Exciting news for California residents! The City of Pomona is rolling out a new pilot program that could mean an extra $500 a month for some lucky folks. The application period kicks off next week.
Starting on June 17, the City of Pomona will begin accepting applications for the Household Universal Grants Program, also known as Pomona HUG. This program is open to Pomona residents with children under four years old.
A total of 600 applicants will be randomly selected through a lottery process, but only 250 of them will bag the $500 monthly payment along with extra support and resources. The remaining 350 participants will receive $20 per month for 18 months in the control group.
Experts from the University of California Los Angeles will be keeping tabs on both groups to compare their progress.
Funding for this program, a total of $2.4 million, comes from the American Rescue Plan Act passed by the Biden administration in 2021.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years or older and a resident of Pomona.
- Have a child under four years old.
- Meet specific criteria related to the COVID-19 pandemic impact, residency in a Qualified Census Tract, receiving federal aid, or falling within a certain income level.
- Agree to Informed Research Consent.
How to Apply
Starting June 17 at 8 am PT, you can apply by providing documents like ID proofs, proof of Pomona residency (rental agreement, mortgage, or utility bill), and your child’s birth certificate.
Submit your application here between June 8 and July 8.
When Will Payments Be Made?
After the application window closes, a lottery will assign groups on July 10, followed by a review until August 1. Participants will be notified by August 12, and payments will start on August 26 via reloadable debit cards.