Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States to date through his nonprofit organization, OpenResearch. This study aimed to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over three years.
The research involved 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. One-third of these participants received $1,000 per month, while the control group received only $50.
Results from the study revealed that those receiving the larger payments had greater freedom to pursue jobs that better matched their preferences. The authors of the study commented, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” They noted that while recipients were more likely to seek employment, they were also more selective in their choices.
One participant shared their experience, saying, “Thanks to the cash transfer and being able to build up my savings, I’m finally in a position to be picky. I don’t have to take a bad job just because I need income right now. I can afford to wait for the right opportunity.” Another recipient mentioned taking a lower-paid job in their desired field, which eventually led to a six-figure salary within two years, stating, “Without the cash transfers, I never could have taken that pay cut.”
The study did not find significant differences in employment rates between recipients and the control group, with recipients mainly increasing their spending on basic necessities such as food, housing, and transportation. The payments also helped cover health-related expenses, including braces and treatment for alcohol use disorder. Though the initial financial support reduced stress, many of the health benefits appeared to diminish after two years.
Altman has been a strong advocate for the concept of universal basic income, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform the job market and displace certain positions.
An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the organization responsible for the study; it was, in fact, Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch, not OpenAI.