"Many American cities and counties have been experimenting with a novel concept: Giving financially vulnerable residents free money every month without expecting anything in return. The goal is to let those people decide for themselves how best to spend the extra cash, rather than requiring them to spend it on certain kinds of food or other necessities. When those programs end, many report largely positive results. Few, however, are ever made permanent. Cook County in Illinois, which includes Chicago, is now an exception."
"Cook County had earlier run a basic income experiment for two years. It provided $500 a month to 3,200 households during that time. The last payment went out in January. "The County will invest $7.5 million to continue supporting the Guaranteed Income program, providing direct unconditional monetary support to help residents live healthier and more stable lives," the county's now-approved budget proposal says."
Many American cities and counties have tested giving financially vulnerable residents unconditional monthly cash to let recipients decide spending priorities. Cook County ran a two-year guaranteed income pilot that provided $500 per month to 3,200 households; the final payments were distributed in January. The Cook County Board approved the 2026 budget including a $7.5 million allocation to continue the guaranteed income program permanently. Guaranteed basic income delivers recurring, no-strings-attached payments to eligible residents, typically targeting households near the poverty line. The guaranteed model differs from universal basic income, which would give payments to all individuals regardless of income. High-profile proponents include tech leaders such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman.
Read at Business Insider
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