Americans who have experienced hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can begin applying today for monthly payments of $660.

These are 110 eligible families in Shreveport, Louisiana, who, if selected, will receive these payments for 12 months.

Notably, Shreveport is becoming the latest city to launch a universal basic income program, which includes targeted payments to the needy on a recurring basis.

According to Mayor Adrian Perkins, 25% of Shreveport residents live in poverty.

How to receive payments?

To receive the payments, a city resident must be a single parent, with an income 120% below the federal poverty line.

The city defines a single parent as a mother, father, stepparent, grandparent, caretaker or legal guardian with a school-age child.

The child must be at least three years old and under the age of 20 in August 2021.If you are not married, you cannot be living with a partner.

On the other hand, if you believe you are eligible - the application window is now open. But it will only remain open until January 17.

According to local news site KSLA News 12, for those who need in-person assistance, the United Way's Financial Empowerment Center will start taking walk-ins on Monday through Thursday from 9am to 5pm.

On Friday, in-person assistance there will take place until 3pm and it will be provided at the Airport Park Recreation Center, and the David Raines Recreation Center on Tuesday and Thursday respectively from 10am to 12pm.

Selected participants will then be placed into a "treatment intervention group," or a "control group".

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