> How can they be cost neutral? That would only happen if by luck the same number of people applied to basic income as previously applied for means-tested benef

> How can they be cost neutral? That would only happen if by luck the same number of people applied to basic income as previously applied for means-tested benefits. In addition to the other points being made (about new funding sources), you're assuming the payout for basic income would exactly match previous means-tested benefits. Realistically spending, any basic income program will likely provide less than the upper end of many existing entitlement programs.