Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date. This initiative, conducted through his nonprofit organization OpenResearch, involved providing unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a three-year span.
The study included about 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. One-third of the participants received $1,000 per month, while the remaining individuals in the control group received $50.
Findings from the study indicated that those receiving the larger payments had greater flexibility in seeking employment that aligned with their desires. The authors of the research noted that “cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” Recipients reported being more active in job searching but being more discerning in their choices.
One participant shared their experience, stating that the cash transfers allowed them to save money and be selective about job opportunities, saying, “I don’t have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now.” Another recipient highlighted the ability to pursue a lower-paying job in a desired field, ultimately leading to a six-figure salary within two years, something they said would not have been possible without the cash transfers.
The study revealed that there was no significant difference in employment levels between those who received the larger payments and those in the control group. The recipients primarily increased their spending on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. Additionally, the cash assistance allowed them to address health issues like braces and alcoholism treatment. While the initial payments alleviated stress, many of these health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman has advocated for universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform the labor market and displace certain jobs.
A correction was made to clarify that the study was led by Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch and not by OpenAI.