Universal Basic Income: Debate and Impact Assessment

ByMaura Francese, Delphine Prady

December 10, 2018

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary

This paper discusses the definition and modelling of a universal basic income (UBI). After clarifying the debate about what a UBI is and presenting the arguments in favor and against, an analytical approach for its assessment is proposed. The adoption of a UBI as a policy tool is discussed with regard to the policy objectives (shaped by social preferences) it is designed to achieve. Key design dimensions to be considered include: coverage, generosity of the program, overall progressivity of the policy, and its financing.

Subject: Income distribution, Income inequality, Labor, Personal income, Progressive taxation

Keywords: cost, income, program, UBI, WP

Pages:
24
Volume:
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484388815.001
Issue:
273
Series:
Working Paper No. 2018/273
Stock No:
WPIEA2018273
ISBN:
9781484388815
ISSN:
1018-5941

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