Contact Us

Maps

Discover our research framework or check out
the full metrics list

Explore the Research Framework
View All Metrics

This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.

Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) or Other Guaranteed Income Programs for Youth

  • Income

The jurisdiction has a direct cash transfer or guaranteed income program that includes youth and is available jurisdiction-wide

Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs) are simple – low-barrier cash payments to young people in need. Many programs include case management and optional supportive services. To be effective, programs should be designed in consultation with unhoused youth and young adults and include strong, youth-centered evaluation measures. However, while the concept is simple, there are many complex considerations in designing these programs to ensure that DCT payments do not create a tax liability, run afoul of state law, or cause young people to lose access to public benefits.

NOTE: The Index only scores DCT and GI programs that are currently operational. For information about past DCT programs and pilots, see https://guaranteedincome.us/.

Bibliography
Key Metric Score Type of Policy Description
2.0 Very High Score There is a jurisdiction-wide DCT (or similar) program that specifically includes youth
1.5 High Score There is a jurisdiction-wide DCT (or similar) program but it doesn't specifically include youth
1.0 Moderate Score There is a county-wide or regional DCT (or similar) program that includes youth
0.5 Low Score There is a single city or local DCT (or similar) program that includes youth OR there is a private program managed by a nonprofit or community organization
0.0 Very Low Score No law found
-0.5 Harmful The jurisdiction has prohibited local governments or government agencies from enacting DCT (or similar) programs
No Data No Data No Data

Suggested Citation: National Homelessness Law Center, "Youth Homelessness Index, Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) or Other Guaranteed Income Programs for Youth" https://youthhomelessnessindex.org/maps/direct-cash-transfer-dct-or-guaranteed-basic-income-programs/ (last visited March 3, 2026)

Income

Until we can finally realize an economic system that isn’t based on exploitation, access to income is a necessary part of survival for young people. Approximately 12% of children ages 14 to 17 and 20% of young adults ages 18 to 24 live in households earning or receiving less than $14,000 per year. With the average rent in United States completely out of reach for anyone below the poverty line, it is not surprising that individuals ages 18 to 25 endure the highest rates of homelessness and housing insecurity than any other age group; 1 in 10 report couch surfing or another form of homelessness at some point each year.

The United States has almost no social safety net for young adults (and a completely inadequate one for families with children or people with disabilities). There is a growing consensus, however, that the solution isn’t to create more bureaucratic programs with complicated eligibility rules but rather to directly transfer cash to the people who would benefit most and trust them to spend it on what they need.

Model Statutes:

These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.Â