Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by BVN
Breanna Reeves
As the Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson announced the allocation of $5 million to expand California’s Basic Income Pilot Program to cover seniors.
Across the state, a number of guaranteed income pilot projects have been launched to give money directly to underserved and low-income individuals, with no strings attached. California is the first state to pilot its own guaranteed income programs, using funding from CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s approved 2021 budget.
Funding secured by Assemblymember Jackson will provide grants to organizations dedicated to serving adults aged 60 and older, putting much-needed money directly into the pockets of seniors who struggle to meet their everyday needs.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) currently oversees state guaranteed income pilot programs and will administer the expansion of this pilot program. The CDSS prioritizes funding for pilot programs that serve California residents who age out of extended foster care at or after 21 years of age, or who are pregnant individuals.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), in early 2023, the poverty rate was higher for seniors (15.2%) compared to children (13.8%) and adults aged 18 to 64 (12.6%). California is also home to one of the nation’s largest aging populations, and that number is set to rise over the next decade.
In the Inland Empire, 14.8% of older adults 65 years of age and older live in poverty, according to the PPIC report.
“Our seniors deserve to live their lives with dignity and without the constant stress of financial instability,” said Assemblymember Jackson in a press statement. “This $5 million appropriation is a critical step towards reducing poverty among our senior population. I am committed to continuing the fight for our seniors and ensuring they receive the support they need so that we stop the number of seniors falling into homelessness.”
With rising housing costs, older adults are experiencing a financial strain, coupled with those on fixed incomes or who require additional medical/health care services. Additionally, the population of aging adults who are homeless has increased over the last several years. According to the California Budget & Policy Center, state homeless providers made contact with over 215,000 childless adults who need a home or important services. Of that number, 85,310 — nearly 40% — were adults aged 50 and over.
With this program being expanded to seniors, it may support seniors who are on the verge of homelessness. According to Assemblymember Jackson, if successful, there is hope to expand this basic income initiative to all seniors facing poverty in California.