Symbol photo of basic income
© German press agency
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From August 18, 2020, anyone interested can apply for the pilot project. There are three consecutive studies in total.
Study 1: Of the 1,500 participants, 120 will receive 1,200 euros a month on top for three years. What is the use of the extra money on life? This is exactly what should be compared with online questionnaires. In-depth interviews are also conducted with some participants. Hair samples from some participants are also evaluated. Anyone aged 18 or over and residing in Germany can apply. If there are significant effects in the study, phase two begins.
Study 2: The income of participants who are less than 1,200 euros is topped up to 1,200 euros.
Study 3: All participants receive 1,200 euros, which are offset against a simulated tax of 50 percent on all other income. The difference is paid out.
This research project is paid for and made possible by around 140,000 private individuals, whose monthly donations go directly to the participants.
Basic income releases new energy
The unconditional basic income is not new. 650 people have already received it in the past. Unlike the pilot project, however, it was only paid for one year and it amounted to 1,000 euros per month. But people’s experiences gave rise to the project. Because everyone – regardless of whether they are homeless, high school students or heirs with millions of people – report of the new energy that the basic income has released.
With the unconditional trust of a basic income, people had the opportunity to take a closer look at and reflect on their existential fears. Do I really want to work that much in this job? What is behind the need for a luxury item, a long-haul trip? What do i really want They dared to creatively and courageously steer their lives – from which in turn new trust grew.
In a survey of the winners of the basic income for one year, 81 percent said they felt more energetic. 40 percent spend more time with people who are important to them and over half have become more courageous and curious.