In June 2025, Los Angeles County is offering $500 monthly payments to certain young adults and former foster kids through its Breathe program. This program aims to give important help—no strings attached—to people who need it most. Let’s dive into how it works, who gets money, and how it can make life a bit easier.
What Is the Breathe Program?
The Breathe program is a guaranteed income pilot in Los Angeles County. It gives regular cash payments to people without any requirements like work or tests. The idea is to help ease money stress so recipients can focus on education, work, or just living with dignity .
Who Gets the $500 Payments in June?
In August 2024, LA County expanded Breathe to include 2,000 former foster youth aged 18–21. These young adults will now receive $500 per month (or $1,500 quarterly) for 18 months, starting June 2025 .
This group joins earlier participants:
- 1,000 residents (not foster youth) getting $1,000 monthly since 2022 for three years.
- 200 former foster youth who began receiving $1,000 monthly in 2023, eventually replaced by the new $500 group .
Why It Matters
- The unconditional cash helps young adults pay for food, transport, or school without worry .
- Program participants report a drop in stress and time to focus on future goals like education or jobs .
- A research team from the University of Pennsylvania is studying its effects, expecting results by 2027 .
How the Program Works
- No strings attached: Recipients don’t need to prove income, work, or meet other rules .
- Teaching support: Participants also get access to coaches and workshops to help them plan for the future .
- Regular payments: Each month, a fixed amount is automatically added to the recipient’s debit card or account.
What Happens in June 2025?
In June:
- The new foster youth group will get their first $500 payment or quarterly $1,500 stipend if they’re set up that way .
- The original 1,000 participants will still be getting $1,000 a month through August 2025 .
That means up to 3 groups are now getting money from the same program.
Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Eligibility (for former foster youth):
- Age 18–21 when the program began.
- Lived in LA County foster care at age 18.
- Comes from a low-income area or family (at or below 100–120 % Area Median Income) .
- Went through an application with the Department of Child & Family Services and was randomly chosen .
The application window was June 20 to July 3, 2024, and potential participants were selected soon after.
How to Track and Use the Money
- Payments are automatically sent, usually via debit card or direct deposit.
- Recipients get coaching, workshops, and webinars to manage money and life plans.
- Early data shows participants spend most on food and household goods, reducing money stress .
LA’s Breathe program is a powerful support system giving $500 monthly to foster youth and $1,000 to others—without strict rules. In June 2025, this means more than 2,000 young adults will get help just when they need it most. The early signs show peace of mind, less stress, and better chances for a bright future, with research ongoing. If you’re in the program, check your account or card. If you’re interested, watch county updates in case similar programs open for others.
FAQs
Q: What is LA’s Breathe program?
A: A guaranteed income pilot in LA County that gives monthly money with no strings attached.
Q: Who gets $500 or $1,000 payments?
A: 1,000 residents get $1,000 per month; 2,000 former foster youth aged 18–21 get $500 monthly or $1,500 quarterly .
Q: Why is the Breathe program important?
A: It reduces money stress, helps with food and bills, and gives people the freedom to plan for the future .
Q: How long will payments continue?
A: The original 1,000 residents get payments until August 2025, and the new foster youth group gets payments for 18 months .
Q: Are there any rules to use the money?
A: No—it’s unconditional. You don’t need to work, study, or go through tests to receive the payments .
