The Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

Guaranteed Income Program

The Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

About the Promise Pilot Program

The Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot provided unconditional $500 monthly cash payments to 3,250 low-to-moderate income families in Cook County for a period of two years. The County held an open application period in October 2022, and participants were selected by lottery in November 2022. Payments began in December 2022 and continued through January 2025. 

Why Cook Supports Guaranteed Income

More than 300 studies have shown how cash transfers create a ripple effect for people and communities. Evidence shows that participants spend in ways that improve their economic, physical, and emotional wellbeing, including for their family members.

  • Early data from Stockton, California’s guaranteed income program shows that a guaranteed income can lower income volatility, improve mental health and increase full-time employment.
  • The National Bureau of Economic Research found that cash transfers following the birth of a first child improved education results and earning potential.
  • A recent analysis of the Alaska Permanent Fund, one of the longest-running cash transfer programs in the country, showed that the payments stimulate the local economy and do not decrease employment.  

“Decades of research shows that people spend cash benefits wisely, leading to more financial stability as well as improved physical, emotional and social outcomes. Yet, historically, both public and private institutions have been unwilling to directly invest in low- and moderate-income people without significant restrictions in place. This red tape is in place not because any evidence shows that it is necessary, but rather because our society does not trust that people with lower incomes have the character or ability to make good decisions for themselves. We believe otherwise. At Cook County, we respect all our residents no matter the size of their bank accounts.” 

-- Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

 

Our Partners

The pilot program was administered by GiveDirectly and AidKit, and included a financial counseling component provided by Working Credit. A robust evaluation is being conducted by the University of Chicago’s Inclusive Economy Lab and Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice.

In April 2025, the County announced early findings from the pilot program—as well as the formation of an advisory committee to guide the County’s next phase of guaranteed-income programming. 

Survey findings indicate significant positive impacts for participants, including: 

  • 75% reported feeling more financially secure
  • 94% experienced a financial emergency or unexpected expense and used program funds to manage it
  • 73% believed the payments will continue to impact them after the program ends
  • 56% reported reduced stress
  • 70% said the program had a positive impact on their mental health 

Participant Snapshot

 

40 yrs

Median age

58%

Percentage of households
that include children

$21,000

Median household income

83%

Suburban Cook County

56%

Are working

31%

Have delayed medical care due to cost

 

What’s Next

In November 2025, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved $7.5 million for guaranteed income as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget. The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development is currently at the beginning of the design stage for the next phase of guaranteed-income programming, which is when details around applications, eligibility and program administration are determined. Program design is expected to be complete in mid- to late 2026. 

Use this interest form to stay informed on future program announcements. 

 

Remote video URL

 

Additional Resources 

Cook County supports several programs that provide relief to individuals and families facing financial hardship.  

These programs include: