In a landmark decision for economic policy in the United States, Cook County in Illinois has unanimously approved plans to establish a permanent guaranteed basic income programme for its poorest residents.
From Pilot to Permanent: The Journey to Guaranteed Income
Cook County, America's second largest county, has committed $7.5 million to fully fund a permanent guaranteed basic income programme that will provide thousands of low-income residents with $500 monthly payments. This groundbreaking initiative follows a highly successful pilot scheme that ran until December 2024.
The county was among several local governments that began testing guaranteed income programmes in 2022 using COVID-19 federal relief funds. Officials received $42 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to create the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, specifically designed to benefit low-income residents and families facing economic hardship.
The initial pilot programme provided $500 monthly payments to 3,250 low-income households for two years, making it the largest federally funded guaranteed income project in the United States at the time.
Overwhelming Success Leads to Permanent Programme
Following what officials described as a 'raging success', the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to fund the permanent guaranteed income programme in the 2026 fiscal year. Funding will initially come from the county's equity fund and may eventually be drawn from a federal pandemic fund.
While eligibility requirements and application processes for the permanent scheme haven't been announced, the programme will provide $500 per month to low-income households with no strings attached.
Sarah Saheb, director of the Economic Security Pilot, which advocates for economic equality programmes and policy, praised the county for taking a major step toward economic equality. 'At a time when the federal government is stepping back from its responsibilities to working families, Cook County is leading the way to ensure people can afford basic necessities,' Saheb said in a statement, calling the pilot programme a 'historic success'.
Measurable Benefits for Participants
County officials believe the permanent programme will replicate the significant benefits observed during the pilot phase. An April 2025 report revealed that most pilot families used their government-issued funds on essential needs including food, rent, utilities, and transportation.
Survey findings provided compelling evidence of the programme's effectiveness: 75% of participating families reported feeling more financially secure, the vast majority used programme funds to manage financial emergencies, and 70% reported a positive impact on their mental health.
According to the Cook County American Rescue Plan data, 83% of participants lived in suburban areas and 56% were employed during the pilot period.
Commission President Toni Preckwinkle explained the rationale behind the programme: 'We launched the Promise Pilot to test a simple but powerful idea: that direct cash support helps residents live healthier, more stable lives. Now, thanks to promising early results and the dedication of our partners and participants, we are ready to take the next step.'
Participant Perspectives and National Context
One participant, Nikita Smith Jr., told the US Sun that the programme felt like having 'jump-started adulthood'. 'Being part of this pilot felt like something I manifested, and I'm proud that Cook County is continuing this work,' Smith said.
The Cook County initiative joins more than 100 guaranteed income programmes tested across the United States since 2018, with such schemes growing in popularity since the pandemic. Earlier this year, Cook County also experimented with a programme providing one-time payments of $1,000 to homeowners, according to the Chicago Crusader.
Debate Surrounding Guaranteed Income
While many US counties have found guaranteed income programmes beneficial, some studies have suggested potential drawbacks. A 2024 Forbes report indicated that participants in such programmes don't necessarily improve their employment status or health outcomes due to the additional money.
The study even suggested that providing $1,000 monthly payments could lead to reduced working hours among recipients. The outlet's reporter described such programmes as 'expensive' and 'inefficient', highlighting ongoing debates about the long-term effectiveness of direct cash transfer schemes.
Despite these concerns, Cook County officials remain confident in their approach, pointing to the demonstrable benefits observed during their comprehensive pilot phase. The permanent programme represents one of the most significant commitments to guaranteed basic income in American history.
