Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has financed the largest basic income study in the United States through his nonprofit, OpenResearch. The initiative aimed to provide unconditional cash payments to individuals living below the poverty line over a three-year period.
The study involved around 3,000 participants aged 21 to 40 from Texas and Illinois, all of whom had annual incomes under $30,000. One-third of the participants received $1,000 each month, while the remainder of the group received only $50.
Findings from the study indicated that those receiving the larger sums had greater freedom in their job searches. The authors noted, “Cash can increase people’s agency to make employment decisions that align with their individual circumstances, goals, and values. Recipients were increasingly likely to seek jobs but were more selective in their choices.”
In a personal account, one study participant expressed, “Thanks to the cash transfer and the ability to save, I can finally be choosey,” going on to say, “I’m not forced to take a subpar job just to earn money right now. I can afford to wait for an opportunity that truly suits me.”
Another recipient shared their experience of accepting a lower-paying entry-level job in their desired field, stating that two years later, they had reached a six-figure salary. They attributed this achievement to the cash transfers, saying, “Without the cash assistance, I would never have been able to accept that pay cut.”
The study revealed that employment levels did not significantly differ between the two groups, as recipients tended to spend the additional funds primarily on essential needs such as food, housing, and transportation. The payments also enabled some recipients to address health issues, including dental work and alcohol treatment. While the immediate stress relief from the payments was noted, many health improvements waned after two years.
Altman has been an advocate for universal basic income, particularly as advancements in artificial intelligence impact the job market and displace certain positions.
Correction: An earlier version incorrectly identified the organization conducting the study as OpenAI. It was, in fact, Sam Altman’s nonprofit, OpenResearch.