Cook County $500 in 2026: Cook County in Illinois, the second-largest county in the United States and home to Chicago, has taken a major step in expanding financial help for its residents. A temporary pilot project that began during the pandemic will now become a long-term support program.
This change will bring steady monthly cash payments to thousands of low and middle income households, creating one of the most important local economic policies in the country.
County Expands Cash Support After Pilot Success
The county first launched its Guaranteed Income pilot in 2022 using $42 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. The program showed strong results over the past few years, and the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to make it permanent. County leaders also approved $7.5 million in the 2026 budget to keep the program funded.
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The pilot, known as the Cook County Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, gave $500 a month with no strings attached to 3,250 households. The new permanent program will continue giving similar support so residents can meet basic needs like food, rent, and bills.
How the Guaranteed Income Program Works
A Guaranteed Income Program provides repeated cash payments to certain people or families who need help. These payments go out with no rules on how the money must be used. The idea focuses on reducing poverty also the lowering financial stress and giving families more stability.
Justification for the continuation of the program
The findings of a survey of participants were key to approval. The April report showed that:
- 94% of participants used the funds for financial emergencies.
- Three-quarters reported greater financial security.
- Most reported an improvement in their mental health and a reduction in stress levels.
- The funds were mainly used for essential needs: food, rent, utilities and transportation.
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Who Qualifies for Payments
The program will continue to target low and middle income residents through income checks and eligibility rules. This makes the plan different from Universal Basic Income, which gives money to everyone. Instead, Cook County will send its $500 monthly payments only to people who meet the program’s specific financial requirements.
