The idea of guaranteed income (also called basic income pilots) has grown in the U.S. in recent years. These programs give people regular cash payments with no rules on how to spend the money. Many people search for a “first U.S. Guaranteed Income Program” with $500 a month, often referring to the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot in Illinois. This program launched in 2022 and is one of the largest publicly funded ones. It provided $500 monthly to thousands of residents and recently moved toward becoming permanent.
Note: The true first mayor-led program was in Stockton, California (2019–2021), but Cook County’s is often called the first large-scale county publicly funded version. There is no single national “first” program — these are local pilots.
What Is the Cook County Guaranteed Income Program?
Cook County (home to Chicago) started the Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot in December 2022. It used federal pandemic relief funds to give $500 per month to 3,250 selected households for two years (ending in 2024).
The program succeeded:
- It helped families feel more secure.
- It covered emergencies.
- It improved mental health.
In late 2025, the county approved $7.5 million to continue and possibly make it permanent starting in 2026. This makes it one of the first to go from a short-term test to ongoing support.
Payments are unconditional — no work requirements, no spending reports. Money arrives via direct deposit or debit card.
Who Was Eligible for the Original Pilot?
The pilot had clear rules to help those who needed it most:
- Age — At least 18 years old.
- Residency — Live in Cook County, Illinois.
- Income — Household income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Examples (2025 FPL guidelines): - 1-person household: Up to about $37,650 per year.
- 4-person household: Up to about $78,000 per year.
- Immigration Status — Open to everyone, including undocumented residents.
- Other Rules — Not in another guaranteed income program at the same time.
Applications opened in October 2022. Eligible people entered a random lottery, and winners were picked in November 2022.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Location | Resident of Cook County, Illinois |
| Income Limit | Household income ≤ 250% of Federal Poverty Level |
| Immigration Status | No restrictions (includes undocumented) |
| Selection Method | Random lottery from eligible applicants |
| Exclusions | Participating in another similar program |
What About the Continued or Permanent Program in 2026?
As of December 2025, details for the next phase are still being planned. An advisory committee is working on it.
Expect similar rules:
- Focus on low- to moderate-income households.
- Residency in Cook County.
- Possible lottery if many apply.
The county aims to keep helping around 3,000+ households with $500 monthly. Watch the official Cook County website (cookcountyil.gov) or email guaranteedincome@cookcountyil.gov for updates on new applications.
How Does This Compare to the Stockton Program (Often Called the First)?
The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) ran from 2019 to 2021 and is widely seen as the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot:
- Gave $500/month to 125 residents.
- Eligibility: Lived in neighborhoods with median income ≤ $46,000; aged 18+; random selection.
- Results: People got more full-time jobs, felt less stress, and spent mostly on needs like food and bills.
It inspired many others, including Cook County.
Other $500/Month Programs in the U.S.
Dozens of cities and counties run similar pilots, but none is a nationwide “first” program. Examples include Chicago, Los Angeles, and others — usually local, limited spots, lottery-based.
There is no federal guaranteed income program giving $500/month to everyone or broadly in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a national U.S. guaranteed income program with $500 a month?
No. All current programs are local (city or county level). Claims of a “first national” program are not accurate.
2. Can I apply now for the Cook County program?
The original pilot is over. New rounds for 2026 are in planning. Check the official site for announcements.
3. Does the money affect other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid?
In most cases, no — it’s designed not to count against other aid.
4. Is the money taxable?
Usually not, as it’s under certain limits and treated as a gift or relief.
5. Why a lottery?
Demand is high, but funding is limited. Lottery ensures fairness among eligible people.
6. What did people spend the money on?
Studies show mostly essentials: food, rent, utilities, transportation, and emergencies.
7. Will this become permanent nationwide?
Not yet. These pilots test the idea. Success could lead to bigger programs in the future.
Conclusion
The Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot stands out as one of the largest and first publicly funded county programs to offer $500 monthly unconditional cash, now extending beyond its test phase. Eligibility focused on adults in Cook County with incomes up to 250% of the poverty level, selected by lottery. While not truly the very first (Stockton holds that title), it’s a major step in testing guaranteed income to reduce poverty and stress.
If you live in Cook County and think you qualify, stay updated via official channels for future opportunities. These programs show promising results, but they remain local efforts to build a stronger safety net.