$528 monthly checks: in which state are they delivered and who qualifies?

Another town in the country has launched a guaranteed income pilot program in the United States. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is sending out monthly payments of $528 to eligible residents. Guaranteed income pilot programs typically provide unconditional, recurring cash payments to support the basic needs of eligible recipients.

Here’s who qualifies to receive the monthly checks.

Who qualifies for the checks?

Eligible individuals, selected at random, receive $528 per month for 24 months. This year, the program began in January and will continue through December 2025.

According to the program’s website, in Ann Arbor, individuals 18 years of age or older and residents of the city, who have incomes at or below 225% of the federal poverty line (which is low or very low income, relative to the median income in Ann Arbor) and who are engaged in business activities are eligible to receive the guaranteed income payment.

Of all the people who apply for the program and meet the requirements, 100 people are randomly selected. Another 100 people will not receive the payments, but they will continue to be a part of the research and will contribute to the growing number of studies on guaranteed income, which is being carried out by the University of Michigan.

Once the beneficiaries have been chosen, they receive their money on the 15th of each month.

How the program works

Ann Arbor has used federal funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the program. In addition, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and the University of Michigan contributed funds.

For the time being, and until December 2025, only the beneficiaries already chosen will continue to receive monthly payments. If the pilot program is extended, new applications will be opened.