- St. Louis gave regular cash payments to families.
- The payments helped families pay rent and utilities.
- Fewer families missed important monthly bills after payments.
- Families reported less food insecurity and stress.
- Parents used money for school and activities.
- Some families could handle unexpected expenses better.
- Many began small savings for emergencies at home.
- Credit scores improved for many participants in study.
- The pilot program has now ended with no extension.
Difficult words
- payment — money given regularly to people or familiespayments
- utility — basic home service like water or electricityutilities
- food insecurity — not always having enough food to eat
- unexpected — not planned and not expected to happen
- saving — money kept for future needs or emergenciessavings
- credit score — number that shows how well someone pays billsCredit scores
- pilot program — small test project to try a new idea
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you save money for emergencies?
- What would you use extra money for?
- Have you ever missed a monthly bill?
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