New California Stimulus: Are You on the List for $725 Monthly Payments?

If you’re one of the families in Sacramento County getting those $725 monthly payments, you’re probably wondering, “Is this really free money?” Or maybe, “Will I have to pay this back later?”

Let’s clear things up right now:
You do not have to pay this money back.
This isn’t a loan. It’s not a tax credit advance. It’s real help, meant to support families who need it the most.

Here’s the full story behind it — and what it means for you.

So, What Is This $725 Payment?

These monthly checks are part of a local Sacramento County program called the Family First Economic Support Pilot. It launched in mid-2025 to help certain low-income families raise their kids in more stable conditions.

The idea is simple: when families have enough money to meet basic needs like rent, food, and child care, kids are more likely to be safe, healthy, and happy. That’s what this program is trying to support.

About 200 families are receiving $725 per month from June 2025 through July 2026 — no strings attached.

Who Is Getting This Help?

This isn’t a statewide stimulus, and it’s not for everyone. It’s a focused pilot program meant to reach families with:

• A child under the age of 5

• Very limited income

• Living in specific neighborhoods in Sacramento County

• Identifying as Black, African American, American Indian, or Native American

The families were chosen earlier this year through a lottery, based on eligibility.

If you’re getting the payment, it’s because you met all the criteria and were selected. If you didn’t apply or weren’t chosen, unfortunately the program is closed for now — but it could expand in the future.

What Can You Use the Money For?

Anything you need.

There are no rules on how you have to spend this money. Whether it goes to rent, groceries, diapers, bus passes, or just catching up on bills — it’s completely up to you.

You won’t be asked to submit receipts, track spending, or “prove” how you used it. The point is to trust families to make their own decisions. You know what your kids need better than anyone.

Do You Owe It Back Later?

Absolutely not.

This money is not a loan. You do not have to pay it back — ever.

You also don’t need to worry about this affecting your taxes, your Social Security, or other benefits in most cases. (Still, it’s always smart to double-check with a caseworker if you’re receiving other types of aid.)

It’s not a trap. It’s help.

Why Is Sacramento Doing This?

Because too often, families end up in tough situations not because of bad parenting — but because of poverty.

If you’ve ever struggled to pay rent, lost child care, or had to choose between food and gas, you know how fast stress builds up. And when things spiral, kids feel it too.

This program is trying to prevent that. It’s based on a simple idea: support families early, and you avoid bigger problems later.

Officials hope this cash support can help families stay stable and keep children out of the child welfare system.

What If You’re Not in the Program?

If you weren’t selected, or if you live outside Sacramento County, this particular program might not be available to you right now.

But more and more cities and counties are launching similar “guaranteed income” pilot programs. So while you may not be getting this $725 check, there might still be other local or state help available — and I can help you search for that if you want.

If you’re one of the families receiving this money, here’s what matters most:

• It’s real.

• It’s yours.

• You don’t owe it back.

It’s meant to make life a little easier while you care for your child — not harder. Use it in the way that makes the most sense for your family. And if you ever feel unsure about what to do next or whether you’re still eligible, Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services can help.