California will continue to provide financial support to its residents in 2025 through the Sacramento Family First program, which, while active, is not available to everyone. This pilot program offers $725 per month to only 200 low-income families in Sacramento County, and only until November 2025.
If you don’t live in that area or don’t meet the specific requirements, you shouldn’t apply. And if you’re in the covered areas, you could be one of the eligible households. However, keep in mind that the program is focused on households with young children and historically marginalized communities, such as African Americans and Native Americans.
Stimulus checks of $750 per month until November
The good news? Selected families receive ongoing assistance for almost a year. The bad news: There are no confirmed comprehensive state programs beyond this pilot. That is, if you’re not in the beneficiary group, you’ll have to look for other options. Of course, it’s always worth checking local updates in case anything new comes up.
To qualify for Sacramento Family First, you must meet several requirements. First, you must live in California, preferably in certain areas of Sacramento County. Second, you must have at least one child under the age of 5 who lives with you more than half the year. Third, you must not exceed the annual income limits: $30,000 if you live alone, $40,000 for two people, $50,000 for three people, and $60,000 for four or more people.
They also require documents such as tax returns, official California identification (driver’s license or state ID), and proof of residency. If you have a bank account, payments arrive via direct deposit; if not, they are mailed to you. However, some recipients have reported delays, such as the March 2025 payment that arrived late. County spokesperson Macy Obernuefemann confirmed that they are working to resolve these issues.
This stimulus payment program is different from others
Unlike the famous Golden State Stimulus, which expired in 2022, Sacramento Family First is a local experiment. Its goal is not only to alleviate poverty, but also to test how a universal basic income would work in vulnerable communities. That’s why it prioritizes groups like African American and Native American families, who often face greater economic inequalities.
The program began in December 2024 and, although small, could set a precedent for future initiatives: only 200 families are receiving assistance, and there are no confirmed plans to expand it.
If you meet the requirements, the first thing to do is check the program’s official website (ffesp.org) to confirm details. There you’ll find forms, key dates, and steps to submit your application. Important: Prepare all documents in advance, because without proof of income, residency, or identity, you won’t be able to complete the process.
Keep in mind that the payments are not retroactive. If you were accepted in March 2025, for example, you will only receive aid from that month until November. However, the money has no restrictions on how it can be used: you can spend it on food, rent, education, or whatever you need most.
If you don’t live in Sacramento or aren’t in the priority group, all is not lost. Although there aren’t any massive state stimulus programs for 2025, there is always local or federal aid. For example, tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are still active, and some counties offer subsidies for housing or medical services.
