Critical life transitions can exacerbate the risk of adverse outcomes for populations with low incomes, including pregnant people and young people aging out of foster care. To support these groups at this critical time of their lives, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has implemented seven pilot programs providing guaranteed income to about 2,000 people. Participants receive $600 to $1,200 monthly for 12 to 18 months, with no conditions or requirements. The programs also offer optional benefits counseling to help participants understand how certain public benefits could be impacted if they accept the guaranteed income, and the state has secured benefits waivers to ensure that many means-tested benefits are not affected.

Urban Institute researchers are evaluating the pilot programs’ implementation and effectiveness. The implementation study analyzes program operations—focusing on eligibility processes, program structure, and site variation—to help CDSS improve future program guidelines. The impact study measures outcomes across multiple domains, including health, financial well-being, and employment, and, for pregnant participants, perinatal and birth outcomes.