Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States to date. His nonprofit organization, OpenResearch, collaborated with researchers to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line for a duration of three years.
The study involved approximately 3,000 participants, aged between 21 and 40, from Texas and Illinois, all of whom earned under $30,000 annually. One-third of these participants received $1,000 each month, identified as recipients, while the remaining participants, the control group, received $50 per month.
Findings from the study indicated that those receiving the larger payments had more freedom to search for jobs that aligned with their interests and aspirations. 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. Recipients were more likely to be searching for a job, but they were more selective.”
One study participant highlighted the impact of cash transfers on their job search, stating, “Because of the cash transfer and being able to build up my savings, 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. I have the opportunity to hold out and try and find the right fit.”
Another recipient shared their experience of accepting a lower-paying entry-level position in a desired field, which eventually led to a six-figure salary within two years, adding, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers, there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
However, the study observed no significant difference in employment levels between those who received the larger payments and the control group, as recipients primarily used the funds for essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. The payments also assisted recipients in managing health-related expenses, although many health benefits appeared to diminish after two years.
Sam Altman has been an advocate for universal basic income, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence transforming the job market and potentially displacing certain jobs.
Correction: An earlier version of this article inaccurately identified the organization conducting the study as OpenAI; it was, in fact, Sam Altman’s nonprofit, OpenResearch.