part of the idea of UBI is that it would replace current or future (hypothetical) welfare benefits. at least in theory, it seems better for people on both sides

part of the idea of UBI is that it would replace current or future (hypothetical) welfare benefits. at least in theory, it seems better for people on both sides of the equation. for the "producers", it would replace a hodge-podge of inefficient and inscrutable welfare programs with a single number that can be adjusted up/down and easily understood. for those on "the dole", it would be a much more respectful way of providing aid. instead of getting funny money that can only be spent on certain items at the grocery store and having to apply for a tax credit at the end of the year, they just get $x every month to spend as they see fit. the complacency angle is worth considering, but when I see how much money we waste to (for example) manufacture at least one part of a spaceship in every single US state, I wonder if we wouldn't come out ahead by just paying most of the people for doing nothing and then manufacturing the parts where it actually makes sense. the main thing I fear is what it would do to rent. I don't understand enough about economics to know how much of a problem this is, but naively it seems like UBI would just shift rents upward in a tight housing market.