A small group of families in Howard County, Maryland is receiving $1,000 every month as part of a test program. The program wants to find out if giving families cash directly can help them stay financially stable before money problems get worse.
The program started in 2025 and is still running in 2026. Twenty families are part of this program, and each family will receive payments for 12 months. By the time the program ends, each family will have received about $12,000 total.
How Can Families Use the Money?
Families can spend the money however they need to. There are no rules about what they must buy. Common uses include:
- Rent
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Utility bills
- Savings
- Emergency expenses
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said the program is meant to help families build a better future, not just pay their current bills.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
The program is only for families who live in certain Howard County areas, including Columbia, Laurel, Elkridge, and Savage. To be part of the program, families had to meet these requirements:
- Live in Howard County
- Have at least one child under 18 years old
- Already be receiving help from the Community Action Council (such as early childhood education, energy assistance, or housing programs)
- Have income between 150% and 300% of the federal poverty level
Families who already receive housing vouchers or housing subsidies could not join. This was to make sure the extra money would not affect their current benefits.
How Were Families Chosen?
The county started with 292 families who might qualify. After checking paperwork and eligibility, 90 families moved forward. From that group, 20 families were picked through a random lottery. The program is now full and is not accepting new applications.
Why Is the County Doing This?
The program costs about $250,000 and is paid for through a $750,000 grant. Officials want to see if giving families cash with no strings attached actually helps them.
Tracy Broccolino, president of the Community Action Council of Howard County, said many working families are under a lot of pressure. She believes giving them money directly lets them plan for the future instead of just trying to survive day to day.
What Happens Next?
Families in the program will answer surveys every three months. The surveys will ask about their quality of life, health, income, childcare, and how the money has helped them.
Is This Idea Popular?
Guaranteed income programs like this one have popped up in many U.S. cities and counties in recent years. People who support these programs say they help families pay bills, stay in their homes, and feel less stressed about money.
However, not everyone agrees. Critics say these programs are expensive, hard to grow, and might make people rely too much on government help.
Howard County's program is small, but officials say the results will be important. If families show real improvement, the county may consider expanding the program in the future.
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