Harris County's guaranteed income program application launch postponed

The program's online portal, set to open Monday, is delayed until later this week to allow Harris County leaders to iron out details at Tuesday's commissioners court.

Harris County leaders announced Monday that the guaranteed income program online application portal, which gives $500 a month to low-income families for 18 months, is postponed until later this week. 

The "Uplift Harris" program, which was initially supposed to open on Monday, will be reviewed by county leaders at Commissioners Court on Tuesday with more program details scheduled to be released in the next few days. Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis' office confirmed that commissioners are expected to "iron out" details over eligibility.

Under the program, around 1,928 eligible residents will receive direct cash assistance for 18 months to give families financial relief and help them pay for things like rent, groceries, transportation, housing and utilities, and health care. The monthly payments are on a no-strings-attached randomized system, with applicants selected from the county's most underserved neighborhoods. 

Last summer, Harris County officials identified ten zipcodes that fall under the priority areas 77050, 77093, 77051, 77060, 77028, 77033, 77026, 77081, 77547, and 77091, and falling in various neighborhoods, including Gulfton, Galena Park, Sunnyside, Acres Homes, and more.

Households living 200 percent below the federal poverty line are eligible to apply for the program, which means an individual who makes $29,160 per year or a family of four has a maximum income of $60,000 yearly. Applicants need to be 18 years or older to apply. More recipients will be selected from the county's Public Health ACCESS program, which provides specialized services for vulnerable individuals. The Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self-Sufficiency (ACCESS) program is intended to help individuals with services surrounding education, employment, healthcare, and housing.

The "Uplift Harris" is being funded through $20.5 million in American Rescue Plan Funds and was approved by Harris County leaders in June 2023. Similar programs have been launched in Los Angeles County and Chicago. 

After submitting an online application, residents are expected to be notified via email or phone in mid-February. The first payment will start in March or April and be distributed through direct deposit or on a prepaid reloadable debit card. More details on the program can be found here.