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In Durham, North Carolina, authorities are analyzing the possibility of extending their universal basic income pilot program after just one more $600 dollar monthly payment is left to be sent out.
This pilot program has given 115 residents of the city a monthly payment since last March, and the final payment is scheduled to go out on February 15, according to Syretta Hill, the program’s executive director.
This program was launched last year after Jack Dorsey, the former Twitter CEO donated $500,000, which were followed by $200,000 more from private donors.
Given the success of the program, which is known as Excel Pilot Program or StepUp Durham, authorities are looking to extend it but first they must find the necessary funds, as Hill told The U.S. Sun.
“As of right now, there are no commitments to continue the program … Funding is an initial challenge to continuing this pilot.”
Hill then went on to talk about the possibilities to extend this program, as she said that many individuals have reached out to ask about participating in Excel since its launching.
Who are eligible to enter this universal basic income program?
Durham, North Carolina residents over 18 years old, who had a reported income of less than 60% of the area’s median income were eligible to participate in the Excel Pilot Program.
They needed to submit an application, with the selection being made randomly.
Hill expressed that they might be some eligibility requirements changes if the program is renewed, given the experience that this first year gave them.
