Starting June 2025, select families in Sacramento County will begin receiving significant financial support through a new initiative aimed at improving child welfare and preventing family hardship.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
The program, called Sacramento Family First Economic Support Program (FFESP), targets residents living in certain zip codes across Sacramento County. To qualify, households must earn below 200% of the federal poverty level, with special attention given to legal guardians caring for children aged 0 to 5 years old.
The goal is not only to ease financial burdens but also to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect, lower foster care entry rates, and enhance economic stability within the most vulnerable families.
How Were Participants Selected?
The application window for FFESP closed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at midnight. Sacramento County officials are now in the process of verifying eligibility for all applicants.
Once the eligibility checks are completed, the final beneficiaries will be chosen randomly from the eligible pool. This random selection process is designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Results will be publicly posted on the program’s official website, ffesp.org, and each selected family will also receive a notification by mail.
What Is the Source of Funding?
FFESP is primarily funded by a State Block Grant provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services (DCFAS). Additional funding also comes from private donors.
The program was specifically developed in line with CDSS’s mission to improve family well-being by strengthening economic resources and minimizing the need for government intervention, such as child protective services or foster care placement.
When Will Payments Begin?
Enrolled families will start receiving payments on June 15, 2025. Each household will receive $725 per month for 12 months, with the final payment scheduled for July 15, 2026.
This year-long commitment is intended to provide consistent and reliable support, helping families meet essential needs like housing, food, childcare, and healthcare, ultimately creating a safer and more stable environment for young children.
Final Notes for Applicants
The months of April and May 2025 are crucial, as Sacramento County officials finalize the list of beneficiaries. Eligible families are encouraged to regularly check ffesp.org for updates and watch their mail for official selection notices.
With this initiative, Sacramento County hopes to set a model for how targeted, preventive financial aid can strengthen families and communities by addressing challenges before they escalate into crises.
