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Harris County launched the application for its guaranteed income pilot program on Friday.
Nearly half of Houston-area households experience financial hardship, according to the United Way, with 14 percent living below the federal poverty threshold. Another 31 percent of households, who are above that line, still struggle to get by.
Uplift Harris was set to launch on Monday but it was delayed after Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones had “legal questions” she wanted answered. Commissioner Court members went into executive session to discuss it.
Though the commissioners would not divulge what was discussed during the hour-long closed-door meeting, County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the main concern was whether people in the country illegally could apply. Because the program is federally funded, people in the country illegally will not be eligible, Hidalgo said.
The application window will be open from 9 a.m. Friday to Feb. 2. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Harris County’s guaranteed income program?
The program, Uplift Harris, will provide no-strings-attached $500 monthly cash payments to 1,928 Harris County residents for 18 months in hopes of providing a financial cushion that can help close the wealth gap.
Who is funding the program?
It is being funded through $20.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Who qualifies for the program?
Applicants must live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. For an individual, that would be below $29,160 a year; for a family of four, the limit would be $60,000 annually. Applicants also must reside in the following ZIP codes:
- 77050
- 77093
- 77051
- 77060
- 77028
- 77033
- 77026
- 77081
- 77547
- 77091
Those participating in Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency Harris County, a program aimed at helping vulnerable individuals streamline the services they need through a coordinated care team, also are eligible.
How do I apply for it?
The application will be available through the Uplift Harris website from Jan. 12 to Feb. 2.
What do you need to apply?
The application includes questions about life experiences and details on the applicant. An email address or a mobile phone number is required. If you do not have an email or phone, you can list the information of a trusted family member, friend or organization to receive application updates.
You also will need a government-issued photo identification. If you do not have one, you will be asked to provide other documentation that displays your name and date of birth, along with a photo that clearly shows your face.
After your application is submitted, someone may contact you to provide documentation that proves your residency and income to verify eligibility. If you are unhoused and do not have documentation, you will be provided alternative options to verify your eligibility.
How are applicants selected?
Applicants will be randomly chosen through a lottery.
What can the money be used for?
The monthly stipend can be used on virtually anything, including child care, housing, groceries or other bills. However, it cannot be spent on anything that would harm the safety and security of others, involves criminal activity or supports terrorism.
If selected, when will I be notified and begin receiving the stipend?
Recipients will be notified in mid-February and should receive their first payments in March or the end of April. The money can be dispensed through direct deposit or on a prepaid reloadable debit card.
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