Guaranteed Income
Guaranteed income is unrestricted cash payments given directly to individuals on a recurring basis to boost their financial stability.
The idea is as old as this nation itself, andleaders from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to libertarian economist Milton Friedman have advocated for it, but the first mayor-led guaranteed income pilot began in Stockton, CA in 2019.
Following the impressive results of the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) — which included higher rates of full-time employment, better mental and physical health, and more parent-child time — Mayors for a Guaranteed Income was founded in 2020. With elected leaders from the county to the state level joining the movement, Counties for a Guaranteed Income was founded in 2023 and Legislators for a Guaranteed Income in 2025.
This democratic groundswell is producing the largest body of research on guaranteed income ever, thanks to partnerships with independent research institutions. As the case builds for guaranteed income, and people see pilots working, popularity is growing.
Guaranteed Income is Popular
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Elected Leaders and Counting
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Guaranteed Income Pilots in 26 States
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Of Voters Support Monthly Cash Payments Between $500-$1000 for American Adults.
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Invested in Direct Economic Relief
Research shows that Unrestricted Payments help recipients pull themselves out of poverty. The overwhelming majority of funds are spent on basic necessities, including food, housing, utility bills, transportation and medical expenses. But the impact of guaranteed income extends far beyond these essential needs.
Guaranteed income recipients are more likely to find long-term employmenT. Not a single pilot has resulted in reduced work.
Recipients have reported far less stress and anxietY, reduced household chaos and more hopefulness for the future.
Parents are able to spend more quality time with their children, and children’s school performance has improved in multiple cities.
Guaranteed income recipients are more likely to demonstrate financial resilience, by paying off debt, saving for emergencies, and investing in their future.
20+ cities have engaged in rigorous, mixed-methods research showing that guaranteed income works.
It’s Basic: Guaranteed Income Works
We took the award-winning documentary, It’s Basic, on the road with the Guaranteed Income Works national tour, beginning in July 2023 after the Tribeca Film Festival premiere, and extending through 2024. The film spotlights guaranteed income programs across the U.S., following recipients through their daily lives.