SPACE Programming Options: ‘Cash Plus’ Approaches in the Response to COVID-19

It is important to consider interventions that go beyond transferring cash or vouchers and to consider a range of complementary interventions that can be implemented alongside cash transfers. This not only provides the opportunity to maximise the benefits of the cash itself but enables a more comprehensive approach to address the multiple risks and vulnerabilities which individuals and households face, by supporting access to relevant interventions, both in the short-term immediate response to COVID-19 and for longer-term sustainable and equitable recovery.

The aim of this document is to provide an overview of the options for linking cash transfers to complementary services in the context of COVID-19, drawing out lessons learned from existing evidence and knowledge of good practices to highlight how cash plus can be effectively designed and implemented in crisis response.