The Child Tax Credit is a form of universal basic income: a government program in which qualifying adults receive regular payments; recipients can choose how to best spend that money.

The program will provide $500 a month for 24 months to 305 families in Sonoma County with children 5 years old and younger.

The program will provide $1,200 a month for two years, if approved. It is one of four guaranteed basic income initiatives being tested by Santa Clara County, most of which are in the planning phase.