University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab (2024)

Making Every Dollar Count: A Closer Look at Benefits Protection Strategies Implemented by Guaranteed Income Pilots in Illinois

The Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot (CRCP) was the largest guaranteed income pilot in the country by reach with 5,006 families enrolled. Not only was the reach of the pilot impressive, CRCP administrators have notably achieved more success protecting public benefits for participants than almost any other pilot at the time. The successful protection of public benefits for the Chicago pilot is in large part due to the groundwork done in Illinois and around the country by other pilots in previous years.

Project Community Connections Inc. (2024)

Project Community Connections, Inc. Cash Transfer Pilot

In recent years, unconditional cash transfer programs have garnered global attention for their potential to positively transform existing social assistance programs and policy. While the effectiveness of such policies, often referred to as guaranteed or basic income, is increasingly documented, less is known about their effects on households experiencing homelessness, a group with particularly complex and multidimensional needs. The limited research available, however, is promising, suggesting that even one-time cash transfers can lead to fewer days spent homeless and ultimately generate net societal savings.

Urban Institute (2023)

Investing in Youth through Direct Cash Transfers

Numerous studies have found that conditional and unconditional cash transfers have positive impacts on schooling, nutrition, and employment outcomes and are associated with reductions in criminal activity, lower rates of income volatility, lower rates of food insecurity, and improved well-being. However, there remain many questions about how cash transfers work, which types work better in which settings, and whether giving funds directly to youth to prevent violence exposure can be successful. It is also unknown whether pairing after-school programming with a cash transfer can increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Maine Equal Justice (2024)

Build Hope: Post-Secondary Support for Parents with Low Incomes in Maine

Maine Equal Justice recently released their report on their Build HOPE project. It connects income solutions/CTC/guaranteed income work. This project has provided direct income support (flexible funding of up to $2000 a year) to about 500 parent students pursuing postsecondary education as a pathway out of poverty. The Build HOPE project also included research to explore: (1) gaps in current programs/supports for low-income parents pursuing education and trainings; and (2) the value and impact of additional flexible income for these low-income families.

Springboard to Opportunities (2024)

It Take a Nation: A Federal Policy Agenda to Ensure Income Security for Parents and Children in the South

Springboard to Opportunity released a new report created in partnership with the Center for Economic and Policy Research called It Takes a Nation. Guided by the voices of Springboard families and utilizing their definition of a prosperous and successful life, this report traces the history of economic security policies within modern US history, noting the way that state-based policies – particularly in the South – have failed to provide the means necessary for families to earn an adequate income. Using the original provisions of the American Families Plan, which ultimately failed to pass by just one vote in the Senate, and the groundbreaking work and findings of our own Magnolia Mother’s Trust, It Takes a Nation proposes a federal plan for family economic security.

Load More