Sacramento, California, is offering some bad news to millions of families who might lose their $725 stimulus check from the Sacramento Family First program (FFWSP). Since December, the FFWSP has been sending stimulus check payments to eligible residents to help them cope with inflation and rising costs of living. However, recent guidelines may put these payments in jeopardy for some families. Specifically, moving out of California could cause families to lose their benefits.
The Purpose of the FFWSP Program
The Sacramento Family First program was introduced to provide financial assistance to vulnerable and low-income families struggling to meet their basic needs. Through consistent monthly payments, eligible households have the opportunity to improve their financial stability and invest in their futures. The program is particularly important as inflation continues to impact the cost of living.
The California Department of Finance launched the Family First Economic Security Program (FFESP), which is designed to give financial support to those living in Sacramento County. Payments are calculated with rising inflation rates and cost of living in mind, ensuring that the financial help meets the real needs of families.
A Risk to Payments: Moving Out of State
While many Sacramento families are grateful for this much-needed assistance, the program does come with specific rules. One crucial requirement is that families must stay within California to continue receiving the stimulus check. If a family moves out of state during the 12-month payment period, they will no longer be eligible for the financial support.
This rule could cause financial hardship for families considering a move for work, housing, or other reasons. Before deciding to relocate, it’s important to consider the impact on the stimulus payments.
How Much Are Sacramento Families Receiving?
Families in Sacramento can receive a monthly payment of $725 if they meet the program’s eligibility criteria. This amount can significantly help with expenses, especially in a challenging economic environment. Payments started on December 15, 2023, and will continue until November 15, 2025.
As long as the payment is linked to the family’s tax return, the stimulus check is directly deposited into their bank account. If the account isn’t linked, they will receive a physical check at the address the program has on file.
Eligibility Requirements: How to Qualify
To qualify for the FFWSP program, households must meet specific income guidelines, with eligibility based on the federal poverty level. Families must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies depending on the number of people in the household. For example:
- 2 people: $40,880
- 3 people: $51,640
- 4 people: $62,400
- 5 people: $73,160
- 6 people: $83,920
- 7 people: $94,680
- 8 people: $105,440
A family of four must earn less than $60,000 annually to qualify for the $725 monthly payment.
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Sacramento Stimulus Check?
The $725 monthly payments are available to those who meet the following criteria:
- Zip Codes: Residents in specific Sacramento-area ZIP codes (95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, 95838) are eligible.
- Income: Families must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level, with a family of four capped at earning less than $60,000 per year.
- Children: Households must have at least one child under the age of five to qualify for the program.
Stay Updated and Avoid Losing Payments
If your family qualifies for the program, it’s important to keep your information up to date. Double-check your address, confirm your bank account details, and ensure you stay in California to continue receiving your monthly payments. A small mistake could result in losing the $725 monthly check – a financial blow that many families can ill afford.
In summary, while the Sacramento Family First program offers significant financial support to low-income families, moving out of state or failing to update your information could result in losing this critical lifeline. Make sure you follow all the guidelines to continue receiving your stimulus payments.
