New findings from Sam Altman's basic-income study challenge one of the main arguments against the idea

New findings from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's basic-income study show recipients valued work more after receiving no-strings-attached recurring monthly payments, challenging a long-held argument against such programs.

Altman's basic-income study, which published initial findings in July, was one of the largest of its kind. It gave low-income participants $1,000 a month for three years to spend however they wanted.

Participants reported significant reductions in stress, mental distress, and food insecurity during the first year, though those effects faded by the second and third years of the program.

"Cash alone cannot address challenges such as chronic health conditions, lack of childcare, or the high cost of housing," the first report in July said.

In the new paper, researchers studied the effect the payments had on recipients' political views and participation, as well as their attitudes toward work.

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