Americans to lose $1,000 in monthly ‘Big Leap’ support starting in April – see if you’re affected

A GROUP of Americans will see $1,000 less cash in their bank accounts in April.

This is because a guaranteed income program known as BIG:LEAP has come to an end.

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The program provided more than 3,200 people in Los Angeles, California with $1,000 a month for a year.

Participants received their payment on March 25, according to a statement from the city.

In total, more than $38.4 million was distributed, helping low-income residents pay for medical expenses, catch up on rent and bills, cover school fees, and make investments for the future.

The pilot project was administered by the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Community Investments for Families (CIFD).

“The program has been incredibly impactful for Angelenos, but we know that more resources are needed to provide adequate long-term support for families, and we are committed to finding ways to advance programs and policies that break the cycle of generational poverty,” said Abigail R. Marquez, Director General of CIFD said.

WHO WAS ELIGIBLE?

To have your name considered for participation in the program, you had to submit an application between October 29 and November 6, 2021.

If approved, the city conducted appointments between January and April 2022 to enroll qualified applicants for available spots.

To be eligible, your income must be at or below the federal poverty line.

In addition, participants must be at least 18 years old, have had at least one child, or have been pregnant.

You must also have experienced economic and/or medical hardship related to Covid-19.

Those who participated in BIG:LEAP can still get help.

This includes directing you to financial coaching, FamilySource Centers (FSCs) and community partners.

Additionally, the city said the CIFD is “focused” on funding a “guaranteed income follow-up program” to help needy Los Angeles families.

Note, however, that this is not a guarantee.

OTHER GUARANTEED INCOME PROGRAMS

While the future of Los Angeles is uncertain, remember that if you live elsewhere, your city may offer a guaranteed income.

That includes Palm Springs, California, where applicants should be notified by tomorrow whether or not they’re eligible for $500 monthly payments.

In Sacramento, Mayor Darrell Steinberg recommended using $750,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to start another guaranteed income phase.

The program was originally started to provide $300 a month in grants to 100 Sacramento households.

Since the first phase is scheduled to end in May 2023, a new group of 80 families can apply by mid-April.

These payments are for one year and have a value of $500 per month.

Meanwhile, artists in Minnesota will receive their first $500 check this month.

A total of 75 participants were randomly selected who have been impacted by the pandemic and have received support from the Springboard Coronavirus Personal Emergency Relief Fund and other services.

Elsewhere, a group of Ohio residents in Yellow Springs and Miami Township will receive payments totaling $7,200 over 24 months.

Currently, the program is in its first cohort, but a second round of applications is due to start in the summer, an official told The US Sun.

Another 15 residents will then be added.

Here are the 12 states that are offering up to $1,000 worth of payments to parents.

And see if you can join the millions who can claim up to $3,600 worth of Direct Payments.