| The results from Germany's groundbreaking "Pilotprojekt Grundeinkommen" have been released, delivering powerful evidence that contradicts one of the most persistent criticisms of basic income: that it discourages work. In this landmark study, 107 individuals received €1,200 monthly for three years while researchers tracked various outcomes. Contrary to the "social hammock" stereotype, recipients didn't withdraw from the labor market or significantly reduce their working hours. Instead, they maintained their employment while experiencing substantial improvements in mental health, purpose in life, and life satisfaction.
The study also revealed that recipients saved about 37% of the payments, showing prudent financial planning, and spent approximately 7% on charitable causes or supporting family and friends. According to Miriam Witz from Mein Grundeinkommen, "The UBI positively affected mental health – the effect is comparable to therapy!" Jürgen Schupp from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) noted that these findings show UBI could function as a "resilience instrument" that strengthens citizens' socioeconomic security.
Read our full interview with Miriam With and Jürgen Schupp on the UBIE website: Debunking the Social Hammock Myth: German Basic Income Experiment Shows Remarkable Results | 