If you’re pregnant and living in California, you could qualify for monthly stimulus checks worth up to $1,000, no strings attached.
The California Abundant Birth Project, a guaranteed income initiative, is now sending recurring payments to hundreds of pregnant women identified as being at high risk for preterm birth. Unlike federal pandemic-era stimulus checks, this program is local, targeted, and designed to improve health outcomes and financial stability during and after pregnancy.
Here’s everything you need to know about who’s eligible, how it works, and when the money lands in your account.
What Is the Abundant Birth Project?
The Abundant Birth Project is a state-funded guaranteed income program that offers unconditional cash payments to qualifying pregnant women for 12 to 18 months. The payment amounts vary by county and can reach up to $1,000 per month.
Monthly Payment Breakdown:
- Contra Costa County: $1,000
- Alameda County: $967
- Los Angeles County: $807
- Riverside County: $616
The funds are not restricted, recipients can spend the money however they see fit, from rent and groceries to childcare and prenatal needs.
Who Qualifies? The 5 Requirements
To apply for the program, you must meet all five of the following criteria:
- Reside in California, specifically in Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, or Riverside counties
- Be 8 to 27 weeks pregnant at the time of the program’s selection event (called the Abundance Drawing)
- Meet income thresholds, which vary by county:
- Alameda: $128,017
- Contra Costa: $132,360
- Los Angeles: $106,911
- Riverside: $81,581
- Identify with at least one high-risk factor for preterm birth:
- Black or African American
- Previous preterm birth (before 37 weeks)
- Preexisting hypertension or diabetes
- Sickle cell anemia
- Not be enrolled in another guaranteed income program at the same time
Why This Program Exists
The Abundant Birth Project aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Data shows that unconditional financial support during pregnancy can significantly improve birth outcomes.
- 17.5% drop in preterm births
- 21% reduction in low birth weight babies
These results are based on similar programs in Canada and echoed by early pilot data from California.
When Will Payments Be Sent?
Participants chosen in the Abundance Drawing receive a reloadable debit card, which is topped up every month on the 30th.
As of June 2025, 850 pregnant women have been successfully enrolled. Though applications are currently closed, more enrollment periods are expected. You can check the official website for future application rounds.
Other Programs Like This
While this specific program is limited to four California counties, similar guaranteed income programs are popping up across the U.S.
- $500 monthly payments for two years via a lottery system
- $850 monthly checks from a $2 million state fund (first-come, first-served)
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiments in cities like Stockton, CA, and Denver, CO
These initiatives are designed to support low-income individuals without the usual conditions tied to traditional welfare programs.
People Also Ask
Are the $1,000 payments from the federal government?
No. These are state-level guaranteed income payments issued by the California Abundant Birth Project.
Is the money taxable?
Typically, guaranteed income payments are not considered taxable income, but recipients should consult a tax advisor.
How long do the payments last?
Recipients can get monthly payments for 12 to 18 months, depending on their county and pregnancy stage at enrollment.
Will there be another application round?
Yes, though current applications are closed, future enrollment windows are expected. Visit the official program site for updates.
This isn’t just a handout, it’s a safety net with real impact. If you’re pregnant and meet the five criteria, the California Abundant Birth Project could provide monthly stimulus checks during a critical life stage.
With inflation rising and maternity care gaps still deep, this program is rewriting how public support can look, and feel.
