FRequently Asked Questions
Please note: the application is closed UNTIL 11/13/24
Who IS eligible?
An eligible participant is an Alachua County, Florida resident released from a Florida state prison, a federal prison, a Florida county jail with a felony conviction, or who began felony probation in Alachua County between December 5, 2023, and December 4, 2024. There are no requirements or exclusions for the type of conviction. There are no income requirements. Proof of Alachua County residency is required.
HOW ARE ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS NOTIFIED?
We gathered available information from partnering agencies and mailed notifications to eligible applicants’ last known addresses. We will follow up by phone if we have that information.
WHAT IS THE ONBOARDING PROCESS?
After the random selection process is complete, recipients will be contacted to schedule an onboarding appointment. During this meeting, participants will meet with our staff, and, if necessary, a benefits counselor. We will discuss the purpose of the pilot, the logistics of the payments, and how they might interact with existing benefits.
HOW WILL THIS GUARANTEED INCOME BE STUDIED?
Recipients will be invited to participate in quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews over the course of the program. Participation is optional and does not affect the guaranteed income.
Who knows who is an applicant and/or participant?
No one except our staff and partners. Participation in this program is private and confidential.
WHAT CAN THE MONEY BE USED FOR?
Anything! These monthly payments have no strings attached. We believe people are the experts in their own lives and should be allowed to make their own decisions.
HOW DO recipients receive the money?
Disbursements are made via GiveCard.
WHAT IF A PARTICIPANT CAN NO LONGER RECEIVE THEIR disbursements?
If during the pilot, a participant can no longer receive funds, payments can be transferred to their named beneficiary. Recipients have the option to designate a beneficiary of their choosing.
IS this money a gift?
Yes. These payments are made by Community Spring, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The funds are provided by a coalition of donors. These gifts are not given in exchange for goods or services. Recipients are not required to do anything to continue receiving the funds.
Why does that matter? Because a gift is not considered taxable income. We provide a benefits counselor during onboarding to provide guidance on what recipients should and should not report.
