Stockton Economic Empowerment Dividend

The Stockton Economic Empowerment Dividend (SEED) was a program in Stockton, California, that provided regular, unconditional cash payments to residents experiencing poverty. Each eligible person received a fixed amount monthly, regardless of employment or income, to help meet basic needs and reduce financial insecurity. The goal was to explore how direct cash support can improve well-being and economic stability. The program was a pioneering local effort to test the idea that unconditional income can promote fairness and community resilience, offering valuable insights for broader policies on addressing poverty and inequality.