San Antonio experimented with a guaranteed basic income program that sent more than $5,000 to 1,000 families with no strings attached to the funds. Participants’ survey responses suggest the program was a success. 

The program offered $5,108 over the course of 25 months with no stipulations about what the money could be used for. Participants had to fall 150% below the poverty line to be eligible.

“I felt supported for the first time ever,” Ingrid Sullivan, a participant with four children and three grandchildren, said. “I didn’t know what it felt like before this.”

Participants reported using the money for rent, groceries, paying credit card debt, and dropping second jobs. In December 2020, participants in San Antonio received an initial $1,908, followed by eight quarterly payments of $400. 

UpTogether, a national nonprofit organization, sponsored the GBI pilot in San Antonio. GBI pilot programs across the country in Austin, Boston, Denver, Durham, and Minneapolis have taken place. Denver was so successful the program was extended. 

Participants with children said the money went toward funding after-school programs or extracurricular activities for their children. 

“I was able to do more at times because I was able to get my bills met,” one survey respondent said. “In turn, I had extra money to be able to spend on my children to take them out or get them what they needed or wanted.”

Funds for the program came from the city, foundations, and private donations. 

Texas has spearheaded many GBI pilot programs. Austin, Harris County, the home of Houston, and San Antonio have all launched their own programs for low-income residents. Sixteen percent of Harris County’s population lives below the poverty line. Their program provides participants with $500 per month for 18 months. 

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There has, however, been Republican opposition to GBI programs. In Harris County, Republican State Sen. Paul Bettencourt sent a letter to the Texas Attorney General claiming the program was unconstitutional. Arizona Republicans introduced a bill to ban GBI in the state. 

“Is money a birthright now? Do we just get born and get money from the government? Because I think the Founding Fathers would say that is very contrary to our capitalist system and encouraging people to work,” Republican State Rep. John Gillette said.