Click here for the January 2024 GBI Update >>
City of Rochester Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot Program
In 2023, the City of Rochester is piloting a year-long program that will provide a Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI, to selected Rochester residents who live at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The program is founded upon the belief that people in poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that address their households’ needs.
The guaranteed income pilot will provide monthly payments of $500 to 351 individuals for 12 months. It is unconditional, which means there are no strings attached: no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money can be used.
Other communities are also exploring guaranteed income pilot programs. Rochester’s program will provide additional information to help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income and influence future policy decisions around broader poverty reduction programs.
Program Overview
In 2023, the City of Rochester is piloting a year-long program that will provide a Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI, to selected Rochester residents who live at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The program is founded upon the belief that people in poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that address their households’ needs.
The guaranteed income pilot will provide monthly payments of $500 to 351 individuals for 12 months. It is unconditional, which means there are no strings attached: no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money can be used.
Other communities are also exploring guaranteed income pilot programs. Rochester’s program will provide additional information to help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income and influence future policy decisions around broader poverty reduction programs.
Although the application window will be short, the City of Rochester expects a significant response. A total of 351 households will be selected to participate. Qualified applicants will be chosen at random so everyone has a fair chance at participating. The more people who apply, the lower the chance of being selected to participate.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet specific qualifications to be considered to receive GBI payments. All participants will go through an eligibility process, and you will only be selected for the program if you meet all of the requirements.
- Only one individual per household can participate in the program.
- A “household” means people who live in the same home and share finances. For instance, parents and children, or people who are married.
- Roommates who do not share finances are not considered one “household.”
- Visit healthcare.gov/glossary/tax-household for more information and examples.
- Your household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Qualified incomes are as follows:
- Single person — $26,973
- 2 people — $36,482
- 3 people — $45,991
- 4 people — $55,500
- 5 people — $65,009
- 6 people — $74,518
- 7 people — $84,027
- 8 people — $93,536
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be a City of Rochester resident and have been a resident for at least one year before applying.
- You must live in a specific area of the City of Rochester to apply (click here for map of qualifying areas).
GBI FAQ
What is Rochester’s Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program?
In 2023, the City of Rochester is trying out a year-long program called Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI. The guaranteed income is a monthly payment of $500 given directly to 351 individuals for 12 months. It is unconditional, which means there are no strings attached, no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money can be used.
Why is the City offering the GBI program?
GBI is the City of Rochester’s first guaranteed income initiative. It is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net and be a tool for racial and gender equity. The research component of the program will help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income and influence future policy decisions around broader poverty reduction programs.
How will the City fund its Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program?
Rochester’s GBI program is being funded by the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The City was granted ARPA funding from the federal government, and has chosen to invest $2.2 million of that funding in this GBI pilot program.
When will Rochester’s GBI pilot program start?
Applications will open on Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. and will remain open for one week, through Thursday, June 29 at 11:59 p.m.
How do I apply?
Eligible residents will be able to apply online. Application assistance will be available at City of Rochester Neighborhood Service Centers, City of Rochester Libraries, and other community-based organizations.