GBI FAQ

What is Rochester’s Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program?

• In 2023, the City of Rochester is trying out a year-long program called Guaranteed Basic Income, or GBI. The guaranteed income is a monthly stipend of $500 given directly to 350 households 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 spent. This program is founded upon dignity and the belief that the people in poverty are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that efficiently address their household’s needs.

When will Rochester’s GBI pilot program start?

• The City will announce the application availability in Spring 2023, and will conduct a random selection process to identify two cohorts of participants who will receive payments beginning in Summer and Fall 2023.

How and when can I apply?

• The City will announce GBI application availability in Spring 2023. The application will be available here on the GBI website after the announcement.

What is “guaranteed income?”

• A guaranteed income is a monthly cash stipend given directly to the individual or family. It is unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements. A guaranteed income is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net and be a tool for racial and gender equity.

Why is the City offering the GBI program?

• GBI is the City of Rochester’s first guaranteed income initiative. This program is founded upon dignity and the belief that the people experiencing financial hardship are best positioned to make informed financial decisions that efficiently address their household’s needs.

  Guaranteed income pilot programs are popping up across the country, and Rochester’s program will add to other communities’ information to help determine the impacts of a guaranteed income, as well as influence future policy decisions around broader guaranteed income programs.

How will the City fund its Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program?

• Rochester’s GBI program is being funded by the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The City was granted ARPA funding from the Federal government, and has chosen to invest $2.2 million of that funding in this GBI pilot program.