Thousands of California families may now be eligible to receive a new $725 monthly stimulus payment, thanks to a pilot program aimed at easing financial strain on low-income households. The Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP), launched by Sacramento County, will provide qualifying families with a monthly stipend for one year, totaling $8,700.
Here’s everything you need to know about who qualifies, how to apply, and when to expect payments.
What Is the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program?
The Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP) is a local guaranteed income initiative launched by the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services. It is designed to offer financial relief to families with young children who are struggling to meet basic needs amid rising living costs.
Unlike federal stimulus payments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program is county-specific and targets a limited number of families residing in certain ZIP codes in Sacramento County.
How Much Will Eligible Families Receive?
- Monthly Payment: $725
- Duration: 12 months
- Total Support Per Family: $8,700
- Start of Payments: June 2025
The payments are not considered taxable income and do not affect eligibility for other non-cash assistance programs like food stamps (CalFresh) or housing vouchers.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the FFESP program, families must meet four key eligibility requirements:
- Residency: Must reside in one of six eligible ZIP codes in Sacramento County:
- 95815
- 95821
- 95823
- 95825
- 95828
- 95838
- Child Requirement: Must be the legal parent or guardian of at least one child under the age of 5, who lives with the applicant at least 50% of the time.
- Income Requirement: Household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example:
- A family of four must earn less than $62,400 annually.
- No Other Cash Assistance: Applicants must not be receiving any federal or state cash assistance programs such as:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
For more detailed income limits, consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines.
How To Apply?
Applications are now open from April 14 to April 27, 2025, and can only be submitted online through the program’s official website.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit https://ffesp.org
- Click on “Apply Now”
- Fill out the application form, providing:
- Household information
- Income details
- Child information
- Proof of residence and eligibility
- Upload required documents (such as ID, birth certificate, lease, or pay stubs)
- Submit before the deadline: April 27 at 11:59 PM
Applications are available in multiple languages, and assistance is provided through local community organizations.
How Will Participants Be Selected?
The FFESP is a pilot program and will select only 200 families through a random lottery from the pool of eligible applicants. Once selected, families will receive monthly payments starting June 2025.
The selection process will prioritize fairness and confidentiality. Applicants not selected will receive notification and may be considered for future assistance programs.
Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2025 | Applications open |
| April 27, 2025 | Application deadline |
| May 2025 | Selection and notification |
| June 2025 | First $725 payment sent |
Important Considerations
- Scams Alert: This is not a statewide or federal stimulus check. Only apply through the official website at ffesp.org. Do not provide personal information through emails, texts, or calls claiming to offer this payment.
- Limited Scope: Only residents in specific ZIP codes in Sacramento County are eligible.
- Non-Taxable: Payments are not counted as income for tax purposes or for most benefits.
For more information, visit the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services.
Final Thoughts
As inflation continues to strain household budgets, programs like the FFESP are a critical lifeline for families struggling to meet basic needs. Though limited in scope, the initiative may pave the way for similar guaranteed income efforts across California and the U.S.
Sacramento families who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply before the deadline. It could mean $725 per month to help cover rent, groceries, or childcare needs—a real difference in these challenging times.
For updates on more financial support programs in California, follow ca.gov.
