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In May 2025, Harris County, Texas, launched the Uplift Harris program, aiming to provide financial assistance to low-income residents, including those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
This initiative offers $500 monthly payments over 18 months, totaling $9,000, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
However, the program has encountered legal challenges, leading to temporary halts in disbursements.
Program Overview
- Program Name: Uplift Harris
- Monthly Payment: $500
- Duration: 18 months
- Total Amount: $9,000
- Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act ($20.5 million)
- Eligibility:
- Residency: Harris County, Texas
- Age: 18 years or older
- Income: Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- ZIP Codes: 77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060, 77081, 77091, 77093, 77547
- Legal Status: U.S. citizens or certain non-citizens with legal status
- Program Participation: Participants in the ACCESS Harris County program, regardless of ZIP code
- Current Status: Payments temporarily halted due to legal challenges
Eligibility Details
To qualify for the Uplift Harris program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must reside in Harris County, Texas.
- Age: 18 years or older.
- Income: Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- ZIP Codes: Reside in one of the following high-poverty ZIP codes:
- 77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060, 77081, 77091, 77093, 77547
- Legal Status: U.S. citizens or certain non-citizens with legal status.
- Program Participation: Participants in the ACCESS Harris County program are eligible regardless of ZIP code.
Legal Challenges
Despite its objectives, the Uplift Harris program faced significant legal hurdles:
- Initial Lawsuit: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit claiming the program violated the state constitution’s prohibition against gifting public funds.
- Temporary Block: The Texas Supreme Court temporarily halted the program’s payments pending legal review.
- Program Revision: In response, Harris County introduced the Community Prosperity Program, modifying the original initiative to include spending restrictions.
- Continued Legal Battles: Despite revisions, the program faced further legal challenges, leading to ongoing delays in disbursing funds.
Payment Schedule
As of now, the distribution of payments is on hold due to legal proceedings. The timeline for resumption depends on the outcomes of ongoing court cases.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the program’s status.
How to Apply
Once the program resumes, applications can be submitted through the official Uplift Harris website or designated administrative partners.
Applicants will need to provide documentation verifying eligibility, including proof of residency, income, and legal status.
The Uplift Harris program represents a significant effort to provide financial relief to low-income residents in Harris County.
However, legal challenges have stalled its implementation. Eligible individuals are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the program’s status.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $9,000 stimulus checks?
Eligible individuals are Harris County residents aged 18 or older, living in designated high-poverty ZIP codes or participating in the ACCESS Harris program, with household incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
When will the payments be distributed?
The distribution of payments is currently on hold due to legal proceedings. The timeline for resumption depends on the outcomes of ongoing court cases.
How can I check my application status?
Applicants can monitor their status through official communications from Harris County or the program’s administrative partners. It’s advisable to stay updated via the official Uplift Harris website or contact program administrators directly.