I would love to see a GiveDirectly (<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.givedirectly.org&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.givedirectly.org&#x2F;</a>) trial in first-world countries.<p>Take a few people that would qualify for various public assistance programs (reduced housing costs, food stamps, disability, welfare) and instead just give them that money in one big annual lump sum.<p>My hunch is that this would be more cost effective, particularly given the much lower cost of administrating cash payouts vs restricted use programs.  But it&#x27;s also possible all of the money would just go to drugs and alcohol.  It&#x27;d be a fascinating study.<p>(I realize this isn&#x27;t basic income, as basic income is not means-tested -- but it&#x27;d be a great first step in that direction.)