Sacramento County Launches $725 Monthly Payment Program for Families
Sacramento County, California, has started a new program called the Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP). This program aims to help families who are struggling financially by giving them $725 every month for a full year.
The goal is to make it easier for families to pay for essentials like rent, groceries, childcare, and healthcare—especially for low-income families with young kids.
What the $725 Monthly Program Offers
Families chosen for the program will begin getting $725 per month starting June 15, 2025, and continue until July 15, 2026. That means each family will get $8,700 over the course of 12 months.
Payments will be made either through direct deposit into a bank account or by prepaid debit card, depending on what the participant picks. More information is available on the official website: https://ffesp.org.
Who Can Get the FFESP Payments
To be eligible, applicants must live in one of the following Sacramento County ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838. Also, the household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For example, a two-person family must make less than $40,880 a year. A three-person family must earn under $51,640, and a family of four must stay under $62,400. For each extra person in the home, the income cap rises by $10,760.
Families must also have a child under five who lives with them at least half the time. The applicant must be the child’s legal parent or guardian. Priority is given to families who are Black or African American, Native American, or Alaska Native.
Also, families already getting money from CalWORKs or SSI are not eligible. These rules make sure the program helps those who don’t already receive government financial aid.
How the Application Process Worked
The FFESP application was open from April 14 to April 27, 2025. After the deadline, a random lottery picked 200 families. Those chosen were notified by May 5, 2025.
Families then had to show proof they met all the program’s rules and complete enrollment to start getting monthly payments.
When and How Payments Are Sent
The first payment went out on June 15, 2025. After that, families receive their payments every month on the 15th. The money is sent by direct deposit or prepaid debit card, based on what the family chose.
Each selected household will get $8,700 over the year to help with daily living costs.
Will FFESP Affect Other Benefits?
Here’s the good news: getting money from FFESP won’t affect other public benefits. Families can still receive help from programs like CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, and housing assistance. The FFESP payments will not reduce or cancel these other supports.
Still, it’s a good idea for families to talk with their caseworkers to make sure they understand how FFESP fits with their current benefits.
More Program Details
Your immigration status does not affect your ability to qualify, so anyone can apply no matter their legal status. There are also no limits on what the money can be used for.
Families can spend the money however they choose—on rent, food, childcare, gas, or school supplies. Payments will continue monthly until July 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the FFESP $725 payment?
No, the application period ended on April 27, 2025, and all participants have already been picked.
How will I receive the $725 each month?
You will get the payment by either direct deposit or a prepaid debit card, depending on your choice.
Are there any restrictions on how I spend the money?
No, you can use the money for anything your family needs. It’s fully flexible.
Will FFESP payments affect my other public aid?
No, FFESP will not affect your eligibility for other government programs like food stamps, medical assistance, or housing support.
Final Thought
The Family First Economic Support Pilot Program is a big step toward helping families who are having a tough time financially. Even though applications are now closed, this program is expected to provide real relief to hundreds of Sacramento families. If it works well, it could lead to similar programs in other areas. For those selected, it’s a great chance to better manage everyday costs and build a more stable home for their children.
