Sam Altman's OpenResearch basic income pilot lifted virtually everyone out of poverty and left working class families financially better off, with a minimal reduction in work hours. For some recipients, basic income helped them take risks leading to better jobs, start new businesses, and pursue education not possible before. Some were able to leave abusive homes, while parents found a more sustainable balance of work and childcare. Money was mostly spent on basics and helping others.
The impact on work was small — equal to an extra 15 minute break a day, or just over 5 hours/month. Most of this reduction was from single working parents. Critics miss this important detail. Numerous stories tell of working parents buying back just a bit of time to spend with their children.
Recipients’ income increased 67% on average by the end of the pilot, compared to 72% for control group, an average difference of $1,500/year. Some critics latched onto this, while losing sight of the fact that total income of recipients was still $10,500 higher than the control group. A society with a basic income leaves those receiving it permanently better off.
People spent more time and money on medical care, like seeing the dentist or doctor. Problematic drinking plummeted. While the study did not find major health changes, the elimination of poverty (the #1 predictor of health) and greater use of health services all point to long-term benefits beyond what a 3-year pilot can measure.
Building on evidence from around the world, this study shows basic income can be safely used to address poverty, provide security in times of transition, improve family incomes amidst extreme inequality, and improve equality of opportunity.
See below for a deep dive on some of the findings and stories from the pilot.
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