In a world first, the Republic of the Marshall Islands has launched a nationwide universal basic income (UBI) program that delivers regular payments to citizens — and, uniquely, offers a cryptocurrency payment option alongside traditional methods.

Under the new initiative, every resident citizen will receive roughly US $200 every three months, amounting to about $800 annually, as part of a government effort to help households cope with rising costs and support social inclusion. Payments began in late 2025 and can be received via bank deposits or mailed checks, or through a government-backed digital wallet using blockchain technology and a US dollar-pegged stablecoin designed for secure and efficient transfers.

The program is backed by substantial funding — including a more than $1.3 billion trust fund established in part from historical compensation agreements — and additional resources pledged through 2027, providing a durable foundation for the scheme.

Officials say the blockchain option is intended to help reach people across the nation’s dispersed atolls, especially where traditional banking infrastructure is limited, though uptake of the digital method has been modest so far.

The Marshall Islands’ bold experiment blends social welfare innovation with emerging financial technology, setting a potential blueprint for other nations exploring modern methods of delivering universal support.