"The Bridge Project, which already runs similar programs in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, said the goal is to give children more stability and take some financial pressure off new parents. It comes amid a crushing affordability crisis that's squeezing parents of young children who are struggling with child care and food costs, and as federal cuts threaten to strip benefits from many low-income households."
"Participants will receive a one-time $1,125 prenatal stipend and then receive $750 every month for the first 15 months and $375 monthly for the following 21 months. To be eligible, New Jersey residents must be 18 years or older, have a household income below $44,000 annually, be no more than 23 weeks pregnant and be residents of Newark, Trenton, Paterson, or in Gloucester, Salem or Cumberland counties."
""New Jersey consistently ranks among the most inequitable states in the country, with over 250,000 children living in poverty and one in eight facing food insecurity," said Suzanna Fritzberg, executive director of the Bridge Project. She said the unconditional payment program "aims to directly empower families by providing financial freedom to meet their unique needs at a time of ongoing economic precarity.""
An initiative will provide 250 pregnant New Jersey residents with unconditional cash through a three-year period to increase stability and reduce financial strain. Participants receive a $1,125 prenatal stipend, $750 monthly for 15 months, then $375 monthly for 21 months. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, have household income below $44,000, be no more than 23 weeks pregnant, and reside in specified cities or counties; a Social Security number is not required. The program targets affordability pressures such as child care and food costs and responds to federal benefit cuts. Prior program results show improved mental health and housing gains.
Read at Gothamist
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