#BasicIncomeBoughtMe is a social media campaign highlighting how Ontario Basic Income Pilot participants talked about spending their basic income payments

“How would people spend a basic income?”

It’s a question that advocates hear a lot. Sometimes it comes from a place of skepticism or stereotypes, but also genuine curiosity. For those without firsthand experience, basic income can feel a bit mysterious. Understanding what people purchase when they have access to reliable income - and the effects these purchases have on their lives - can make a vague policy idea feel a lot more tangible.

#BasicIncomeBoughtMe is a collaborative project between researchers who studied the Ontario Basic Income Pilot (Chloe Halpenny, Kendal David, Dr. Beth Martin, Mohammad Ferdosi, Dr. Tom McDowell, Rebekah Ederer, and Amy Ma), the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, and the Basic Income Youth Collective.

Drawing from 68 interviews across two different research projects (one of which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council), #BasicIncomeBoughtMe uses social media to highlight how OBIP participants talked about spending their basic income payments - and just how powerful basic income can be.

4,000 people received a basic income as part of the Ontario Basic Income Pilot.

Two royal purple graphics with teal decorative accents are overlapping side by side, with the one on the right slightly lower. The graphic on the left has a mint coloured cartoon fridge in the centre. Lavender text above the image reads: "#BasicInco…

In conversations about their separate experiences researching OBIP, BIYC members Chloe Halpenny and Kendal David both felt struck by quotes from participants talking about what they purchased during the pilot.

It was not that the purchases themselves were striking, but rather that the underlying lessons about agency, choice, power, and dignity felt highly compelling.

#BasicIncomeBoughtMe is a knowledge mobilization project aimed at raising awareness about basic income as a feasible, progressive policy option. By amplifying the stories of those with lived experience, the campaign emphasizes the power of choice that comes with financial security, while challenging harmful stereotypes about poverty, social assistance, and basic income.

Two dark graphics with teal and mint decorative accents are overlapping side by side, with the one on the left slightly lower. The graphic on the right has a teal, mint, and light pink icon of a family in the centre. Mint green text above the image …

Why #BasicIncomeBoughtMe?

Ultimately, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe is about the agency and dignity offered by unconditional cash transfer programs.

It reflects a firm belief that individuals have the right to spend basic income in whatever way they see fit. In addition, instead of focusing on the tragedy of poverty, it aims to highlight that better policy responses to income insecurity - like basic income! - not only exist, but are actionable and impactful.

Check out #BasicIncomeBoughtMe on Instagram:

Next week marks the end of #BasicIncomeBoughtMe - a campaign mobilizing research from the Ontario Basic Income Pilot about how recipients talked about spending their payments. This week, we are focusing on the big picture: those less tangible but ext
When you or your loved ones are in the hospital, the last thing you should be worried about is whether you'll be able to afford to get there. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe hospital parking passes. . Thanks for joining us for #Basic
So... another federal election, hey? We're heading back to the polls on September 20th - and we know that it's not always easy to bring up important issues like income security with candidates. So, we rounded up a few suggestions of actions you can t
Access to a variety of equipment, facilities, and classes to get your body moving shouldn't be restricted by income. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe a gym membership - and that "feeling fabulous" energy ✨ . Image descriptio
For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe the stability to recover from cancer. By having a stable income source to rely on during their treatment, they were able to stay comfortably in their home and have access to high-quality food. No one sh
In Canada, more than half of people living below the poverty line work one or more jobs. It's hard to find time or energy to do anything other than work when you're "slugging it out" in multiple jobs and still not making ends meet. For this
For most recipients, basic income meant that they were finally able to move out of ""survival mode,"" or scraping by each month. For some, it also meant that they had the financial security to be able to make investments in things
The sense of accomplishment from receiving your diploma or degree is priceless, but financial barriers continue to keep too many people from starting - and finishing - school. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe the tuition to finish thei
Sometimes, the things purchased with a little extra income aren't quite as tangible as new clothing or fresh food - but that doesn't make them any less important. This week, we're sharing how participants spent basic income payments on personal and p
This week, we've been sharing stories about transformative purchases that allowed basic income recipients to feel comfortable, stylish, and confident in their bodies. For many, greater income security afforded new ways to care for themselves. For thi
Fashion and style are an important form of self-expression. Beyond their functionality, the clothes we wear can also say a lot about who we are. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe good quality clothes - and along with them, a greater sen
With limited income, many are forced to make tradeoffs - whether that be between paying hydro or phone bills, a bus pass or groceries, or between personal hygiene products. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe shampoo and conditioner - and
When it comes to winter clothing like jackets and coats, getting good quality items that actually keep us warm is an investment - and one that not everyone can afford. For this OBIP participant (and many others), #BasicIncomeBoughtMe a new collection
We all know how good it feels to rock a stellar outfit, a new haircut, or find that one-of-a-kind piece of clothing to complete our wardrobe. This week, we're sharing how recipients spent basic income payments on clothing, hygiene, and personal care
There's something incredibly special about seeing your favourite singer or band perform - but for many, the cost of enjoying live music can be prohibitive. For this OBIP participant, #BasicIncomeBoughtMe concert tickets, and the opportunity to experi

Want to know more?

Have questions about the #BasicIncomeBoughtMe project or want to learn more? We’d love to connect with you.