Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

The Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program was launched in 2021 by Mayor Andre Sayegh.

110

participants

$400

monthly payment

1 Year

duration

$528,000

invested in community

logo
Program Features  
Number of Participants110 individuals
Amount$400
Frequencymonthly
Program DatesJuly 2021-June 2022
EligibilityResident of Paterson 18 years or older, with income of $30,000 or less for individuals and $88,000 or less for the family

About the Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

The Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program provides $400 a month for 12 months to 110 residents. Participants will receive $400 a month by direct deposit into a prepaid card.

Data last updated October 1, 2024.

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Download Paterson, NJ's Evaluation Report

Read a research report produced by the Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR) which offers summaries of key findings, along with in-depth analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data from this pilot.

download the report

Economic Context for Pilot Participants

The guaranteed income pilot launched during a period of dynamic change and economic challenges for pilot participants. The chart below situates this pilot in the context of unemployment and inflation.

Start of Covid-19 PandemicJan 2019MarMayJulSepNovJan 2020MarMayJulSepNovJan 2021MarMayJulSepNovJan 2022MarMayJulSepNovJan 2023MarMayJulSepNovJan 2024MarMayJulSepNovJan 2025MarMayJulSepNovJan 202602468101214161820Unemployment02468101214161820Inflation
Unemployment  
Inflation  
Pilot Timeline
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Spending Breakdown

The data in this pie chart shows aggregate spending for guaranteed income participants in Paterson, NJ. This includes all non-cash expenditures from the participants' pre-paid debit card that is loaded with guaranteed income payments monthly.

Spending breakdown

Food and groceries accounted for the largest share of spending, at 37.73%, followed by Retail sales and services (35.62%) and Housing & Utilities (9.08%).

Cynthia

“I had enough money to help pay bills, and for the first time in years, I was able to buy some new clothes. That was a real treat.”

Cynthia

Paterson Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

Paterson, NJ

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