months and $500 for the final 21 months of the program.

It is the first time municipal funding has been used for a guaranteed income program, according to the New York City Council.

“Two years ago, I introduced legislation to authorize the city to create a pilot program to provide direct cash assistance for low-income families struggling with housing instability, homelessness, and other challenges tied to financial insecurity. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Adams for her leadership and commitment in making the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program a reality," New York City Council member Crystal Hudson said in a statement.