A financial boost is on its way for Paterson residents struggling with their income.

The city announced a new program that will provide a monthly supplemental income for 100 Paterson residents. It is an idea that has become more popular around the country during the COVID-19 pandemic with so many people struggling financially.

Mayor Andre Sayegh says that 100 residents who qualify for the program will receive $400 per month for a year. They will be chosen randomly by a lottery system based out of the University of Pennsylvania.

To qualify, single people will need to make less than $30,000 a year. Families need to make less than $88,000 a year.

Each recipient will receive their funds on a debit card that can be used to purchase essentials or during an emergency. Sayegh says that this will allow them to keep their families fed, children in school and to keep everyone healthy.

“It’s not to be used as a primary source of income – it can’t be. It’s supplemental,” he says. “There are people making difficult decisions because they don’t have the financial wherewithal. So, like I said before, it’s about paying for food, your rent, your medicine.”

Paterson's pilot program is being funded by a donation from Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who has provided $500,000 for the effort.

This type of program was first done in Stockton, California, where 40% of the income was spent on food and groceries. Newark is also among 30 cities in the country taking part in the nationwide program.

Applications in Paterson are expected to go on online next month.