The idea that UBI is money for nothing is actually just capitalist propaganda. UBI differs depending on the implementation, but irrespective of where and how it’s implemented, it’s paying the dividends of your investment into the country.

Because you’re receiving dividends, you’re more inclined to take a vested interest. For example, more people are likely to hold politicians to account and demand lying is outlawed in order to get a clear picture about things. You’re also likely to see higher taxes on wealth hoarders as that essentially results in larger dividends. You’ll also see higher standards in regards to things like beaches to try and drive up tourism. And, the important one, more scrutiny of and investment in automation, to make it viable to reduce the workforce while increasing the output while ensuring no one is left behind.

In short, it’s far from money for nothing. It’s money for everything and one of the key mechanisms in the transition away from capitalism.