IIn Durham, North Carolina, authorities are analyzing the possibility of expanding their Universal Basic Income pilot program after there is only one monthly payment of $600 left to send.
This pilot program has given 115 city residents a monthly payment since last March, and the final payment is expected to be released on February 15, according to Syretta Hill, the program’s executive director.
This program was launched last year after Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, donated $500,000, followed by another $200,000 from private donors.
Given the success of the program, known as the Excel or StepUp Durham pilot program, authorities are looking to extend it but must find the necessary funds first, as Hill told the US Sun.
“At this time, there is no commitment to continue the program…Funding is a first challenge to continue this pilot project.”
Hill then talked about the possibilities of expanding this program, as she said many people have applied to participate in Excel since its launch.
Who is eligible to participate in this universal basic income program?
Residents of Durham, NC, over the age of 18, who had a reported income below 60% of the region’s median income were eligible to participate in the Excel pilot program.
They had to submit an application, the selection being made at random.
Hill said there may be changes to the eligibility requirements if the program is renewed, given the experience this first year has brought them.