Neighborhood and Community Services

703-324-1050 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Lloyd Tucker
Director

Department Resources

Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot

Economic Mobility Pilot

FCEMP logoThe Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot (FCEMP) will provide monthly cash payments to eligible, randomly selected households, in addition to optional financial wellness support, to promote economic mobility and social capital. Fairfax County has designed the pilot to focus on ALICE, a United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population, that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than the basic cost of living for county/state in which they live. Funding for this program is provided by federal funds as part of the American Recovery Plan Act and supported also by the Fairfax County Human Services Council's Innovation Fund. The FCEMP includes three elements:

  • A monthly payment of $750 to 180 eligible, randomly selected families for 15 months; 
  • Freedom of choice for the families to use the cash as they deem necessary; and 
  • Optional financial wellness supports and the opportunity to increase their social networks through virtual or in-person events. 

  • The application period for this program closed on October 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Fairfax County has enrolled 180 eligible, randomly selected families to participate in the pilot for 15 months.
  • Cash disbursements will be made monthly from October 2023-December 2024.

The application period for this program closed on October 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

To participate in the Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot, participants must meet the requirements outlined below:

  • Be employed,
  • Be 18 years of age or older,
  • Have at least one child aged 16 years or younger living in the household,
  • Reside in identified neighborhoods in one of the following ZIP codes:
    22306, 22309, 20190, 20191, 22041, 20170, 22003, 22150, 20120, or 20151; and 
  • Have a total household income that falls between 150 and 250 percent of the 2023 Federal Poverty Level (FPL).  
    See chart below:
Household Size Minimum Income
(150% of FPL)		 Maximum Income
(250% of FPL)
Family of 2 $29,580 $49,300
Family of 3 $37,290 $62,150
Family of 4 $45,000 $75,000
Family of 5 $52,710 $87,850
Family of 6 $60,420 $100,700
Family of 7 $68,130 $113,550
Family of 8 $75,840 $126,400
Family of 9+
Add for each additional person:
 		 $7,710 $12,850

The application period for this program closed on October 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

In-person application assistance locations

Documentation will be required to confirm identity, residency in a neighborhood within the identified ZIP codes, household income and at least one child 16 years old or younger in the household. 

  • Please see link below for the eligibility documentation list. 
  • Please note: Additional documents may be requested.
Eligibility Documentation List

Eligibility Documentation List: Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Twi, Urdu, Vietnamese

 

The application period for this program closed on October 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

 

Benefits Information Matrix

Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Twi, Urdu, Vietnamese

The application period for this program closed on October 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
 

  1. How will participants receive their cash payments? 
    Randomly selected applicants that successfully enroll in the pilot will receive their first cash payments via the method they choose on the application (direct deposit, virtual card, or physical card).
  2. Why does the application ask personal questions?
    George Mason University (GMU), the County’s research partner, is conducting a research study of the FCEMP to understand the impact that unrestricted cash payments have on the economic and social well-being of working households. All participants will have the option to participate in the research study or opt out. Participation in the study is not a requirement to receive the cash.  
  3. Who will see the information I provide in the application?
    All the information you share on the application will be confidential. Your data will be secure, and it will not be shared without your consent. Select members of Fairfax County staff and our technology partner Beam will see the information you provide to determine eligibility. If you are selected for the pilot, researchers at GMU will receive your first name and contact information (email and phone number only). Participating in the research is optional. If you choose to participate in financial coaching, the provider will receive your name and contact information.
  4. Why does the application ask personal questions?
    George Mason University (GMU), the County’s research partner, is conducting a research study of the FCEMP to understand the impact that unrestricted cash payments have on the economic and social well-being of working households. All participants will have the option to participate in the research study or opt out. Unrestricted cash payments means that a household has the freedom to spend the cash however they may choose.
  5. Who will see the information I provide in the application?
    All the information you share on the application will be confidential. Your data will be secure, and it will not be shared without your consent.  Select members of Fairfax County staff and our technology partner Beam will see the information you provide to determine eligibility. 
  6. Who will know if I am randomly selected to participate in the program?
    Your information, including if you are randomly selected to participate will be kept confidential. A select number of staff at Fairfax County and the United Way NCA will know if you are randomly selected to participate in the pilot. If you choose to receive optional financial wellness supports, the United Way NCA and the FCEMP Financial Wellness Support partner, will receive your name and contact information. If you choose to participate in research activities, you may be asked to share your name and contact information with GMU. Fairfax County employees working on the FCEMP, Beam, the United Way NCA, and GMU researchers are all required to keep your information confidential. 
  7. How will the payments affect federal "cash" benefits such as SSI, Veterans Pensions and the Child Tax Credit?
    According to the Social Security Administration, the cash payments from the FCEMP will impact social security benefits. We are not currently aware of any impact on the Child Tax Credit nor Veterans Pensions. We advise participants with questions to call the organization that administers any programs that may be impacted. 
      
    Benefits Information Matrix

    Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Twi, Urdu, Vietnamese

  8. Do you have information whether this would impact (or has impacted other programs) the public charge determination for immigration status? Because the cash payments are considered disaster COVID-19 relief, the “public charge” rule is not applicable to participants in the FCEMP. For more information, please click here Immigrants in Fairfax County
  9. Will participation in the Economic Mobility Pilot affect a participant’s existing public benefits?
    Participation in the FCEMP may impact public benefits. Please review the Benefits Info Matrix to see how your public benefits may be impacted. If you have questions, please reach out to the program that administers the benefit.
  10. What happens if a household’s income becomes stable or exceeds income guidelines at any point during the pilot?
    A change in income will not impact enrollment in the FCEMP. 
  11. Will participants need to claim this money on their taxes as income?
    We encourage all randomly selected participants to seek guidance from a tax professional.
  12. If I move, can I continue to participate in the Economic Mobility Pilot?
    Once enrolled, if you move within Fairfax County, you should report your new address to Beam, but it will not impact your cash payments. However, if you move outside of Fairfax County or the cities of Fairfax or Falls Church, you will no longer be eligible to receive cash payments and are obligated to report it to Beam within 10 days. The federal guidelines for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) require that the County use the funds for local benefit only.
  13. Do I have to report a change in address?
    Yes, all changes to your address must be reported within 10 days of the change to GIPilot@fairfaxcounty.gov
     
  14. Who is running this program?
    Fairfax County is partnering with United Way NCA in coordination with GMU’s Center for Social Science Research and Beam to implement FCEMP.
  15. How did the County decide the eligibility criteria? 
    The eligibility criteria were determined by the FCEMP Design Team, which included community advisors, representatives of various County departments, community-based organizations, philanthropic organizations, Human Services Council representation, and the County’s Chief Equity Officer.
  16. How was the $750 award amount chosen for the pilot program?  
    The Fairfax County Economic Mobility Program (FCEMP) Design Team - which included community advisors, representatives of various county departments, community-based organizations, philanthropic organizations, Human Services Council representation and the county’s Chief Equity Officer – established the parameters for the pilot program.  The amount was determined by evaluating the cost of living in the county and the anticipated amount of time necessary to observe and assess the effects of guaranteed income on participants’ lives.  
  17. How did you select eligible ZIP codes for the pilot program? 
    The ZIP codes are based on the current Opportunity Neighborhood boundaries and the ZIP codes that they serve, overlayed with Fairfax County’s Vulnerability Index. The Vulnerability Index uses race, language, income, education, housing, transportation, and health insurance data to determine which areas of the county are more vulnerable. The ZIP codes selected for the pilot were determined to be representative of a larger population that may be eligible for a permanent program.  
  18. Does the County offer other basic needs assistance?  
    Fairfax County offers a variety of programs and resources that offer assistance. All Fairfax County residents seeking assistance – regardless of FCEMP eligibility or selection – may contact Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 for basic needs or Department of Family Services at 703-324-7500. Additional resources can be found at Fairfax County Health and Human Services Flyer.
  19. Who can I contact for more information?
    The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ Call Center Specialists are available via email and phone during business hours. You may email GIpilot@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1050. 
  20. Who is the focus of the Economic Mobility Pilot?
    Fairfax County has designed the pilot to focus on the economic mobility of ALICE, a United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population representing low- and moderate-income households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living for the county/state in which they live.
  21. Why is it being called a pilot?
    The FCEMP is based on years of research demonstrating that providing direct cash to families experiencing economic hardship has significant, positive effects on financial stability, health and well-being, quality time with family, and gains in education and employment. Like other basic income programs, the FCEMP promotes dignity and self-determination by enabling residents to take ownership of their own life and spending decisions. Nevertheless, establishing a baseline understanding of families participating in the FCEMP is needed to inform a fully realized program over time. Thus, the FCEMP will measure the economic mobility gains and overall wellness of participants who choose to take part in the research component. Fairfax County will use the research findings to understand how the cash assistance impact participants’ lives and whether to continue and/or expand the program. 
  22. What is the County hoping to achieve through this pilot? 
    This economic mobility strategy is grounded on the values of trust and respect for participants with a fundamental commitment to preserving and reinforcing the freedom of choice and dignity of individuals and families. When every resident has the opportunity to reach their full potential, our entire community benefits. We all do better when we all do better. As a matter of public policy, Fairfax County strives for equity in all its operations, budgeting, programs, and contracting. The Chairman’s Task Force on Equity and Opportunity set forth goals to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through more than 20 specific initiatives. 
    We anticipate having similar results in Fairfax County like other pilots across the country:
    • Improved physical health and mental well-being.
    • Improved child educational outcomes.
    • Increased economic stability.
    • Higher rates of gainful, full-time employment.
    • Increased housing and food security.
  23. How is the Economic Mobility Pilot funded?
    The Board of Supervisors authorized funds for innovative programs to advance equity and to encourage collective impact. The FCEMP is currently supported by American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF); additional funds were provided through the Fairfax County Human Services Council's Innovation Fund. 
  24. Do other jurisdictions in Virginia have similar pilots?
    Yes. Arlington County, the City of Alexandria and the City of Richmond.
  25. How will the pilot program be evaluated?
    George Mason University is a trusted research partner for Fairfax County and we’re happy to collaborate with them on this initiative. Fairfax County is partnering with United Way NCA, GMU’s Center for Social Science Research, and Beam to implement the Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot (FCEMP). United Way and the GMU Center for Social Science Research are invested in the success of ALICE, a United Way acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed population to achieve economic mobility. All partners will work collectively to report, evaluate, and analyze data that will show the impact that unrestricted cash payments have on the economic mobility, and the social well-being of ALICE households.  The research component of the pilot will inform future policy and implementation decisions. 

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