Cook County Announces Distribution of First Payments for Participants in the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot

Cook County Announces Distribution of First Payments for Participants in the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot
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Cook County Announces Distribution of First Payments for Participants in the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot (Cook County, IL) — On Thursday, December 15th, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Board of Commissioners announced that the first payments to participants in the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot (Promise Pilot) have been released and will reach participants in the coming days. The $42 million pilot is the largest publicly-funded guaranteed income program in American history, and received over 233,000 applications during the open application period between October 6 and October 21.

“This is a proud moment for us at Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “After months of hard work, participants in our Promise Pilot will now have their cash in hand. Our hope is that this money will serve as a foundation for residents so that they can achieve financial stability, pursue professional development opportunities, and invest in themselves and their children.”

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Promise Pilot will send monthly payments of $500 to 3,250 residents for two years. President Preckwinkle and County leadership have committed to creating a permanent program after the completion of the pilot, supported by a combination of County funds and philanthropic support.

“The impact of this program is immeasurable and invaluable to our communities,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar.  “For families to not have to worry about buying groceries, filling up their gas tank, or having something set aside to emergencies, will be life changing. We are committed to lifting up everyone in Cook County, and must focus our efforts on those who are underserved and need support.  I am thrilled to see this money being delivered in a timely fashion, unburdened by red-tape, getting direct assistance to people just in time for the holidays.”

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The payments are being sent today by the Promise Pilot’s payment administration partners, GiveDirectly and AidKit, and participants who enrolled in the pilot by December 8th can expect to receive the first $500 transfers to their debit cards or bank accounts by December 20th. If participants have not received their transfers by the 20th, or for more information about enrollment status, they should contact customer service at (844) 427-5456 or support@cookcountypromise.zendesk.com.

Enrollment in the Promise Pilot is still ongoing. Program administrators will select the final participants over the coming weeks from a waitlist meant to fill gaps left by applicants who failed to respond to enrollment invitation communications within the designated timeframe. More information about the final participant cohort will be shared when the program has reached full enrollment..

For more information about the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot please visit www.engagecookcounty.com/promise

Cook County Announces Distribution of First Payments for Participants in the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot

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