Coinbase and GiveDirectly launched a pilot giving unconditional cryptocurrency payments to 160 low-income New York residents in targeted neighborhoods.

Each participant will receive a total of $12 000 in USDC, disbursed as an initial payment and monthly installments over several months.

Program design

Under the Future First pilot, participants receive a one-time disbursement of $8 000 followed by monthly payments of $800 for five months.

All funds are delivered in USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin, and recipients may transfer, spend, withdraw or retain balances on Coinbase.

Recipients and logistics

Eligible participants are aged 18 to 30 and live in South Bronx and East Harlem neighborhoods identified for the pilot.

The pilot began in September and is scheduled to conclude in February 2026, with regular monitoring of recipients' outcomes during this period.

Objectives and measurements

Researchers aim to assess effects on housing stability, educational engagement and general quality of life using surveys and administrative data.

The pilot will also observe how participants allocate funds between immediate consumption, savings and longer-term investments, including use of Coinbase features.

Context

Organizers describe the effort as a test of unconditional crypto transfers as a delivery mechanism for basic income in urban settings.

Findings will inform debate on digital cash delivery, stablecoin utility and policy discussions about cash assistance at local and philanthropic levels.