Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has funded the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. This initiative aimed to provide 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 of whom earned less than $30,000 annually. One-third of these individuals received $1,000 per month, while the remaining participants were provided with $50 each month as a control group.
Results from the study indicated that those receiving the larger payments enjoyed greater flexibility in seeking jobs that aligned with their preferences. 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 demonstrated a greater likelihood of job searching but tended to be more selective in their choices.
One participant shared, “Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I’m in a position for once to be picky,” highlighting that they no longer needed to take undesirable jobs solely for income. Another recipient explained that the financial support allowed them to accept a lower-paying entry-level position in their desired field, ultimately leading to a six-figure salary within two years. “If I didn’t have the cash transfers, there is no way I could have taken that pay cut,” they said.
The study revealed that there was no significant difference in employment rates between recipients of the larger payments and those in the control group. Recipients primarily used the funds to cover basic needs, with food, housing, and transportation being the largest expenditures. Additionally, the payments helped them manage health-related expenses, including treatments for various conditions. Although these payments initially alleviated stress, many of the health benefits appeared to diminish after two years.
Sam Altman advocates for universal basic income as automation and artificial intelligence reshape the job market and lead to job displacement.