A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book

Lessons from the Finnish Basic Income Experiment




AuthorsSalokangas, Henri; Sirniö, Outi; Hiilamo, Heikki; Moisio, Pasi

EditorsErola, Jani; Moisio, Pasi; Peltoniemi, Johanna

PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing

Publication year2026

Book title Beyond the Nordic Welfare State : Extending Social Investments with Interventions

First page 265

Last page280

ISBN978-1-03537-543-1

eISBN978-1-03537-544-8

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00024

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00024

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523617079

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

This study evaluates the Finnish Basic Income Experiment (FBIE) and its impacts on economic, social, and mental health outcomes. The FBIE provided a monthly unconditional basic income of €560 to long-term unemployed individuals, replacing the conditional minimum unemployment benefit. Linking experimental data to high-quality administrative registers, we assess both intended and unintended effects within Finland's comprehensive social security system. During the two-year experiment, basic income increased disposable income and reduced psychiatric drug use and primary care visits for mental health, though these effects largely faded afterward. No substantial impacts were observed on employment, geographic mobility, or fertility. Overall, the modest increase in economic autonomy did not translate into major life changes but was associated with short-term improvements in mental health.


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Last updated on 29/05/2026 11:39:57 AM