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Cook County Makes Guaranteed Income Permanent, Allocates $7.5M in 2026 Budget

Cook County has allocated $7.5 million in its 2026 budget to continue a guaranteed basic income program after a two-year pilot that began in 2022. The trial provided $500 per month to 3,200 households, with the final pilot payment issued in January. Surveys indicate most recipients felt more secure, experienced less stress, and reported improved mental health, using the funds primarily for food, rent, utilities, and transportation.

02:39 PM, 11/23/2025Economy
Cook County Makes Guaranteed Income Permanent, Allocates $7.5M in 2026 Budget

Cook County, which includes the city of Chicago, has moved to make a guaranteed basic income program permanent by embedding $7.5 million for it in the county's 2026 budget.

The program grew out of a two-year pilot launched in 2022. During the trial, 3,200 households received $500 per month with no spending restrictions; the final disbursement from that pilot was issued in January. The County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget allocation to continue the initiative.

"The County will invest $7.5 million to continue supporting the Guaranteed Income program, providing direct unconditional monetary support to help residents live healthier and more stable lives," the budget statement says.

A guaranteed basic income provides recurring, no-strings-attached cash payments to eligible residents—typically people with household incomes near the poverty line. This differs from a universal basic income, which would extend similar payments to all individuals regardless of income.

Results from the pilot

Cook County released survey results from participants who received payments between 2022 and 2025. Most respondents reported feeling more financially secure, experiencing lower stress, and seeing improvements in mental health. The funds were most often used for essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and transportation.

Broader context

Across the U.S. and around the world, local and national governments have tested or expanded guaranteed-income programs. Technology leaders have also publicly advocated for such policies as a way to offset potential employment disruption from advances in artificial intelligence. Other governments—such as Ireland with a basic income for artists and South Korea with plans for a large-scale program—have taken similar steps.

By committing $7.5 million in the 2026 budget, Cook County aims to continue direct, unconditional cash support for participants of the pilot and future eligible residents, while collecting further evidence on the program's long-term effects.

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