Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit organization OpenResearch. The 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 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. About one-third of the participants received $1,000 per month, referred to as the recipients, while the remainder, designated as the control group, received only $50.
Results from the study indicated that those receiving the larger cash payments had greater freedom to seek employment that matched their preferences. The authors noted, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values. Recipients were more likely to be searching for a job, but they were more selective.”
In interviews, participants shared the positive impact of the cash transfers on their job search. One individual stated, “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 they could afford to wait for a suitable job rather than settling for something less desirable. Another recipient noted that they took a lower-paying entry-level job in their desired field, which subsequently led to a six-figure salary within two years, a move they attributed to the financial support from the cash transfers.
The research did not find significant differences in overall employment rates between the two groups. Recipients increased their spending primarily on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. The payments also allowed recipients to address health issues, including dental care and treatment for addiction. Although initial stress levels decreased due to the financial support, the long-term health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman has advocated for the concept of universal basic income, especially as artificial intelligence continues to change the labor market landscape and displaces certain jobs.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed the study to OpenAI; it was actually conducted by Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch.