Los Angeles County is set to launch the most ambitious guaranteed income program in California’s history. Beginning in July 2025, the county will distribute $1,500 per month to 1,000 low-income residents for three full years—providing a significant financial cushion totaling $54 million in direct aid. Funded largely through the American Rescue Plan, this initiative represents the next chapter in the county’s “Breathe” program, designed to test how long-term, unconditional cash assistance can improve lives.
What Is the Breathe Program?
Originally launched in 2022, the Breathe program provided $1,000 monthly payments to 1,000 randomly selected participants for one year. The following year, the county added another small group: 200 former foster youth. Early results were encouraging. Food insecurity dropped by 28%, and full-time employment increased by 12%. Encouraged by these outcomes, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted in August 2024 to scale up both the amount and the timeline of the program.
Now expanded to $1,500 monthly over 36 months, Breathe offers the longest continuous guaranteed income experiment in the state. Research institutions like UCLA, RAND, and USC will track participant progress in areas like housing stability, debt reduction, and mental health compared to a control group.
Who Qualifies for the Payments?
Eligibility is targeted to those hit hardest by the pandemic. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–45 years old (18–24 for former foster youth) |
| Residency | Must live in one of 50 pre-selected ZIP codes with high eviction and food bank rates |
| Income | Household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $15,060 for an individual; $31,200 for a family of four) |
| COVID Hardship | Proof of pandemic-related hardship (e.g., job loss, unpaid rent, medical bills) |
| Former Foster Youth | Automatically eligible, due to high homelessness risk post-care |
The application process is designed to be accessible both online and on paper, with assistance available through county offices and public libraries.
How the Monthly $1,500 Payments Work
Once selected, recipients receive payments on the first business day of each month via a reloadable debit card. The funds are unrestricted—there are no conditions on how the money is spent. While recipients aren’t required to report their spending or look for work, UCLA offers optional coaching sessions on budgeting and credit repair.
Recipients are encouraged to meet with a benefits counselor, as the payments may impact eligibility for other assistance programs. For example, the funds are considered income for CalWORKs and Section 8 housing, but not for CalFresh (food stamps), and they are not taxable, meaning recipients won’t receive a 1099 form.
Application Timeline and Selection
Here’s how the process works:
- Application Window: June 3 – June 17, 2025
- Where to Apply: Online via YourBenefitsNow! or via paper forms at 30 DPSS offices and libraries
- What You’ll Need: Photo ID, proof of income (2024 tax return or benefits letter), and proof of address
- Next Steps: After submission, applicants receive a confirmation code. If selected, they’ll get an email by July 3 and their first $1,500 payment by mid-July.
If demand exceeds available spots—which is expected—RAND will conduct a weighted lottery to ensure geographic and demographic fairness.
Why $1,500 for 36 Months?
The amount and duration were carefully chosen. With the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles nearing $2,000, the $1,500 monthly stipend covers most housing costs, helping prevent evictions and allowing recipients to redirect income toward education, child care, or paying off debt.
Moreover, previous pilot programs showed that many households used the first several months’ worth of payments to clear overdue bills. A three-year runway ensures families have time to stabilize and plan for long-term financial growth.
Los Angeles County’s latest Breathe initiative could serve as a national model for guaranteed income programs. By targeting residents most affected by the pandemic and offering generous, long-term support, the county aims to foster economic resilience and mobility in underserved communities.
FAQs
Who is funding the Breathe program?
Primarily the American Rescue Plan Act, with additional support from the county.
Can undocumented residents apply?
Only if they meet all eligibility criteria, including proof of residency and income.
Is there a work requirement?
No. There are no conditions tied to employment or job searches.