Economic instability brought on by systemic racial inequality has adverse consequences for physical and mental health, and these effects have likely been exacerbated among minority populations as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guaranteed, unconditional cash to families with low incomes has the potential to reduce the economic, social, and racial inequities brought on by systemic racism and are large, important policies.
In January 2021, in collaboration with the Fund for Guaranteed Income, the city of Compton, CA began delivering an unconditional guaranteed income to 698 low-income households, which will last for a period of 24 months. This project will evaluate the impact of the guaranteed income program on the health and well-being of the recipients, with a focus on health and related outcomes.
This research will provide valuable evidence of the effects of a guaranteed income on families with low incomes and allow other jurisdictions who may be considering similar policies to use the program in Compton, CA as a model.