Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. The initiative aimed to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years.
Approximately 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually, were involved in the study. One-third of these individuals received $1,000 per month, while the control group received only $50.
The findings indicated that those receiving the larger payments had greater flexibility to pursue jobs that matched their interests. The authors of the study noted, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” Participants receiving the larger amounts were more likely to actively search for employment but were also more selective in their choices.
One participant shared, “Because of the cash transfer and being able to build up my savings, I’m in a position for once to be picky,” explaining that this financial support allowed them to avoid taking unsatisfactory jobs simply for immediate income. Instead, they had the opportunity to seek a job that fit well with their career aspirations.
Another recipient recounted how they took a lower-paying entry-level job in their desired industry and, after two years, achieved a six-figure salary. They remarked, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers, there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
The study did not find significant differences in employment rates between recipients of the larger payments and those in the control group. However, recipients did increase their spending on essential items such as food, housing, and transportation. The payments also helped cover health-related expenses, including braces and treatment for alcoholism. Though initial stress levels decreased, many of the health benefits associated with the cash transfers diminished after two years.
Sam Altman has been a notable advocate for universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform the job market and displace certain roles.
Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified the organization conducting the study; it was Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch, not OpenAI.