Does unconditional cash transfers work?

No evaluator has published an evidence rating for this approach that we can quote. See the sources on this page for the full reasoning.

How cost-effective is it?

It depends on the charity and the setting. The table on this page lists each published figure with its source. All are modeled, not guaranteed.

Sending money directly to people in poverty, with no conditions on how it is spent.

Not yet rated

The evaluator hasn't published an evidence rating we can quote.

Charity	Figure	Source
GiveDirectlyWELLBYs per $1,000 (benchmark)	7.55 WELLBYs per $1,000 donatedpublished FAQ	Happier Lives Institute (opens in a new tab)

Modeled, not guaranteed. Figures in different units measure different kinds of good and should not be compared directly.

Does unconditional cash transfers work?: No evaluator has published an evidence rating for this approach that we can quote. See the sources on this page for the full reasoning.
How cost-effective is it?: It depends on the charity and the setting. The table on this page lists each published figure with its source. All are modeled, not guaranteed.