In 2025, California is still helping some families with money through a small program called Sacramento Family First. But this support is not for everyone. Only 200 families living in Sacramento County are getting these payments, and the program will end in November 2025.
If you live in the right area and meet the income rules, you may qualify for $725 each month. This article explains everything you need to know about the program, who can apply, and what to do if you don’t qualify.
What Is the Sacramento Family First Program?
The Sacramento Family First program is a pilot (test) project in Sacramento County, California. It gives $725 per month to low-income families. The main goal is to help families with small children and people from marginalized communities, especially African American and Native American families.
The program started in December 2024 and will continue until November 2025. However, it’s only for 200 families, and there are no plans to expand it right now.
Monthly Stimulus: $725 Until November 2025
Families chosen for the program receive $725 every month for almost one year. This money can be used for anything—rent, food, school needs, or bills. The amount is not taxed, and there are no restrictions on how you spend it.
But if you are not part of the program, you will not receive this money. Right now, there are no other big stimulus programs in California for 2025, so people who do not qualify should look into local or federal aid, like tax credits or county-level benefits.
Who Can Apply for Sacramento Family First?
To apply, you must meet these basic conditions:
- You must live in Sacramento County, California.
- You must have at least one child under 5 years old who lives with you most of the year.
- Your income must be below the following levels:
- $30,000 for one person
- $40,000 for two people
- $50,000 for three people
- $60,000 for four or more people
The program gives priority to families from historically disadvantaged communities, especially African Americans and Native Americans.
What Documents Do You Need?
You will need to provide:
- California ID (like a driver’s license or state ID)
- Tax returns or proof of income
- Proof of residency (like utility bills)
Payments are usually sent via direct deposit, but if you don’t have a bank account, the check will be mailed to you. Sometimes there are delays. For example, some payments in March 2025 were late, but county officials have said they are fixing this.
How Is This Program Different from the Golden State Stimulus?
The Golden State Stimulus was a bigger program that ended in 2022. Sacramento Family First is much smaller and more focused. It is part of a test to see if a Universal Basic Income (UBI) could help reduce poverty in certain communities.
This program is not just about giving money—it’s also about collecting information to shape future policies. That’s why it focuses on small children and marginalized groups, where poverty often hits hardest.
How to Apply for the Program
If you think you qualify, visit the official website: ffesp.org
There, you will find:
- Application forms
- Instructions
- Key dates
Tip: Gather your documents early. You cannot apply without valid proof of income, identity, and address.
Also remember: payments are not retroactive. If you join in March 2025, you’ll get money from March to November only. No back payments will be given for earlier months.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you live outside Sacramento or don’t meet the rules, don’t worry—there are other ways to get support:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can give you money during tax time.
- Some counties offer help with housing, food, or medical care.
- Federal programs may still be available depending on your income level.
Always check your local government websites for the latest updates.
The Sacramento Family First program is a small but helpful financial support plan for a few families in Sacramento County. It gives $725 every month to families with small children and low incomes until November 2025. But it’s not available to everyone, and you must meet specific requirements.
If you qualify, apply soon and prepare your documents. And if you don’t, explore other help through tax credits or county services. This program may be small, but it could inspire more widespread support programs in the future. Always stay informed about your local and federal aid options.