About Guaranteed Basic Income
Guaranteed basic income is not new—there have been 150+ pilots across the U.S. to date.
Spoiler alert: they all work.
It takes four full-time minimum wage jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco. In addition to rent, many families spend guaranteed income on basic necessities – and in doing so, they can begin to lift up and think beyond the day-to-day.
The History
Guaranteed basic income is a form of unconditional, recurring cash payments with no strings attached. Some say the idea dates back to 46 BC, when Julius Caesar gave each Roman citizen 100 silver coins. While versions have been tried throughout history, the rise of income inequality, automation, and artificial intelligence in the late 2000s catapulted the idea back into the mainstream.
Basic income programs have succeeded internationally in places like Uganda, India, Finland, and Canada. Here in the U.S., pilots have taken off in every region—from Tacoma, Washington, to Madison, Wisconsin, and Gainesville, Florida. But no one has evaluated the impact of GBI on Bay Area families and housing stability until now.
key findings from past projects
Guaranteed basic income…
Reduces income volatility
One pilot found the proportion of recipients who could pay their bills on time increased from 27% to 83%, and 88% of those receiving guaranteed income saved money for emergencies.1
Alleviates financial scarcity
Guaranteed income creates new opportunities for self-determination, choice, and goal setting. With a reliable buffer, recipients are able to think longer term and take risks to improve their circumstances.2
Increases employment
In one study full-time employment among guaranteed income recipients jumped from 28% to 40% within a year.2
Enhances wellbeing
Recipients of guaranteed income are healthier, showing less depression and anxiety on the Kessler scale.2 A recent study showed a 25% increase in health insurance coverage among participants and a 30 percentage point increase in their likelihood to seek medical care when needed.1
Boosts brain development
One study found cash payments to low-income mothers for the first year of their child’s life altered babies’ brain activity in ways that indicate stronger cognitive development.4
Help us take guaranteed basic income from pilot to policy!
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