Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study ever conducted in the United States through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. This initiative involved providing unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years.
The study included approximately 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 in Texas and Illinois, all of whom earned less than $30,000 annually. One-third of the participants received $1,000 monthly, referred to as the recipients, while the rest, acting as a control group, received only $50.
Results indicated that those receiving the larger payments enjoyed greater flexibility in pursuing jobs that aligned with their interests. According to the study’s authors, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” They noted that recipients were more likely to be job hunting but were also more selective in their choices.
One study participant mentioned that the cash transfer allowed them to accumulate savings, stating, “I’m in a position for once to be picky. I don’t have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now.” Another participant shared their experience of taking a low-paying job in a desired field, which later led to a six-figure salary within two years, crediting the cash transfers for enabling that decision.
Despite these positive outcomes, the study found no significant differences in overall employment rates between the recipients and the control group. The additional payments primarily increased spending on essentials such as food, housing, and transportation. Recipients also reported being able to afford health-related expenses, including braces and treatment for alcoholism. While the financial support initially alleviated stress, many of the health benefits diminished after two years.
Altman has been an advocate for universal basic income, especially as advancements in artificial intelligence continue to transform the job market and displace certain positions.
Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the organization conducting the study as OpenAI; it was, in fact, Sam Altman’s nonprofit, OpenResearch.