Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. This initiative provided unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years, in collaboration with researchers.
The study involved approximately 3,000 participants aged between 21 and 40 from Texas and Illinois, all of whom earned less than $30,000 annually. A third of these participants received $1,000 per month, while the remaining individuals in the control group were given just $50.
Results indicated that those receiving the higher payments were more empowered in their job searches. The study’s 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.”
One participant commented on the positive impact of the cash transfer, highlighting the ability to save money, which allowed for a more discerning job search. They expressed, “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, ultimately realizing a six-figure salary within two years, stating, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers, there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
The study did not reveal significant differences in overall employment levels between the larger payment recipients and the control group. The funding primarily helped recipients manage their spending on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. Participants also utilized the payments for health-related expenses, supporting treatments such as orthodontic care and alcoholism recovery. Although the payments initially alleviated stress, many of the health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman advocates for universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms the job market and displaces some positions.
Correction: An earlier version of this article inaccurately identified the organization conducting the study as OpenAI; it was actually Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch.