In a major initiative to support families with young children, Sacramento County has introduced the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), a guaranteed income program offering ₹60,000 (approximately $725) each month for one year to eligible low-income parents and legal guardians.
This pilot aims to reduce poverty and offer long-term financial and emotional support to families in need. Managed by United Way California Capital Region and the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS), FFESP goes beyond just providing cash—it includes access to community resources, financial guidance, and support groups.
What Is the FFESP Program?
The Family First Economic Support Pilot provides selected families $725 per month for 12 months to help cover essentials like food, rent, childcare, and utilities. It targets families with children aged 0 to 5 years and is limited to certain zip codes in Sacramento County.
In addition to financial aid, the program offers financial counseling, local resource connections, parenting webinars, and group support sessions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for FFESP, applicants had to meet the following conditions:
- Reside in Sacramento County in one of these zip codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838
- Be a parent or legal guardian of a child between 0 and 5 years old who lives with them at least 50% of the time
- Have a household income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Not be enrolled in any other guaranteed income program
How to Apply
Applications were submitted online through ffesp.org. However, the deadline to apply was April 27, 2025. Selected families began receiving payments in mid-2025, with the final installment scheduled for July 15, 2026.
More Than Monthly Support
Alongside the monthly payments, families in the FFESP program will benefit from:
- Personalized financial guidance
- Access to local organizations and resources
- Monthly educational webinars
- Parenting support groups
These added services aim to build long-term financial stability and stronger community ties for families.
Conclusion
The Family First Economic Support Pilot represents a thoughtful approach to fighting poverty—combining direct financial aid with supportive community resources. While the application window for this pilot has closed, it serves as a model for future programs that seek to uplift vulnerable families and promote economic independence.
Families are encouraged to monitor local news and official channels for future updates or similar opportunities.
