A Basic Income based on need is called a welfare system, and requires gatekeepers to determine neediness. We have various such systems in the US. Any time you

A Basic Income based on need is called a welfare system, and requires gatekeepers to determine neediness. We have various such systems in the US. Any time you here someone say "basic income", they mean a guaranteed, zero qualifications beyond citizenship and possibly adulthood, income. It is meant as a replacement for many aspects of the welfare system. It is true, since humans are bad at making many financial/health/welfare decisions, that not all public welfare costs are a good fit for replacement with a BI. But things like food stamps, disability income and section 8 housing all do appear to be good fits.