Channel News Asia has this piece on a new study from the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) showing improved mental health and other benefits associated with unconditional cash payments to families in need:
“SINGAPORE: Making ends meet has been difficult for beautician Wong Lai Ching, who is the primary caregiver for her family, including her elderly parents and a son with special needs.
But things finally improved when she started receiving S$550 (US$410) a month in unconditional cash aid through social service agency AWWA’s family empowerment programme, the 44-year-old told CNA. . . .
A study by AWWA has found that unconditional cash aid – where recipients do not need to first secure employment or meet other conditions to get the funds – can help lower-income families have better job outcomes and mental health. . . .
[It] found that over 18 months, mental health improved for participants who received the cash, compared with a control group of 93 families.
About 60 percent of them described themselves as psychologically well, compared to 36 percent of the control group.
Participants who got the cash assistance had better job outcomes as well, working more hours a week and earning higher wages.
According to the study, 27 percent of the recipients found work with contracts that were more secure, as compared with 15 percent of the control group.
More than 20 percent of them saw their relationship with their spouse improve, twice that of the control group. Relationships with their children also improved.
Women benefited in particular. They gained greater control over their finances, felt more independent, and were motivated to find better work.”
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