Researchers at the Brown School’s Center for Social Development and its Evaluation Center carried out an independent, mixed-methods evaluation of the St. Louis Guaranteed Basic Income pilot. The pilot began in late 2023 and provided $500 per month for 18 months to more than 500 low-income families with school-age children.
The team used surveys, interviews, spending data and anonymized monthly credit records to measure effects. Families reported fewer missed rent and utility payments, reduced food insecurity, and greater ability to cover essential needs and unexpected expenses. Parents also said payments helped pay for education, extracurriculars and health needs.
Administrative credit data showed participants’ credit scores rose by an average of 12 points compared with similar St. Louis residents who did not receive payments. A temporary, lawsuit-driven pause in payments in 2024 coincided with short-term declines in credit health. The researchers recommended reducing administrative barriers, ensuring consistent payments, and offering optional financial services. The pilot has ended and there are no current plans to extend it.
Difficult words
- pilot — small test program to try a policy
- mixed-methods — research using both numbers and personal data
- evaluation — study that checks how well something works
- anonymize — information changed so people cannot be namedanonymized
- food insecurity — not having reliable access to enough food
- credit score — number that shows a person's financial historycredit scores
- barrier — official or practical obstacle that blocks progressbarriers
- coincide — to happen at the same timecoincided
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think regular cash payments would help families in your community? Why or why not?
- What problems could appear when a payment program pauses for a short time?
- How might optional financial services help participants use the payments? Give examples.
Related articles
Shared social media and changing networks in rural families
A study of rural students and one of their parents finds that university often increases who young people meet, while social media usually broadens networks. Sharing platforms between parents and children has mixed effects on network diversity and tolerance.
Family background and graduates' wage expectations
A study of college-educated job seekers in China followed two groups for three months and recorded weekly wage expectations. Graduates from lower-class families set lower initial wages and adjusted them more; researchers recommend wage-setting coaching at universities.
Flexible SNAP interview scheduling helped families in California
A study found that making SNAP interview scheduling more flexible in two California cities reduced denials and improved people’s financial health. The changes led to higher credit scores, fewer delinquent accounts and lower credit card debt.
