Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

If I have any questions regarding BIG:LEAP research surveys and/or compensation, who should I get in touch with?

Please reach out to our UCLA-based local research partners at bigleapprogram@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding the research surveys or compensation.

BIG:LEAP disbursements end soon. What is next for the program?

Although the last cohort of BIG:LEAP participants receive their final monthly payment on March 25, 2023, there is more work to come. BIG:LEAP research surveys continue until later in 2023, with the final report expected in 2024. Furthermore, we continue to connect our participants with media opportunities so they can tell their powerful stories.

What were the eligibility criteria for BIG:LEAP?

1. Reside in the City of Los Angeles AND
2. Be 18 years of age or older AND
3. Have at least one dependent child (younger than 18 or a student younger than 24) OR be pregnant
4. Have income level at or below the Federal Poverty Level AND
5. Have experienced economic and/or medical hardship related to COVID-19

How do I know if I’ve been selected as a BIG:LEAP participant?

All selected control and treatment group participants have been contacted at the information provided in the program application.

How many participants have been selected and by whom?

Approximately 3,200 participants have been chosen at random by the Center of Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania to receive the $1000 per month for 12 months. Additionally, roughly 3,700 applicants have been randomly selected to participate in the research component of the program called a “control group” (receiving no monthly cash deposit).

What is a “control group” for? Is there a benefit to participating in the control group?

This program is a research study. A “control group” is a group of participants in the research study who will not receive monthly cash deposits, but will participate in surveys and interviews about wellbeing. This allows us to compare information with the “treatment group” who is the group selected to receive the monthly cash deposit.  This will help us see the changes each group had depending on their access to the monthly cash deposit. Participants for the control group are randomly selected. If an individual chooses to participate in the research study as part of the control group, they will receive a $30 gift card for each survey completed (there will be three future opportunities to complete surveys).

If selected to participate in the program, how much money will I receive? Does the money have to be used in a certain way?

BIG:LEAP treatment group participants receive a no-strings-attached $1,000 monthly cash deposit for 12 months. Participants can use the money however they see fit to meet their most pressing needs. Funds are loaded onto an Angeleno Connect IRC Mastercard on the 25th of each month of participation.

Is there any reason that the City of Los Angeles would reclaim funds distributed to me?

The City of Los Angeles reserves the right to reclaim any funds left in the Angeleno Connect IRC Mastercard account at any time so that the BIG:LEAP program can provide the largest benefit to the most people in the fairest way possible. Circumstances under which the City might choose to reclaim funds from your card include, but are not limited to:

1. If you provide inaccurate information to the City in your application or at any other time
2. If you are no longer a resident of the City and you do not notify the City
3. If you no longer qualify to participate in the BIG:LEAP program for any reason
4. If the City terminates the BIG:LEAP program
5. If you fail to use any remaining funds in your Angeleno IRC account for a period of twelve months or longer

I was not selected to participate but I still need help. Are there any resources available to me?

Yes, there are many programs available throughout the City of Los Angeles that we want to make sure you can access. Visit the Resources page on this website to learn more about what programs and resources are available to you.

Will BIG:LEAP funds impact my existing public benefits? 

We are invested in ensuring that existing public benefits are minimally impacted by BIG:LEAP funds. All selected participants were offered benefits counseling to ensure they fully understand their unique situations before deciding to continue in the program, and we continue to advocate for exemptions so BIG:LEAP funds do not impact eligibility or other benefits programs.

Please email  cifd.info@lacity.org with any additional questions.