Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States through his nonprofit organization, OpenResearch. The initiative aimed to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a period of three years.
The study involved approximately 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 annually. One-third of these individuals received monthly payments of $1,000, while the remaining participants, serving as the control group, received only $50.
Findings revealed that those who received the larger sums of money had greater freedom to seek employment that better aligned with their personal aspirations. The study’s authors indicated that “cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values.” While recipients were more active in their job searches, they tended to be choosier about the roles they pursued.
One study participant explained, “Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I’m in a position for once to be picky,” emphasizing that they could afford to wait for a job that suited them rather than taking any job for immediate income. Another recipient mentioned that the financial support enabled them to accept a lower-paid position in their desired field, which eventually led to a six-figure salary in just two years. They stated, “If I didn’t have the cash transfers there is no way I could have taken that pay cut.”
Overall, the study reported no significant difference in employment levels between the recipients of the larger payments and the control group. Recipients primarily increased their spending on essential items, such as food, housing, and transportation. The cash transfers also assisted with health expenses, including braces and alcoholism treatment. Although the payments reduced stress initially, many of the associated health benefits diminished after two years.
Altman has been an advocate for universal basic income, particularly in light of the changing job landscape due to advancements in artificial intelligence.
Note: An earlier version of this article inaccurately credited the study to OpenAI instead of Sam Altman’s nonprofit OpenResearch.