Guaranteed income is a type of cash transfer program that provides continuous unconditional cash transfers to individuals or households. This differs from typical social safety net policies by providing a steady, predictable stream of cash to recipients to spend however they see fit without limitations.

Guaranteed income policies and their variants, including basic income, citizen dividends, partial basic income, and universal basic income, have minimal or no eligibility requirements. A guaranteed income may or may not meet basic needs.

No evidence suggests that people stop working once they receive payments; research goes back to the 1970s with GI pilots around the world. GI addresses basic needs that working households may experience problems covering, like healthcare and housing, but also supports participants in leading more balanced lives by promoting mental and emotional health.

Support for guaranteed income goes back to the founding of the United States and the writing of Thomas Payne. Since then as diverse a group as Milton Friedman, Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Yang and the Pope have supported GI.

• World After Capital by Albert Wenger 
• Raising the Floor by Andy Stern 
• The War on Normal People by Andrew Yang

No, one application per household, as defined as individuals residing at the same address. 

Unfortunately, at this time proof of address is required to participate in the lottery. However, YSCF has developed specific resources to support those who are unhoused in Yellow Springs. For more information, contact info@ysequity.org.

Participants will be given $300 each month for 2 years (24 monthly payments of $300 or $7,200 in total).

There are no strings attached or obligations required of participants to receive payments. Participants are required to attend an initial onboarding meeting with YSEQUITY staff in order to receive their payments. All subsequent research and story-telling opportunities are voluntary.

This question can only be answered on a case-by-case basis. Prior to committing to participating, all recipients will be offered benefits’ counseling to decide if participation is best for their specific situation.

No one besides the external research team. A small number of YSCF staff (1-3 individuals) will know the final participants who are selected in order to implement the program.

Participants will have access to program staff with any questions or issues they may encounter. Participants who wish to participate in research or story-telling opportunities will be supported by YSEQUITY staff throughout the process.

Participants will be offered a wide range of learning opportunities, including financial empowerment. Participation will be on a voluntary basis.

A second lottery will be conducted in May 2023 to select a second cohort of 15 participants. If you applied and were not selected in 2022, you will need to re-apply in May. The goal is to add 15 residents in 2023 with a sustainable 30 residents in the following years. 

YSEQUITY is made possible by private donors and the YSCF. The initial start up costs are also being supported by a Greene County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. 

Absolutely! Donate to the Yellow Springs Community Foundation to support YSEQUITY and ensure it continues to support households most in need in our community. A donation of $325 covers payment to one participant for one month; $3,900 covers 12 months; and $7,800 covers the full 24 month cycle. A donation of $100,000 to the YSEQUITY endowment covers payments for one participant, in perpetuity.

All feedback and questions can be sent via email to info@ysequity.org.