OpenResearch (the research lab seeded by Sam Altman and OpenAI) ran the largest US unconditional cash study to date, paying 1,000 low-income adults $1,000 a month for three years while 2,000 control participants received $50 a month. It was privately funded by tech philanthropy and produced a widely cited set of results on work, health, spending and agency.
None (fiat)
Private philanthropy. Funded by Sam Altman/OpenAI-linked donors and other private foundations; no public money in the transfers.
OpenResearch, an independent research lab (formerly the Y Combinator Research basic income project), with an academic advisory team and pre-registered analysis plans.
Elizabeth Rhodes (Research Director), Karina Dotson (Research & Insights Manager), Patrick Krause (Data Director); originally initiated by Sam Altman
Cash transfers ran November 2020 - October 2023. Data collection closed in early 2024 with quarterly follow-up surveys continuing through 2025. Findings published from July 2024 onward; the public-use dataset has been released. No payments are currently being made.
- Headline results: recipients worked about 1.3 fewer hours/week on average but searched for work more and reported more flexibility to pursue meaningful work.
- Increased healthcare utilisation (especially dental) with no measurable change in physical health biomarkers; improved financial planning, agency and parenting time; minimal change in political attitudes.
- Descends from the Y Combinator Research basic income pilot - if the owner already treats "YC Basic Income" as listed, this is the same lineage under a new name.