California Families Are Getting $725 a Month—Are You on the List?

Let’s be real — raising kids isn’t easy, especially when money is tight. Between rent, food, daycare, and just trying to make sure your family stays safe and healthy, it can all feel like a lot. That’s why Sacramento County has launched a new program that gives certain families $725 a month for an entire year. And if you’re one of the folks selected, here’s what that really means for you.

What Is This Program About?

This isn’t just another one-time stimulus check. It’s a new pilot program — officially called the Family First Economic Support Pilot — and it’s focused on helping families who are struggling to make ends meet. The idea is simple: if families have a bit more financial breathing room, it can reduce stress, keep kids with their families, and prevent situations that sometimes lead to foster care.

In other words, this is about helping parents care for their kids without always being in survival mode.

So, How Long Will the Payments Last?

If you got into the program, you’ll start receiving $725 a month beginning mid-June 2025. These payments will continue for 12 months, all the way through May 2026. That adds up to $8,700 over the year — enough to make a noticeable difference.

No strings attached. No tracking how you spend it. Just steady support that helps you cover the basics or catch up on what life’s thrown at you.

Who Got Picked — And Why?

This program isn’t for everyone — it’s targeted at families who really need the help the most. To qualify, here’s what needed to be true:

• You live in one of these Sacramento ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838.

• Your household income is low — specifically, under about $62,400 a year for a family of four.

• You’re the parent or guardian of a child under 6 who is Black, African American, American Indian, or Native American.

• You’re not already receiving money from another guaranteed income program.

This wasn’t about favoritism — it’s about focusing support where it can make the biggest impact.

How Do the Payments Work?

The money will be sent directly to your bank account every month. You won’t have to apply for it again or jump through hoops. Once you’re in, the payments just keep coming each month for a year.

Why This Matters

Honestly, for a lot of families, $725 a month could be the difference between falling behind and finally getting ahead. It could mean a full fridge. A paid electricity bill. Gas in the car. Less stress. More time with your kids instead of picking up that third shift.

The county is also using this program to study what happens when families get a little help without all the red tape. If it works — and early signs suggest it will — this kind of support could grow into something bigger, possibly in other counties or even statewide.

What Happens Next?

If you applied by April 27, 2025, and were selected, you’re in. First payments roll out mid-June, and from there, it’s a steady monthly check through May 2026.

If you didn’t get picked this time, don’t lose hope. These programs often open the door for more like them in the future — and what starts small in one county can often spread.

At the end of the day, this program is about recognizing that parents shouldn’t have to struggle just to provide the basics. If you’ve been selected, you’re not just getting money — you’re getting some peace of mind, a little more freedom, and the chance to focus on what matters most: your family.