A major guaranteed income program in the U.S. is getting a multi-year extension—and it could put $500 a month into the hands of thousands of low- and middle-income Americans. Cook County, Illinois, home to Chicago and over 5 million residents, has officially extended its no-strings-attached cash support through 2026.
The announcement arrives as national conversations around government payments continue to heat up, especially with former President Donald Trump proposing a separate $2,000 tariff-funded check initiative.
Here’s everything you need to know about the program’s extension, how it works, who it benefits, and what’s coming next.
Table of Contents
Background
Cook County’s guaranteed income program started in 2022, backed by $42 million in federal COVID relief funds. It gave 3,250 low- and middle-income households $500 per month, with no work requirements, no spending restrictions, and no obligations—just direct support.
Following its “historic success,” the County Board of Commissioners voted in November 2025 to allocate another $7.5 million from its 2026 budget to keep the program running.
The program is part of a growing movement across the U.S., with over 100 guaranteed income pilots tested since 2018, according to the Urban Institute. But Cook County’s effort stands out—both in size and in its goal to become permanent.
Results
So, did the money help?
Absolutely. Surveys from participants showed:
- Reduced financial stress
- Improved stability
- More money for child care, groceries, rent, and transportation
- Less reliance on emergency aid or payday loans
While critics argue the program may discourage employment, supporters say it fills crucial gaps in a system where many families work full-time but still struggle to survive.
Extension
Here’s what’s confirmed so far for the 2026 extension:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Program Budget | $7.5 million (from equity fund) |
| Duration | Through 2026 |
| Monthly Payment | $500 |
| Number of Recipients | TBD (likely similar to previous 3,250 households) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Still under review (expected mid to late 2025) |
| Application Process | To be finalized by Bureau of Economic Development |
County officials have also said that unused federal pandemic dollars might be tapped to expand future rounds of payments.
Trump Proposal
Meanwhile, on the federal level, President Donald Trump has revived talk of a national stimulus check plan—this time offering $2,000 per person, funded by U.S. tariff revenues.
In a November post, Trump said the government is “taking in trillions of dollars” and promised a tariff dividend to working-class Americans, excluding high earners.
But here’s the catch:
- No bill has been filed yet
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Congress must pass legislation
- Tariff revenue collected so far: ~$120 billion
- Estimated cost of Trump’s plan: $300 billion (for 150 million people)
Experts are skeptical it can happen without new taxes, debt increases, or revenue adjustments.
Definitions
What’s the difference between Guaranteed Income (GI) and Universal Basic Income (UBI)? They’re often confused but quite different in execution:
| Type | Who Gets It | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Income | Low-/Middle-income people only | Income-tested, targeted |
| Universal Basic Income | Everyone (regardless of income) | No conditions or exclusions |
GI is more focused, aimed at reducing poverty and instability. UBI aims to simplify welfare systems and create a financial floor for all citizens.
Reactions
As with any income program, there’s no shortage of opinions.
Sarah Saheb, Director of Economic Security Illinois, praised the move:
“Cook County is taking bold action to put money directly back in their pockets… It was a historic success.”
But Josh Bandoch from the Illinois Policy Institute had a different take:
“This is a failed strategy… already shown to leave people with less work experience and lower earnings.”
Even federal officials like Treasury Secretary Bessent weighed in, warning that the national $2,000 plan would require legislative hurdles before becoming a reality.
Next
If you live in Cook County and are hoping to join the next round, here’s what to watch for:
- Eligibility Rules – Coming mid to late 2025
- Application Process – Likely opening after board approval
- Program Launch – Early 2026
For Trump’s proposed national plan, it’s all still just a proposal for now—so don’t expect any federal checks in the mail until Congress acts.
Cook County’s move shows that local governments are not waiting on Washington. As the U.S. economy continues to adjust to inflation and post-pandemic realities, direct cash support is proving to be a tool many regions are willing to use—even if not everyone agrees.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Cook County’s $500 checks?
Eligibility for 2026 is under review; past recipients were low-income.
When will the next payments begin?
The 2026 round is expected to start after mid to late 2025 approval.
Do I need to apply for the payments?
Yes, a new application process will be announced by the county.
What is Trump’s $2,000 proposal?
It’s a federal plan to send tariff-funded checks to Americans.
Is guaranteed income the same as UBI?
No, GI is income-based; UBI is for all citizens regardless of income.
