Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, supported the largest basic income study in the United States through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. The research involved providing unconditional cash payments over three years to individuals living below the poverty line.
The study included 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all earning less than $30,000 per year. One-third of these individuals received $1,000 per month, while the control group received $50.
The findings indicated that those who received the larger payments had greater flexibility to pursue job opportunities that matched their preferences. The study’s authors noted that cash increased people’s ability to make employment decisions based on their circumstances, goals, and values. Recipients were more likely to search for jobs, but they were more selective.
One participant mentioned that the cash transfer allowed them to be financially stable enough to seek out the right job without immediate pressure. Another participant was able to take a lower-paid entry-level job in their desired field and eventually achieved a six-figure salary, a move they couldn’t have afforded without the cash support.
The study showed no significant difference in employment levels between the two groups. The increased payments were primarily spent on basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, as well as health-related expenses. Although the payments initially reduced stress, many health benefits diminished after two years.
Sam Altman has advocated for universal basic income, arguing that it is essential as AI changes the labor market and renders some jobs obsolete.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that OpenAI conducted the study. It was actually OpenResearch, Sam Altman’s nonprofit organization.