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Stopped in the Name of the Law: Administrative Burden and its Implications for Cash Transfer Program Effectiveness

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  • Heinrich, Carolyn J.
  • Brill, Robert

Abstract

Cash transfer programs have achieved wide-ranging success in reducing poverty, yet there is little empirical research on how program rules and administrative capacity might limit program effectiveness. We examine administrative burden and quantify its implications for grant access and impacts in the South African Child Support Grant (CSG) program, as the age of eligibility and application requirements changed over time. We find that approximately 60% of the sampled children experienced an interruption or disconnection in cash transfer receipt, and that both timing and “dosage” loss are associated with adolescent engagement in risky behaviors, and for females, lower educational attainment.

Suggested Citation

  • Heinrich, Carolyn J. & Brill, Robert, 2015. "Stopped in the Name of the Law: Administrative Burden and its Implications for Cash Transfer Program Effectiveness," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 277-295.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:72:y:2015:i:c:p:277-295
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.03.015
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    9. Groves, Allison K. & Gebrekristos, Luwam T. & Stoner, Marie C.D. & Gómez-Olivé, F Xavier & Kahn, Kathleen & Pettifor, Audrey E., 2024. "Assessing the durability of a cash transfer on physical intimate partner violence and sexual relationships among adolescent girls and young women in rural South Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
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