what is ubi

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a social welfare program where the government provides all adult citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment. This payment is given without any requirements related to employment, income level, or other conditions. The main goals of UBI are to reduce poverty, ensure individuals can meet their basic needs, and simplify or replace more complex welfare systems that involve bureaucratic processes. UBI is distinct because it is universal—everyone receives it regardless of their financial situation—and unconditional, meaning no strings or work requirements are attached. For example, under UBI, a CEO, an unemployed person, and a student would all receive the same payment. The idea has gained traction recently due to automation and technological changes potentially displacing many jobs. Various pilot programs have been tried in different countries and localities, although no country has fully implemented a comprehensive UBI system as of 2025. Examples include partial basic income programs and trial projects targeting certain groups. Some proposals suggest amounts like $1,000 per month for each adult, as popularized by Andrew Yang during his 2020 U.S. presidential campaign. In summary, UBI aims to provide financial security and reduce poverty universally by giving citizens a fixed cash amount regularly without conditions. It differs from other social programs that are means- tested or require employment to qualify. This approach has pros, such as reducing poverty and giving people freedom to pursue education or entrepreneurship, and cons, including high potential costs and questions about its impact on work incentives. Overall, UBI remains a widely debated and evolving concept in public policy.