Two years ago, 110 Central Iowa residents began receiving $500 a month through a community study on how unrestricted cash can reduce poverty and impact the health and well-being of individuals.

The program, called UpLift – the Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot, ended in April. During the next six months, UpLift staff will conduct follow-up interviews with participants to gauge how the extra funds benefited them.

A final report is expected to be released in the summer of 2026, said Ashley Ezzio, an UpLift project coordinator.

The number of guaranteed income pilot programs has increased in the U.S. since the pandemic. In January 2024, there were 155 guaranteed income initiatives in 35 states, according to the Maine Center for Economic Policy. Research is showing that unrestricted funds can reduce poverty and economic insecurity, remove barriers to full-time employment and help pay for basic needs.

Ezzio said the UpLift team has heard some success stories from program participants. “One person graduated from the business accelerator program and is starting a business. Some people found financial stability,” she said. “Others are still struggling.”

Eighty-five percent of the participants were female and 63% were single. The average household income of participants was $24,542. Participants spent 44% of their income on rent or other housing related costs. People who spend more than 30% of their income on housing are considered “housing burdened.”

After UpLift issues its final report in 2026, Ezzio said she is hopeful the community is able to develop a plan around providing unrestricted funds to those struggling financially.

“We are hoping that we’ve inspired different programs to look at how they administer benefits,” Ezzio said. “Maybe instead of handing out a food [voucher], it’s giving someone $50 to go take care of a need. … We’re hoping the project lives on in those kinds of ways.”