Americans can apply for $500 direct payments over 18 months starting next year - but you need to mee
A NEW guaranteed basic income program offering $500 payments will kick off early next year.
The Uplift Harris program was originally approved in June and is funded by $20.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.
It will launch in Harris County, Texas, offering 1,928 low-income households monthly payments of $500 for 18 months.
The goal of the program is to improve participants' "financial and health outcomes" and to better understand the impacts of direct cash assistance on both individuals and their communities.
"It is uncivilized that we live in a society where people cannot afford basic necessities," Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement.
"We all may know hardworking families who are one extra cost away from falling off their stable path."
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Uplift Harris is the first program of its kind in the state.
HOW TO CLAIM THE CASH
In order to qualify for the program, residents must be 18 or older and have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, according to the website.
They must live in one of 10 targeted ZIP codes in the country, which have the lowest income levels in the county.
Only one person per household will be allowed to take part in the program.
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Participants will receive payments either via bank transfer or a prepaid debit card to accommodate those who don't have bank accounts.
The money has no strings attached and recipients can use it for whatever they deem necessary.
As a bonus, the money will be considered tax-exempt so it won't affect any public benefits someone may already be using.
ANOTHER PAYMENT GOING OUT IN TEXAS
The state is also giving back to retired teachers with a pension raise on their end-of-year stipends.
Earlier this year, state lawmakers designated $5 billion for the raises.
Teachers who retired between September 1, 2001, and August 31, 2013, will see a 4% raise on their pension checks beginning in 2024.
Meanwhile, those who retired between September 1, 2013, and August 31, 2020, will get a 2% raise.
Finally, teachers who retired before August 31, 2001, will get a 6% raise.
The Senate also approved direct payments between $2,400 for retired teachers between the ages of 70 and 74, and up to $7,500 for those over the age of 74.
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Payments worth $550 are also going out after Christmas.
Plus, see if you qualify for a $4,000 one-time payment.
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