First checks arrive this June for households earning under 200 % of the federal poverty line.
Sacramento County’s new Family First Financial Empowerment Program (FFESP) is locking in $725 a month for hundreds of low‑income families, and the money starts flowing in a matter of weeks. Chosen recipients were drawn from an April 14‑27 application pool limited to targeted ZIP codes—so, could your neighbors already be on the list?
Families who cleared the income and residency hurdles were notified in early May. The county says June payments will land on the same day each month, giving parents a predictable cash boost while officials track child‑welfare outcomes. Not in the first wave? Read on—there may still be options.
Why Sacramento launched the Family First program and who benefits most now
County leaders point to stubborn poverty pockets where kids under five face higher neglect and foster‑care risk. By wiring $725 directly to caregivers beneath 200 % of the Federal Poverty Level, officials hope to stabilize rent, food, and childcare budgets before crises develop. “This is not a loan, and it won’t cut into other CalWORKs or SNAP benefits,” a program spokesperson emphasized.
How to know if your Sacramento household meets the FFESP income rule
Wondering whether your block is covered? Check last month’s letter or the county website for the ZIP‑code map. Income caps are simple:
- Family of 2: $39,440 a year
- Family of 4: $60,000 a year
- Each extra person: add $10,280
Hit those numbers or lower? You’re golden, provided a child under six lives with you at least half the year.
Key steps already completed and what happens before the first June payment
| Date (2025) | Action for families | Program status |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 14 – 27 | Online application window | Closed |
| May 10 | Eligibility emails/texts | Completed |
| Jun 12‑28 | First direct deposits mailed cards | Scheduled |
Recipients don’t need to reconfirm anything unless they move out of the approved ZIP code cluster.
What to do next if you missed April’s enrollment window but need help
Missed the deadline? Take heart. The county will reopen enrollment if attrition frees up slots. Meanwhile, you can:
- Join the FFESP wait‑list—it’s rolling and time‑stamped.
- Contact 2‑1‑1 Sacramento for emergency rent or utility grants.
- Keep income documents handy; the program may audit alternates when vacancies pop up.
Could a quick phone call today land you on June’s backup roster? It never hurts to ask. The FFESP’s first checks are locked in for families already verified, but the story isn’t over. Keep an eye on county announcements, secure your paperwork, and—if you were selected—watch your mailbox for that prepaid card in mid‑June.