Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has made significant contributions to welfare research by funding the largest basic income study in the United States. His nonprofit, OpenResearch, collaborated with researchers to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a three-year period.
The study involved approximately 3,000 participants aged between 21 and 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. A portion of these participants, around one-third, received monthly payments of $1,000, while the rest, serving as a control group, received just $50.
Findings from the study indicated that those receiving the larger payments experienced an increased ability to pursue job opportunities aligned with their interests. The researchers noted that “cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” Participants who received the larger checks were more inclined to search for jobs but were also more selective in their choices.
One participant highlighted the positive impact of the cash transfers, stating that they could afford to be selective in job offers, saying, “I don’t have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now. I have the opportunity to hold out and try and find the right fit.” Another recipient shared their experience of taking a lower-paying entry-level position in a desired field, which eventually led to a six-figure salary within two years—a path they attributed to the support from cash transfers.
The study noted no substantial differences in overall employment levels between the recipients and the control group. Recipients primarily used the payments to cover necessities like food, housing, and transportation, and to address health-related needs such as dental braces and addiction treatment. Although the cash transfers initially lowered stress levels, many health benefits appeared to diminish after two years.
Altman has been a strong advocate for universal basic income, especially in light of the changes to the job market brought about by artificial intelligence advancements.
Overall, this extensive study sheds light on the potential benefits of direct cash support, indicating that such programs not only provide immediate financial relief but also empower recipients to make better long-term career decisions that align with their personal and professional goals. This research could pave the way for more conversations about basic income as a remedy to changing economic conditions driven by technology.