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The COVID-19 cash transfer study II: The hardship and mental health impacts of an unconditional cash transfer to low-income individuals

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  • Brian Jacob
  • Natasha Pilkauskas
  • Elizabeth Rhodes
  • Katherine Richard
  • H. Luke Shaefer

Abstract

This paper reports findings from a randomized controlled trial of a one-time, $1,000 unconditional cash transfer to low-income households in October 2020. We use a combination of administrative and survey data collected six weeks posttreatment to examine four preregistered hypotheses: impacts on material hardship and mental health in the full study sample as well as among a very low-income sample. We find no effects of the cash transfer on any of the prespecified or other exploratory outcomes. We explore various explanations for these null results and discuss implications for future research on unconditional cash transfer programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian Jacob & Natasha Pilkauskas & Elizabeth Rhodes & Katherine Richard & H. Luke Shaefer, 2022. "The COVID-19 cash transfer study II: The hardship and mental health impacts of an unconditional cash transfer to low-income individuals," National Tax Journal, University of Chicago Press, vol. 75(3), pages 597-625.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:nattax:doi:10.1086/720723
    DOI: 10.1086/720723
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    Cited by:

    1. Cho, Yoonyoung & Molina, Teresa, 2024. "The Importance of Existing Social Protection Programs for Mental Health in Pandemic Times," IZA Discussion Papers 16737, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. de Leon, Fernanda L. Lopez & Malde, Bansi & McQuillin, Ben, 2023. "The effects of emergency government cash transfers on beliefs and behaviours during the COVID pandemic: Evidence from Brazil," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 140-155.

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