The Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), a pilot stimulus check program, is currently in the active funding distribution phase. This program, operating in Sacramento County, California, consists of the delivery of direct cash transfers to a select group of beneficiary families.
This stimulus checks initiative is specifically targeted at households with young children residing in certain demarcated geographic areas. The stated objective of the pilot is to analyze the impact of unconditional financial assistance on family stability and child development. Funds are provided through direct deposits into participants’ bank accounts.
$725 stimulus payments in Sacramento
Eligible participants were selected through a random drawing after a registration period that has now concluded. The program has a finite duration, with a total number of payments defined from its inception. The program is overseen by local authorities in collaboration with non-profit organizations.
The FFESP payment schedule is fully defined: The first payment went out on August 15, 2025, setting the starting point for a year-long program. This inaugural disbursement marked the effective operational start of the economic support program after its planning and selection phase.
The total payment commitment extends for twelve consecutive months. Eligible families will continue to receive $725 each month until July 2026, completing a total of 12 payments. This scheme ensures a guaranteed income stream for participating households for a full annual cycle.
Who’s eligible for the FFESP stimulus checks?
Program eligibility was determined by a strict set of requirements. Residency was a primary factor, limited to “one of the following Sacramento County ZIP codes: 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838. Family composition was another consideration. Applicants had to prove they were “the parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of 0 and 5, who lives with you at least 50% of the time,” the program explains It focuses exclusively on child support during early childhood.
The family income threshold was a key variable for eligibility. This was set at annual household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The exact amounts vary depending on household size, acting as an income threshold to prioritize families in financial need.
An additional condition was non-participation in similar initiatives. The requirement was not participating in any other guaranteed income program, whether government or private. The final selection process culminated in a random drawing, from which 200 families were selected by lottery.
Can still anyone apply now for the FFESP program?
The window of opportunity to apply for the FFESP has expired. “The application period has already closed; according to reports, the call ended on April 27, 2025,” an official explained. This means that new applications cannot be submitted for this specific edition of the program.
Currently, the pilot is in a closed implementation phase. Only the 200 families notified of their selection are receiving payments. Program administration is now focused on the monthly distribution of funds and collecting data on their impact.
No plans have been publicly announced for a new round of applications or an expansion of the program beyond its current scope. The pilot nature of the program suggests that the results obtained this year will be evaluated to determine the viability of future initiatives.
