City of Rochester Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot Program 

In 2023, the City of Rochester is piloting a year-long program that will provide a Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI, to selected Rochester residents who live at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The program is founded upon the belief that people in poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that address their households’ needs.

The guaranteed income pilot will provide monthly payments of $500 to 351 individuals for 12 months. It is unconditional, which means there are no strings attached: no work requirements, and no restrictions on how the money can be used.

Other communities are also exploring guaranteed income pilot programs. Rochester’s program will provide additional information to help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income and influence future policy decisions around broader poverty reduction programs.