Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States to date. His nonprofit organization, OpenResearch, partnered with researchers to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a three-year period.
The study involved 3,000 participants aged between 21 and 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. One-third of these participants received monthly payments of $1,000, while the remaining participants, who served as the control group, received only $50.
The findings indicated that those receiving the larger payments had greater flexibility in pursuing jobs that suited their preferences. The authors of the study commented, “Cash can enhance people’s ability to make employment choices that correspond with their personal circumstances, goals, and values. Recipients were more inclined to search for jobs but were also more selective.”
One participant shared their experience, stating, “Thanks to the cash transfer and the chance to save, I finally have the ability to be choosy.” They added, “I don’t feel pressured to accept a mediocre job just to earn money right now. I can afford to wait for the right opportunity.”
Another recipient described how they accepted a lower-paying entry-level position in their desired field and achieved a six-figure salary within two years, explaining, “There’s no way I could have taken that pay cut without the cash transfers.”
While the study revealed no significant differences in employment rates between recipients of larger payments and the control group, those receiving the funds primarily increased their spending on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. Payments also assisted recipients in addressing health-related expenses, including braces and treatment for alcoholism. Although the cash transfers initially alleviated stress, many of the associated health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman advocates for the concept of universal basic income, particularly as developments in artificial intelligence reshape the labor market and displace certain jobs.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed the study’s administration to OpenAI, when it was actually conducted by Sam Altman’s nonprofit organization, OpenResearch.