Beginning today, residents can apply for the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot Program lotto. The city estimates that about 5,000 low-income households will benefit from the program.
Applications for the lottery will begin on April 25, 2022, at 9 a.m. and end on Friday, May 13 at 11:59 p.m. To be eligible for the program all of the following requirements are needed:
- Individuals must reside in the city of Chicago.
- They must be at least 18 years old or older.
- They must have experienced economic hardship related to COVID-19.
- Their household income falls at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Federal Poverty Level is an income measure used by the government to determine eligibility for programs. Examples of the guidelines for the Federal Poverty Level are:
- Individuals who make up to $13,590.
- A family/household of two who makes up to $18,310.
- A family/household of three who makes up to $23,030.
- A family/household of four who makes up to $27,750.
- A family/household of five who makes up to $34,690.
- A family/household of six who makes up to $46,490.
- A family/household of seven who makes up to $52,390.
- A family/household of eight who makes up to $58,290.
To calculate for families/households with more than eight people they will need to add $5,900 for each additional person.
The city expects the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot Program to be one of the largest monthly cash assistance programs in the nation. It will be providing eligible families with $500 per month for 12 months and help provide additional economic stability.
Everyone who meets the program’s criteria will be entered into a lottery. Those living in poverty and communities with preexisting economic hardship will be prioritized, according to the city.
The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot provides cash relief to residents impacted by COVID-19. 5,000 households will be selected by random lottery to receive $500/month for 12 months. Visit https://t.co/AP6aA1o6Aq to apply. pic.twitter.com/HixKVwyxA7
— Archived: Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@mayorlightfoot) April 25, 2022
The city is launching the pilot in conjunction with the program administrator GiveDirectly, ChiFamSupport, Center for Changing Lives, Phalanx Family Services, Pui Tak CenterSpanish Coalition for Housing, United African Organization, The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab, The Inclusive Economy Lab, and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
For further information please visit the website Chicago.gov/cashpilot.
Written by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Chicago: Pilot Partners
ASPE: HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2022
ABC-7: Applications for Chicago cash assistance program for low-income residents open Monday; by Jessica D’Onofrio
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Pictures of Money’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Jeremy Yerse’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
