A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
Lessons from the Finnish Basic Income Experiment
Authors: Salokangas, Henri; Sirniö, Outi; Hiilamo, Heikki; Moisio, Pasi
Editors: Erola, Jani; Moisio, Pasi; Peltoniemi, Johanna
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication year: 2026
Book title : Beyond the Nordic Welfare State : Extending Social Investments with Interventions
First page : 265
Last page: 280
ISBN: 978-1-03537-543-1
eISBN: 978-1-03537-544-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00024
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00024
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/523617079
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY NC ND
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |