No Strings Attached: California Is Giving $725 Monthly to Select Families — Check If You’re In!

If you’re a parent trying to stay afloat right now, this might be something worth your attention. There’s a new program in Sacramento County that’s giving $725 a month to families who need a little extra help — and it’s not just a one-time check. You could get this support every month for a full year.

That’s nearly $9,000 in total — no strings attached.

What’s This All About?

The program is called the Family First Economic Support Program, and it’s all about helping families with young kids who are just doing their best to get by.

The money can be used for anything you need — rent, groceries, bills, clothes, baby supplies — whatever makes life a bit easier. There’s no long list of restrictions or rules. The idea is simple: families know what they need better than anyone else, so just give them the support and trust them to use it well.

Who’s It For?

This isn’t open to everyone — it’s a focused program for families in specific parts of Sacramento County. Here’s who they’re aiming to help:

1. You live in certain neighborhoods
Only people in these ZIP codes can apply: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838. These are areas where families have been hit harder by poverty, housing struggles, and other challenges.

2. You’re raising a young child
You need to be the legal guardian of a child under 6 years old, and the child has to live with you at least half the time.

3. Your income is on the lower side
Your total household income has to be under 200% of the federal poverty level. To give you an idea, that’s less than $40,880 a year for two people, or $62,400 for a family of four.

4. You’re part of a community that’s been historically left out
This program is specifically focused on supporting families raising children who are Black, African American, American Indian, or Native American. These groups are often more affected by systemic problems, especially in child welfare systems, and this program is meant to help shift that.

5. You’re not already getting guaranteed income from another program
If you’re already part of another similar support program, you won’t qualify for this one — they want to spread the help to as many different families as possible.

6. Your immigration status doesn’t matter
No need to worry about your immigration status. You can apply whether you’re documented or not.

How Are People Picked?

This part’s important: not everyone who qualifies will get the money. The county is using a lottery system. That means, once you apply, your name goes into a drawing, and a random group of eligible families will be selected to receive the payments.

So even if you check every box, it’s still not guaranteed — but it’s definitely worth applying.

When’s It All Happening?

The program was originally supposed to launch in late 2024, but things got delayed. The latest application window ran from April 14 to April 27, 2025. After that, they’ll notify selected families and start sending out the monthly payments.

There’s a chance more funding or new application rounds could come later — so it’s good to stay in the loop.

Why Is This Program Even a Thing?

Because sometimes all a family needs is just a little help to breathe again.

This program is built on a powerful idea: if you give families enough money to meet their basic needs, everything starts to get better — stress levels drop, parents feel more in control, and kids are healthier and happier.

It’s not about handouts or charity. It’s about giving people what they need to take care of themselves. And honestly? That kind of support can change lives.

Where Can You Learn More or Apply?

If you think you might qualify — or even if you’re just curious — your best bet is to check out the United Way California Capital Region website or Sacramento County’s official page. That’s where updates and future application details will be posted.

And if another round opens up, jump on it. Programs like this are rare, and they can be a real game-changer.