How does a basic income change our society?

We want to know.

This is why we are starting the first pilot project in Germany on unconditional basic income.

What is the Basic Income Pilot Project?

122 people receive an additional
1,200 Euro per month
for 3 years

In three consecutive studies, we will be researching the principles of unconditional basic income. The first study will involve a randomised controlled experiment to investigate the individual and social effects of an additional €1,200 per month.

What exactly is being researched?

More and more people believe in a basic income as a possible solution to the pressing social problems of our time. But believing is not enough for us, we want to know - and scientifically test whether an unconditionally guaranteed income leads to fundamental changes in the context of health, work, digital revolution, cohesion, politics and consumption.

So far, the unconditional basic income and its effects have only been examined in connection to employment, but now we want to research the actions and feelings of the participants as well as their change in values, cognitive skills and their use of time.

On the basis of these results we will estimate possible social consequences of an unconditional basic income and derive bases for the calculation of models for the realistic financing of a basic income for everyone.

How will the project be financed?

The sponsors behind the study are over 140,000 private individuals whose monthly donations will pay the basic incomes.

Donate and become one of the sponsors (in German).

Support the project with a payment via PayPal

Who is behind this project?

The Basic Income Pilot Project is a partnership project between the German Institute for Economic Research in Berlin and the non profit association Mein Grundeinkommen e.V. (‘My Basic Income Association’). Further partners include the University of Cologne and the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

The researchers are independent, and are not paid by Mein Grundeinkommen e.V. for their work.

Further information on the project can be found in the magazine.

The magazine for those, who want to know it all.

All the background information about the project.

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Press kit

Find the most important information, images and the press release on the Basic Income Pilot Project in our press kit (ca. 7 MB).

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