Emergency cash transfers for informal workers: Impact evidence from Mexico

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Canedo, Ana P.; Fabregas, Raissa; Gupta, Prankur
• 署名单位: University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin; University of Texas System; University of Texas Austin
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2023.104820
• 发表日期: 2023
• 关键词: Emergency cash transfers; Covid-19; social protection; Mental health

摘要

We study the effects of a sizeable ($526 PPP) one-time-only emergency cash transfer targeted at self-employed, sub-employed, and informal sector workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The transfers were processed on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds were depleted, creating a plausible source of exogenous variation in program participation. Combining this discontinuity with a purpose-built phone survey, we find substantial positive effects on measures of food security and psychological well-being three to four months after reception. The point estimates for summary measures of business health outcomes and support for lockdowns are positive but imprecisely estimated.(c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.