It's not based on need, it's based on equality. It is not that straightforward for government to determine who needs what. Instead, people with more means should give more (taxed more). And, like you yourself said, targeted social programs, like housing, don't always work anyway.
You're undermining yourself. And its pretty straightforward using income - it's a much better proxy than just handing out money to everyone.
How about SS, is it based on need? Yet, it is very effective and popular.
Actually it is partially. High earners don't get back the same proportion of what they put in as do low earners. It's somewhat redistributive.
Exactly. UBI is pretty much SS for all.
No its not. Social security is a pretty narrowly tailored saving program for retirees with costs ideally being paid for 1:1 with tax. UBI is effectively a tax credit without direct offset.
It is not a saving program, if it's paid for with tax. :) And UBI has to be paid for with tax, too. Math has to work, otherwise, can't do it.