HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County's pilot program to help low-income families launched on Friday, Jan. 12.
Uplift Harris provides a no-strings-attached, monthly cash payment of $500 to those who qualify. The money will be provided for 18 months.
There are some things you need to know if you plan on applying.
When can you apply?
The application window is open through Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. APPLY HERE
How many people will be accepted and who can apply?
"The program will serve approximately 1,900 individuals. It's divided between individuals that live in 10 ZIP codes within Harris County and those are the 10 ZIP codes where we see the most pervasive poverty. Those individuals that are living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level," Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson said.
10 targeted ZIP codes for Uplift Harris
In this group, eligibility is determined by income and location. Recipients must live in one of the following Harris County ZIP codes.
- 77050
- 77093
- 77051
- 77060
- 77028
- 77033
- 77026
- 77081
- 77547
- 77091
How will recipients be selected?
About 70% of the people who will get the money will be randomly selected from the Uplift Harris applications but the rest will be selected from another program.
"Around 30% of those individuals will be participating or coming from our Access Harris County program," Robinson said.
A big reminder from Harris County leaders is that the program is not operating on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Do you need an ID to apply?
"I was just wondering if it was required for me to have a Texas ID or any type of identification in order to qualify for it," Damion Mins asked.
If you're undocumented, you can't apply unless someone in your household has legal resident status and is at least 18 years old. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she hopes that can be adjusted in the future.
"We have until Feb. 2 to figure out whether it's possible for a child who is under 18 to (apply). Obviously, the child wouldn't be the one receiving the money, but if it would be possible to do that, I believe we've done that with a past program," Hidalgo said.
What if I already get government assistance?
If you already have some sort of government assistance, it shouldn't be taken away.
"We're highly confident that individuals will maintain their other public benefits while they're enrolled in the program," Robinson said.
How to apply
Leaders are encouraging people to apply.
"You ought to apply. If in doubt, don't guess, just apply," Commissioner Rodney Ellis said.
If you don't have a smartphone, or if you need help navigating the online application, there are 12 hubs you can go to for help. You can also call 832-927-6060 for assistance.
The application will be available in five different languages.
Where does the money come from?
Uplift Harris is funded with $20.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was passed to help struggling Americans recover after the pandemic caused an economic crisis.
What is The Federal Poverty Level (FPL)?
The Federal Poverty Level is used by the government to determine eligibility for programs based on monthly income and household size. These are the maximum incomes to qualify.
- For individuals: $29,160
- For a family of 2: $39,440
- For a family of 3 : $49,720
- For a family of 4: $60,000
- For a family of 5: $70,280
- For a family of 6: $80,560
- For a family of 7: $90,840
- For a family of 8: $101,120
- For a family of 9: $111,400
- For a family of 10: $121,680
- For a family of 11: $131,960
- For a family of 12: $142,240
- For a family of 13: $152,520
- For a family of 14: $162,800