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GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME (GBI) PILOT PROGRAM

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
The Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program is currently full and not accepting applications. This is a limited pilot initiative, and while the results will help inform future programming decisions, there is no guarantee of additional rounds at this time.

 

About Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot Program

The GBI Pilot Program is a new initiative launched by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in partnership with the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC). It provides 20 participating families with $1,000 per month for 12 months (with the option to extend to 18 months), along with wrap-around services and access to community partner programming. 

What makes this program different from the other assistance programs?

Unlike traditional assistance programs that limit how funds can be used, GBI provides unrestricted support—empowering families to make financial decisions that are right for them. This approach is backed by national data showing that GBI participants experience greater stability, reduced stress, and improved outcomes in housing, education, and health. See Guaranteed Income Works.

For more information on the GBI Pilot Program, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Mother with two small children

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the GBI Pilot Program?

The goal is to support economic mobility and self-sufficiency by allowing families to prioritize their most pressing needs—such as housing, food, education, transportation, or healthcare—through flexible, no-strings-attached financial support. 

Is the GBI Pilot Program currently accepting applications?

No.

The GBI pilot program is currently full and not accepting applications. This is a limited pilot initiative, and while the results will help inform future programming decisions, there is no guarantee of additional rounds at this time.

How were participants selected?

CAC identified 292 potential families from their client base and conducted a screening process in spring 2025. Of those, 90 families were advanced for eligibility review based on specific criteria. From this group, 20 families were selected through a lottery system and confirmed with final documentation by June 2025. 

What were the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for the GBI Pilot Program, families had to meet the following requirements: 

  • Reside in Howard County 
  • Have at least one child in the household under the age of 18 
  • Be current or recent clients of CAC services, including: 
    • Enrollment in CAC’s Early Childhood Education Program (2024–2025 school year) 
    • Received or were denied Energy or Housing Assistance in the past year 
  • Not a recipient of income-based housing vouchers or housing subsidies 
  • Have a household income between 150% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FY25) 

Where do participating families live?

The 20 participating families live in Columbia, Laurel, Elkridge, and Savage, with household sizes ranging from two to five individuals. All households have at least one child under 18. 

What are the expected outcomes of the pilot?

By the end of the 12-month program, CAC and Howard County anticipate participating families will: 

  • Remain stably housed 
  • Increase household income 
  • Create savings or emergency funds 
  • Improve financial literacy and budgeting 
  • Access job training or higher education 
  • Feel more connected to community resources 
  • Pay essential household expenses more reliably 

Will program participants be required to attend workshops or sessions?

Participation in monthly programming and partner services is optional but encouraged. These offerings are designed to build social capital, strengthen community connections, and support families’ broader goals. 

How will the program’s impact be evaluated?

Participants will complete quarterly surveys and a final assessment at the end of the pilot. Topics include: 

  • Quality of life 
  • Physical, emotional, and mental health 
  • Employment and income 
  • Childcare and family time 
  • Access to healthcare 
  • Financial stability and spending habits 

Findings will help inform future countywide strategies to support economic mobility. 

Who is funding the program?

The pilot is funded through a nonprofit grant approved in Howard County’s FY25 Operating Budget. Program results will help determine potential expansion or continuation.