How much will I receive?
Selected participants will receive $500 per month for 12 months, for a total of $6,000.
Are there rules about how I use the money?
No. The $500 monthly payments have no strings attached. Participants can use the money however they need.
How will I receive the money?
There are two ways participants can choose to receive their payments. Monthly deposits can be deposited directly into participants’ bank accounts. All participants who do not currently have bank accounts will have a free account created for them by program partner M&T Bank. Participants who do not wish to work through a bank account can receive their payments by check.
Who do I contact if there’s a problem once I start getting the money?
All participants will meet their project coordinator at Black Community Focus Fund (BCFF) soon after being selected to participate. You should direct all questions about your GBI payments to your BCFF project coordinator.
Will this impact other benefits I receive? For instance, will it reduce the amount of SNAP or Social Security benefits I receive?
Some public benefits programs have income requirements that include GBI payments as “countable income.” This means that receiving GBI payments might affect your benefit levels or your eligibility for those programs.
GBI project coordinator BCFF will offer benefits counseling and help you understand how GBI may affect your eligibility and benefit levels for public programs. We want to provide you with as much information as possible so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.
Do I have to pay taxes on this income?
No. The GBI program is considered a cash gift according to the current definition set by the IRS. Cash and asset gifts only need to be reported to the IRS if you receive $17,000 or more in one year. Because GBI will amount to $6,000 per year, you may need to pay taxes if you receive additional cash/asset gifts totaling $11,000 or more in one year.
What happens if I change my phone number or email?
You should contact your project coordinator at BCFF right away if you change your email address or phone number. You will still be able to receive your monthly payments, but it’s important that we have up-to-date contact information.
What happens if I move?
If you move outside of the City of Rochester you will not be able to continue to receive GBI. Contact your project coordinator immediately if you have to move.
What happens if I get a promotion or a better job?
The purpose of the GBI pilot program is to help people create a financially sound future for themselves, so improvements in your financial situation are exactly what we are hoping for. We will congratulate you, and you will remain a part of the GBI pilot program.
If I am arrested or become incarcerated, will I continue to receive GBI payments?
An arrest will not necessarily disqualify you from receiving GBI payments. But any incarceration must be short-term (a maximum of three months); any time served over three months will disqualify you from receiving further GBI payments.
What do I need to do to keep receiving GBI?
GBI has no strings attached, which means recipients do not have to do anything special to keep receiving monthly payments.
Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in surveys so researchers can learn more about guaranteed basic income. Those who participate in the surveys will receive additional incentives.
In addition, participants will be able to receive free professional financial counseling services.
What if newspaper, TV, radio, or other reporters reach out to me? What if I want to speak to media?
Speaking to media is NOT a requirement for participating in the GBI pilot program. Your participation in this pilot is confidential and anonymous and we encourage you to keep your participation confidential as well. If you are approached by media, you can direct them to contact the City’s Communications Director at Barbara.Pierce@ CityofRochester.gov.
But if you would like to share your story, please let us know. We will work with a few participants who would be willing to do interviews and have their story documented, and can share those stories anonymously. If you feel that this is you, please let your BCFF project coordinator know during y our enrollment session.