Neural responses to perceived pain in others predict real-life monetary donations in different socioeconomic contexts

► Individuals with different subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) were scanned. ► A real-life one-shot charitable monetary donation was conducted. ► Stronger neural responses to perceived pain predicts greater donations in high SSS. ► Stronger neural responses to perceived pain predicts less donations in low SSS. ► SSS modulates the relation between empathy and altruistic behaviors.