Hundreds of Ohio moms are getting monthly $500 checks with zero requirements – here’s how it works, and who could benefit next.
A new Ohio universal basic income program is flipping the script on poverty relief – and it doesn’t come with lectures, forms, or fine print. Just $500 a month, sent straight into the hands of struggling single moms.
The pilot, funded by Ohio Mother’s Trust and Columbus’ Economic Mobility Accelerator, launched quietly this year and is already changing lives for 32 mothers in Franklin County. These women are getting $6,000 across 12 months – and nobody’s telling them how to spend it.
Why Ohio Launched the Program
It’s no secret that parts of Ohio are battling deep-rooted poverty. Nearly 40% of Franklin County residents struggle to afford essentials like rent, groceries, and childcare. Shockingly, 35% of those in poverty already have jobs.
That’s where Ohio’s universal basic income (UBI) model comes in – offering unconditional cash to help families break free from crisis mode via monthly checks. The philosophy is simple: trust people with their own money.
And it’s not just talk. The initiative is backed by UpTogether and the RISE Together Innovation Institute, with recipients selected from Motherful, a 600-member grassroots network of single mothers in the area.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Take Jasmine Wooten, a 35-year-old mom who works full-time – yet still struggles to cover groceries and health insurance.
“This program gave me my first real breathing room in years,” Jasmine told local media. “Knowing that $500 is coming lets me think beyond just survival. It’s strategic, not just reactive.”
She now visits the food pantry less and is putting money toward medical bills and savings for her kids.
Who’s Behind It and How It Works
This isn’t government welfare. In fact, the funds don’t come from the state. The Ohio Mother’s Trust operates independently – but the success of this UBI experiment could set the stage for public adoption in the future.
Recipients were chosen based on need, and once enrolled, there’s no catch:
- No job requirements
- No drug tests
- No restrictions on how the money is used
Each participant receives $500 per month for 12 months, via direct deposit or prepaid card. Payments began in January 2025.
Why Critics Are Pushing Back
Not everyone’s a fan. Conservative think tanks, like The Buckeye Institute, have raised alarms, saying UBI may discourage work and promote dependency.
“When income goes up, people work less. That’s a fact,” said policy director Rea Hederman Jr. “The best anti-poverty solution is employment.”
But program supporters say that logic is flawed. According to UBI researcher Amy Castro, unconditional cash actually fosters motivation and dignity. “When you tell someone ‘we trust you to decide,’ it’s empowering.”
The Bigger Picture: Could UBI Go Statewide?
Ohio’s pilot mirrors a national trend. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver have already run guaranteed income pilots with promising results. Now, Ohio’s program may serve as a model for statewide adoption.
Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce put it bluntly: “This isn’t about handouts. It’s about creating economic mobility for the people who need it most.”
While 32 mothers are currently enrolled, the goal is to scale up, add more families, and explore public-private partnerships to fund future expansion.
What’s Next?
Ohio’s pilot runs through the end of 2025, with researchers tracking its impact on:
- Financial stability
- Childcare access
- Mental health
- Job retention and upskilling
Preliminary results are expected in early 2026 – and if positive, don’t be surprised if a larger rollout hits cities like Cleveland, Toledo, or Cincinnati.
TL;DR – What to Know About Ohio’s UBI Program
- $500 monthly payments to 32 low-income moms in Franklin County
- Funded by Ohio Mother’s Trust and City of Columbus (not government welfare)
- No strings attached – participants choose how to use funds
- Inspired by universal basic income principles
- Could expand if successful
