A new pilot program has launched in the United States to support workers affected by artificial intelligence, offering monthly cash payments and retraining help as concerns grow over AI-driven job losses.
The initiative, called the AI Dividend, is led by a coalition of labor and tech worker groups, including the Fund for Guaranteed Income and What We Will. It aims to test whether a basic income-style support system can help workers adapt to rapid changes in the job market.
The program provides monthly stipends of up to $1,000 to nearly 50 participants. It is funded with an initial $300,000 budget and is expected to distribute around $3 million over one year.
Organizers say the goal is to support both entry-level workers struggling to enter the tech industry and experienced professionals who have lost jobs due to automation and artificial intelligence systems.
The Fund for Guaranteed Income Fund for Guaranteed Income and What We Will What We Will are jointly managing the project, which began payments in March.
Program leaders say the initiative is designed as a “cash plus” model, combining financial support with retraining and mentorship opportunities. They argue that financial stability is necessary for workers to successfully reskill.
Supporters say the program responds to a growing crisis in the labor market, where automation and AI tools are reducing entry-level job opportunities, especially in the tech sector.
Recent industry analysis shows that hiring for new graduates in major technology firms has dropped significantly compared with pre-pandemic levels, raising concerns about long-term career pathways.
Program founder Kaitlin Cort said the tech job market has become increasingly difficult for junior workers, with fewer opportunities for career entry and advancement.
She described a “K-shaped labor market,” where experienced AI specialists are in high demand while entry-level roles are shrinking.
Participants in the program include laid-off tech workers and job seekers struggling to find stable employment in a changing economy. Some have previously worked in coding bootcamps, contract roles, or traditional software development jobs.
One participant said the program has provided both financial relief and a sense of structure during unemployment, helping him regain confidence while retraining in new skills.
As part of the initiative, some participants are also working on AI-related projects, including tools to help unemployed people access benefits, healthcare, and job networks.
The AI Dividend program currently supports several hundred workers, including around 270 former employees from major tech firms such as Oracle.
Organizers say many participants face a common challenge: their previous technical skills no longer match current industry demands. They argue that continuous retraining is essential in an AI-driven economy.
The idea of universal basic income remains controversial in the tech industry. Some critics argue that widespread cash payments are financially unrealistic or could reduce incentives to work.
Others, however, say targeted support programs are necessary as automation reshapes employment patterns faster than traditional education systems can adapt.
Experts note that government-wide basic income programs remain unlikely in the near future due to fiscal constraints. However, smaller pilot programs like AI Dividend are being used to test new approaches.
Supporters of the initiative say it is not a full universal basic income system but a temporary, targeted support model designed specifically for displaced workers.
They emphasize that the program is time-limited and conditional, typically lasting between six and twelve months, and focused on retraining outcomes.
Despite debate, participants say the program is helping them rebuild confidence and explore new career paths in an uncertain job market shaped by artificial intelligence.
Organizers believe the pilot could offer valuable insights into how societies may need to respond to large-scale labor disruption caused by AI in the coming years.
