Your $725 Stimulus Check Could Be at Risk – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Navigating financial relief programs can be tricky, especially when rules and eligibility criteria keep changing. If you’re one of the lucky recipients of the $725 monthly stimulus check through Sacramento County’s Family First Economic Support Pilot Program (FFESP), it’s important to stay updated. A small mistake could put your payments at risk.

This guide breaks down the FFESP, explains common risks that could stop your payments, and offers practical steps to keep your financial support secure.

Program

The FFESP provides financial relief to low-income families with young children in Sacramento County. It offers $725 per month for 12 months, totaling $8,700 annually. This support is designed to help families cover essential expenses like food, rent, and childcare.

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Eligibility

To qualify for the FFESP, you must meet these requirements:

• Residency: Live in one of these ZIP codes – 95815, 95821, 95823, 95825, 95828, or 95838.
• Income: Household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Children: Have at least one child under five years old.
• Program Overlap: You cannot receive income from other guaranteed support programs.

Example: Income Limit

For a family of three in 2025, 200% of the FPL is $49,720. If your earnings exceed this amount, you may not qualify.

Risks

Even if you’re currently eligible, certain changes can put your stimulus check in jeopardy. Here’s what to watch out for:

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Moving Out of Designated ZIP Codes

FFESP eligibility is location-based. If you move out of one of the approved ZIP codes, you will lose your payments.

Solution:

• If you must move, contact program administrators to see if a grace period is available.

Increased Household Income

Earning more money is great, but if your income exceeds 200% of the FPL, you will no longer qualify.

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Example:
A family of four earning over $60,000 a year may become ineligible.

Solution:

• Track income changes and plan ahead. If possible, consult a financial advisor to manage new earnings strategically.

Household Composition Changes

Your eligibility depends on having a child under five in your household. If your youngest child turns six or no longer lives with you, your payments could stop.

Solution:

• If your child is aging out of the program, look into other financial assistance options.

Overlapping Financial Aid

Receiving income from another guaranteed income program could disqualify you from FFESP.

Solution:

• Confirm with program officials whether other benefits affect your eligibility.

Financial Stability

Even with FFESP payments, it’s wise to explore additional financial support and savings strategies.

Explore Supplementary Programs

Look for other resources to maximize your financial security:

• Childcare Assistance: Programs like the Child Care Resource Center can help with childcare costs.
• Food Assistance: CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) can help reduce grocery expenses.
• Housing Support: Check Sacramento County’s housing vouchers or rental assistance programs.

Build a Financial Cushion

Even small savings can make a big difference. Try setting aside $20–$50 a month in an emergency fund.

Example:
Open a no-fee savings account and set up automatic transfers to grow your savings effortlessly.

Invest in Skills and Education

Using part of your payments for education or training can improve your long-term financial stability.

Pro Tip: Websites like Coursera and edX offer affordable courses that can boost your job prospects.

Protecting Your Payments

To ensure you keep receiving your $725 check, follow these steps:

Step 1

Regularly check the Sacramento County Family Services website for any changes in program policies.

Step 2

Notify program administrators right away if:

• Your income increases.
• You move to a new residence.
• Your household composition changes.

Step 3

If your eligibility is ending, explore other assistance programs like:

• CalFresh for food assistance.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for financial support.

Pro Tip: Use Benefits.gov to check your eligibility for other programs.

Step 4

Maintain copies of all required documents, including:

• Proof of income.
• Residency verification.
• Child’s age and guardianship details.

Having these documents ready can help resolve any issues quickly if your payments are delayed or stopped.

By staying informed and proactive, you can avoid interruptions in your financial support and make the most of the assistance available to you.

FAQs