Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has funded 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 three-year period.
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. One-third of the participants received $1,000 per month, while the remainder, serving as a control group, received only $50.
Results indicated that those receiving the larger payments had greater flexibility in their job search, allowing them to pursue positions that aligned more closely with their interests and values. 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.”
One participant shared their experience, stating, “Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I’m in a position for once to be picky.” They expressed relief in not having to accept unsatisfactory job offers just to secure immediate income, highlighting the opportunity to seek a better match.
Another recipient mentioned that the cash transfers enabled them to accept a lower-paying entry-level job in their desired field. Within two years, they achieved a six-figure salary, stating, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
The study revealed no significant differences in employment rates between the recipients and the control group. The additional payments primarily led to increased spending on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. Moreover, the funds allowed recipients to address health issues like braces and treatment for alcoholism. Although the payments initially alleviated stress, many health benefits appeared to diminish after two years.
Sam Altman has been an advocate for universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms the job market and displaces certain employment opportunities.
A correction was issued regarding a previous version of this article, clarifying that the study was conducted by Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch, not OpenAI.