Universal Basic Income (UBI): Data from the World’s Largest Multi-Year Pilots

By late 2025, US pilots reached nearly 30,000 people with $335M in aid across 72 programs in 26 states. A coalition of 250+ lawmakers tracks 27 pilots, showing no employment drops. Minneapolis gave 200 residents $500/month for two years using pandemic funds, steadying jobs while enhancing food security.

Texas and Illinois ran America's largest experiment: hundreds got $1,000/month for three years, yielding key data on long-term impacts. Santa Clara County's four pilots provide $1,200/month to vulnerable groups.

Fears of laziness proved unfounded. Stockton's pilot saw full-time work rise from 28% to 40% with $500/month. Arlington reported 16% higher employment and 37% earnings boost. St. Louis' $500/month to 540 parents improved credit by 12 points, utility payments, and savings.

Financial resilience emerged: Tacoma participants saved more and handled $400 emergencies better. Gainesville recipients afforded emergencies even post-pilot. No workforce declines in any reviewed program.

Recipients report less stress, anxiety, and chaos, with more hope. Minneapolis saw psychological well-being soar. Durham's pilot for formerly incarcerated gave $600/month, aiding stability. St. Louis noted better child school performance (70%) and tutoring access (75%).

Denver targeted homeless; participants like Moriah Rodriguez avoided eviction. LA's BIG:LEAP gives $1,000/month to 3,200, under study. Finland's trial echoed US well-being boosts without job loss.

Not perfect: Boulder's pilot fixed basics but not childcare or insurance. St. Louis saw inflation divert funds to food/transport; only 10% pursued education despite plans.

Yet expansion grows: NYC plans $3M for 2026; Cook County permanent. With 136 pilots (74 done, 62 active), data dashboards track progress. Policymakers eye scaling for economic resilience amid AI shifts.