The Guaranteed Income (GI) Pilot Program for Older Californians is a state-funded initiative overseen by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). As part of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget, this pilot program aims to provide direct financial support to adults aged 60 and older who reside in California and are either eligible for or currently receiving a means-tested benefit. The program is currently in its early planning stages, with further details to be finalized through a series of community partner listening sessions before grant funds are awarded.
The CDSS has begun accepting applications to administer the GI Pilot Program for Older Adults. Eligible organizations must respond to a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) process. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM PST on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. To be considered for funding, applicants must complete the required documents outlined in the RFA, including the Proposed Funding Request Summary (Appendix 1) and Budget Template (Appendix 2). Additionally, a sample grant agreement and sample allocation letter are available for review to help organizations understand CDSS funding requirements.
The RFA process includes several key milestones. Organizations may submit questions about the RFA until March 12, 2025, with responses expected on or around March 26, 2025. An RFA Overview Webinar will take place on March 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM PST to provide further details on the funding opportunity. Award announcements are expected on or around June 25, 2025.
For ongoing updates regarding the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program for Older Adults, organizations and interested individuals can subscribe to the CDSS Guaranteed Income for Older Adults Listserv. Questions about the program can be directed to the CDSS GI Pilot Team at GIPilot.info@dss.ca.gov.
This initiative builds on the state’s commitment to economic security for vulnerable populations, complementing similar guaranteed income programs for pregnant individuals and former foster youth. Additional resources and information about California’s social services programs, including CalFresh, Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP), and In-Home Support Services (IHSS), are available through CDSS.
