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Expanding access to identification cards and social programs: Experimental evidence from Panamá

Author

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  • Ángela María Reyes
  • Benjamin Roseth
  • Diego Vera‐Cossio

Abstract

We experimentally analyze the effects of an intervention to induce the renewal of identification cards on access to a government social program in Panamá. On‐time renewals and access to government transfers increased by 10 and 3.6 percentage points, respectively. Simple reminders about expiration dates generated larger effects than also enabling individuals to renew their documents through an online platform, which users struggled to use despite its being designed to simplify the process. The results suggest that increasing access to identity documentation can reduce exclusion errors in social programs and that simply granting access to e‐government platforms may not necessarily improve public service delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Ángela María Reyes & Benjamin Roseth & Diego Vera‐Cossio, 2025. "Expanding access to identification cards and social programs: Experimental evidence from Panamá," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 44(3), pages 893-916, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:44:y:2025:i:3:p:893-916
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.22596
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    References listed on IDEAS

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