What Constitutes a Minimum Living Standard in the US

Logophile said:

Which brings us around to what I was asking initially. What constitutes a basic standard of living in 2021?? Without that answer, we can't realistically address any other nuances. For example, do I think everybody needs a personal computer and a small cell phone as part of a basic standard of living today?? Yes, I do. But I don't think anybody needs computer games. Wants, maybe, but doesn't need. IF all you give an individual is basic necessities, he or she will strive for more. That is human nature. And in terms of your "cut off" point, there doesn't have to be with providing only basic necessities but not money. If a person strives for more, there will be a grace period before he or she is reassessed. I'd give it two years. Thanks!!

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ttwtt78640 said:

That would be much easier to accomplish using currency, rather than goods/services. With housing it is less expensive to buy a given housing unit than to rent it and one could use any additional income to improve/expand it. The same is true of transportation, one could add funds to upgrade from a Prius to an F-150 or Yukon (adding capability to haul cargo and/or tow a trailer).

I am now confused by your mention of being “reassessed” - that seems to imply means testing as opposed to a UBI.

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Logophile said:

Basic need - if it is to be addressed in terms of support - has to be assessed and reassessed on a regular basis, even if that basis in every two years. Thanks!!

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ttwtt78640 said:

What you are leaving out is (re)assessed based on what? Are these “support” subsidies means test based on other (household?) income? Obviously, household size (or other income) could change much more often than every two years.

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