Our guaranteed income pilot program has shown remarkable results in its first year, with participating families reporting reduced financial stress and improved long-term planning.
Xiente's Guaranteed Income pilot program, launched in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and national guaranteed income advocates, has completed its first full year of operation — and the results are compelling.
Key Findings from Year One
Fifty Philadelphia families received $500 per month in unconditional cash for twelve months. Independent evaluators from Temple University's Center for Social Policy tracked outcomes across financial stability, mental health, employment, and family wellbeing.
- 87% of participants reported reduced financial stress within 3 months
- 64% used funds primarily for housing stability (rent, utilities, repairs)
- 42% reported being able to save money for the first time
- 78% reported improved mental health and reduced anxiety
- 31% used funds to pursue education or job training opportunities
"I finally feel like I can breathe again. For the first time in years, I wasn't choosing between paying rent and buying groceries." — Guaranteed Income Pilot Participant
What We Learned
The data challenges common misconceptions about how low-income families use direct cash assistance. Participants did not reduce their work hours — in fact, 23% reported taking on additional training or education because they had the financial cushion to do so. Spending on alcohol and tobacco was negligible, contradicting a persistent stereotype.
Perhaps most importantly, the pilot demonstrated that unconditional cash works best when paired with supportive services. Participants who also enrolled in Xiente's financial coaching program showed significantly better outcomes than those who received cash alone — suggesting that guaranteed income and financial capability services are complementary, not competing, interventions.
Next Steps
Based on these results, Xiente is advocating for a permanent, city-funded guaranteed income program for Philadelphia's lowest-income residents. We are also expanding our own pilot to serve 100 additional families in the coming year, with funding from a coalition of local foundations and individual donors.
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