Government Assistance Programs Research Articles

Human capital of grassroots leaders and vulnerability to poverty: Evidence from rural China

This study examines the impact of the educational level of grassroots leaders on the vulnerability to poverty among villagers in China, using panel data from the National Fixed-Point Survey (NFS) from 2003 to 2015. Our findings indicate that a higher proportion of village cadres with a high school education or above significantly reduces the vulnerability to poverty among rural households in China. We identify two main mechanisms underlying this effect: (1) highly educated village cadres possess greater capabilities in assisting eligible poor households to understand and access government assistance programs, thereby increasing household transfer incomes; and (2) highly educated village cadres can alleviate household vulnerability to poverty by promoting local infrastructure development in the village. These results offer an alternative perspective on targeted poverty alleviation, suggesting that efforts should be directed toward enhancing the human capital level of local grassroots leaders or appointing highly educated leaders in underdeveloped villages.

Effects of government assistance programs on the well-being of urban low-income households during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

This study aims to investigate the effects of government assistance programs on the well-being of urban low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Malaysians’ well-being, affecting a variety of factors such as income, health, and standard of living. To address the repercussions of the pandemic, the government has implemented diverse economic stimulus packages. Household well-being is assessed using four indicators: income, health, cost of living, and social relations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six regions of Malaysia. Data from 706 respondents was analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The main findings reveal that government assistance programs enhance household well-being by reducing the cost of living, increasing income, improving health, and fostering social interactions. Specifically, among the four focused aspects, the programs have the most significant impact on improving the health of low-income households. These programs have the least effect on enhancing well-being through the reduction of the cost of living. Consequently, these findings provide valuable information to policymakers in understanding the effectiveness of government assistance programs during the crisis period. This nationwide evidence-based analysis will contribute additional insights to the formulation of future assistance programs aimed at improving the well-being of low-income households.

The Influence of Building Quality, Strategic Location, and Price on the Decision to Purchase Subsidized Housing in the Cileungsi Area

This study aims to present a comprehensive depiction of the factors influencing the decision-making process regarding the purchase of subsidized housing, focusing specifically on variables such as building quality, strategic location, and price. The research objectives include identifying the key variables impacting the choice of acquiring subsidized housing in the Cileungsi region through a quantitative descriptive approach. Utilizing purposive sampling, the study surveyed one hundred local residents who recently acquired homes through government assistance programs. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) employing variance-based methods or component-based structural equation modeling, specifically Partial Least Squares (PLS), was utilized for data analysis. The anticipated outcomes of this investigation are expected to contribute significantly to understanding consumer behavior in the context of subsidized housing purchases in Cileungsi. Moreover, the application of PLS analysis methods is poised to provide an in-depth comprehension of the interrelationships among variables within the tested model and furnish strategic recommendations for developers of subsidized housing and pertinent stakeholders to enhance product appeal.

Factors Contributing to the Health of 0- to 5-Year-Old Low-Birth-Weight Children in the United States: Application of the Multiple Disadvantage Model.

This secondary data analysis of 1731 low-birth-weight children and their parents in the United States investigated children's health and its associations with social disorganization, social structural factors, social relationships, health/mental health, and access to health insurance/services. The study drew on data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health. Logistic regression yielded results showing low-birth-weight children's excellent/very good/good health to be associated positively with parents' education and health. In turn, child health was associated negatively with being Black, having a family income at or below the 100% federal poverty level, difficulty parenting the child, child chronic health condition(s), parent mental health, and substance use in the family. The implications of the present findings in terms of interventions promoting maternal and child health as well as participation in government assistance programs for low-income families are discussed.

Composite Performance Index (CPI) Method For Determining Recipients of Community-Based Development (CBD) Assistance Programs At The Dawuan Sub-District Office

The eligibility of recipients of government assistance programs for rural communities is an essential problem in this study. The distribution of recipients of government assistance programs was found to be misdirected. Some rich people receive government assistance programs, but some poor people do not receive government assistance programs. One of the government assistance programs is Community Based Development (CBD), a community development activity directed at increasing community access to achieve better socioeconomic conditions than before development activities to become more independent with a better quality of life and welfare. Everyone wants this assistance program, but the eligibility level of recipients is a problem in distributing it. The research method used is Research and Development (R&D). To solve this problem, a decision support system must be created to assist the Dawuan District Office assess the beneficiaries' eligibility. The Composite Performance Index (CPI) method is needed to determine the provision of CBD assistance by using the criteria of income, housing conditions, education, and environment in the calculation. Each criterion's data from each alternative is weighted and summed to get the CPI value and used for ranking. Based on the results of system testing, the data from the calculation of the CPI method can be used as recommendations that follow the eligibility level of the beneficiaries. The most considerable CPI value is 285 on behalf of Mr. Sarip, who first prioritizes getting assistance from the CBD program. The second priority is on behalf of Mr. Budi, who has a CPI score of 265, to be the following reference as a recipient of assistance from the CBD program.

Empowerment of Poor Communities Through Information Technology Based Entrepreneurship Training in Padang Sarai Village, Koto Tangah District, Padang City

This research was motivated by the many government assistance programs carried out to improve the welfare of poor people in the youth center of Padang Sarai sub-district, Koto Tangah sub-district, Padang city. Among the programs is the empowerment of poor communities through education and entrepreneurship training consisting of workshops, skills training and the formation of information technology-based business groups. This type of research uses qualitative research, using descriptive methods. The descriptive method aims to describe, summarize various conditions, various situations, or various phenomena of social reality that exist in society which is the object of research and attempts to draw that reality to the surface as a description of certain conditions, situations or phenomena. The results of this research are 1) there is an increase in the participants' ability to understand the concepts in the program, as seen from the participants' ability to utilize the program, 2) there is an increase in the participants' ability to use the program, as seen from the participants' ability to create interesting works around the material. given, 3) changes in the participants' thinking paradigm to become more logical and analytical, which can be seen from the increased enthusiasm for entrepreneurship (independence), 4) Increased knowledge of the workforce with life skills in the form of skills training in order to provide opportunities to get work.

Empowerment of Poor Communities Through Information Technology Based Entrepreneurship Training at Nagari Aia Manggih Utara Youth Center, Lubuk Sikaping District, Pasaman Regency

This research was motivated by the many government assistance programs carried out to improve the welfare of poor people in the youth center of Padang Sarai sub-district, Koto Tangah sub-district, Padang city. Among the programs is the empowerment of poor communities through education and entrepreneurship training consisting of workshops, skills training and the formation of information technology-based business groups. This type of research uses qualitative research, using descriptive methods. The descriptive method aims to describe, summarize various conditions, various situations, or various phenomena of social reality that exist in society which is the object of research and attempts to draw that reality to the surface as a description of certain conditions, situations or phenomena. The results of this research are 1) there is an increase in the participants' ability to understand the concepts in the program, as seen from the participants' ability to utilize the program, 2) there is an increase in the participants' ability to use the program, as seen from the participants' ability to create interesting works around the material. given, 3) changes in the participants' thinking paradigm to become more logical and analytical, which can be seen from the increased enthusiasm for entrepreneurship (independence), 4) Increased knowledge of the workforce with life skills in the form of skills training in order to provide opportunities to get work.

Socio-Economic Consequences and Mitigation Strategies of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Phases One and Two) on Rural Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the socio-economic consequences and mitigation strategies of the COVID-19 pandemic (phases one and two) on rural farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of rural farmers, assessed the perceived socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and identified strategies used by farmers to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 120 respondents from whom data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and a mean score. The results showed that disruption in children's education ( =3.02), reduced purchasing power and increased rate of inflation across the country ( =2.83), a reduction in diversity and amount of food consumed ( =2.77), a reduction in the standard of living ( =2.68), a reduction of farm income ( =2.63), reduced off-farm employment and income ( =2.61), loss of lives ( =2.61), an increase in prices of food items ( =2.59), reduced religious activities and gatherings ( =2.57), reduction of remittance ( =2.54) and high foreign exchange rates ( =2.53) were some of the perceived socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. Meanwhile, 80.00% and 70.83% of the rural farmers reduced the quantity of meals eaten and prayed to God, respectively. It was recommended that government assistance programmes must be modified and augmented in order to better reach rural populations, many of whom do not have access to formal contributory social insurance systems.

Government assistance programs for internally displaced persons: assessing the impact on economic growth and labour market

In this paper, we analyse the economic influence of expenditures on social protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) trying to find a response to the research question: if social expenditures can be used in public administration as an effective tool for fostering economic growth and labour market development, or their only purpose is social support within the social responsibility of the government. Thus, we conduct our research using the case of Ukraine with its unprecedented scope of internal displacement caused by the war. To analyse the dependencies between social expenditures and economic growth we use the multiplier calculations. As a result, we found out that the expenditures on social protection of IDPs cause the growth of GDP with a ratio of at least 1:1,23. Besides, due to the indirect economic influence of social expenditures on consumer spending, it was possible to support no less than 13,7 thousand workplaces annually. To substantiate this impact, we used the authors’ method based on the evaluation of marginal propensity to consume and average cost to support workplaces (found as a dependency between consumer spending and employment). The proposed methodology can be useful for scientific analysis and justification of policy measures aimed at different social groups needing financial assistance from the government.

The Effect of Elevating the Supplemental Poverty Measure on Government Program Eligibility and Spending

Abstract A recent National Academy of Sciences report recommends elevating the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) to the “nation’s headline poverty statistic.” I project how making the SPM the official poverty measure would affect eligibility for government assistance programs whose eligibility thresholds are tied to the official poverty line. Making the SPM the official poverty measure would increase the poverty line for a family of four by 20 percent in 2024. The eligibility threshold for a family of four would consequentially increase by $8320 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), $8512 for Medicaid adults, and by larger amounts for Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidies, the National School Lunch Program, and Affordable Care Act premium subsidies (once temporarily relaxed eligibility rules are restored in 2026). Effects on eligibility thresholds would grow over time because the SPM thresholds grow faster over time than the current official thresholds. As a result of the higher eligibility thresholds, I estimate that in 2024 SNAP would cover 2.0 million additional households with spending rising by $2.6 billion, and that Medicaid would cover 1.3 million additional recipients with spending rising by $5.6 billion.

Regulatory issues inhibiting the financial inclusion: a case study among Islamic banks and MSMEs in Indonesia

Purpose The primary objective of this study aims to intensively explore the environment of Indonesian regulations and laws related to the Islamic banking system and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) and unveil the restrictive laws and regulatory flaws that potentially hinder the Islamic banking institution and MSME industry in achieving financial inclusion and promoting sustainable growth. Design/methodology/approach This paper implements a qualitative method by implementing a multi-case study research strategy, both from the Islamic banking institutions and the MSME industries. The data were gathered primarily through an interview approach by adopting purposive uncontrolled quota sampling. Findings The findings of this paper reveal two essential issues: First, the regulatory imbalances and restrictions could demotivate and hinder the efforts of Islamic banks in providing access to finance for the MSME segment, hence, encumbering the achievement of the financial inclusion agenda from the Islamic banking industry. Second, the flaws in MSME registration and taxation might discourage the formal MSMEs from extending their business license and prevent the informal MSME units from registering their business. This issue would potentially lower their chance of accessing external financing from the formal financial institutions and participating in supportive government programmes due to the absence of proper legality. Research limitations/implications Since this paper only observed six Islamic banks and 22 MSME units in urban and rural locations in Indonesia using a case study approach, the empirical findings and case discussions were limited to those respective Islamic banks and MSME participants. Practical implications By referring to the recommendations as presented in this paper, two critical policy implications could be expected from adopting the proposed recommendations, among others: By addressing the issues of the regulatory imbalance associated with the Islamic banking industry and introduce the deregulatory policies on profit and loss sharing (PLS) scheme implementation, this approach will motivate the Islamic banking industry in serving the MSME sector better and provide greater access to financial services, particularly in using the PLS financing schemes. By resolving the problems on MSME registration and taxation, this strategy will enhance the sustainability of the formal MSMEs’ operation and encourage the informal ones to register, hence, improving their inclusion into the formal financing services and government assistance programmes. Originality/value The present study attempts to address the literature shortcomings and helps to fill the gaps – both theoretical and empirical – by incorporating the multi-case study among Indonesian Islamic banks and MSMEs to extensively explore the Indonesia regulatory environment pertaining to the Islamic banking system (supply-side) and MSMEs (demand-side), and thoroughly investigates and reveals the restrictive laws and regulatory flaws that could potentially hinder the Islamic banking institutions and MSME industries in attaining financial inclusion and contributing to sustainable development.

Are Universal and Guaranteed Basic Income Programs Effective in the United States? A Review

Purpose: Poverty continues to be a pervasive social problem within the United States despite a plethora of services and government assistance programs. Currently, universal and guaranteed basic income programs are being actively promoted. Method: This review incorporated universal or guaranteed basic income primary reports open to any country and in English from four academic databases including grey literature between January 1, 2013, and April 8, 2023, using randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental study designs with no specified outcome. Results: Out of an initial 147 articles, four of the primary studies utilized a randomized controlled trial and one used a quasi-experimental design. One study occurred in the United States. Discussion: Despite the increasing implementation of such programs throughout the United States and their associated high cost, evidence is lacking based on their long-term impact and effectiveness. Further study is recommended including stronger evaluations of current and future programs.

Nexus between Government Assistance and Savings: Preliminary Analysis of Households in Malaysia

This preliminary study investigates the relationship between government assistance and household savings. The study aimed to shed light on whether government assistance programs directly influence households' savings habits. Data were collected from 25 representative sample households, including their income, expenses, savings, and participation in government assistance programs. The study examined how much money households could save regularly. The study suggested a significant correlation, between government assistance and household savings. Families that received some form of government support demonstrated a lower propensity to save than those who did not receive assistance. This trend was consistent across different income brackets and demographic groups. The researchers proposed several potential reasons for this relationship. There can be several reasons for this negative relationship. First, increased government assistance may alleviate financial strain and provide immediate relief for individuals or households, reducing the urgency or perceived need to save for future expenses or emergencies. Second, some government assistance programs may have income limits or asset tests that discourage or restrict saving behavior. It is important to note that this study was preliminary, and further research is necessary to establish a more robust understanding of the relationship between government assistance and household savings. Future studies could delve into the long-term effects of government support on savings behavior and investigate the specific mechanisms through which assistance programs influence savings habits. The preliminary findings suggest a negative association between government assistance and household savings. It emphasizes the importance of further exploring this relationship to understand household financial well-being comprehensively.

EVALUASI IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM BANTUAN OPERASIONAL SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS (BOS SMA) PADA SMA NEGERI 4 PULAU GOROM KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN TIMUR PROVINSI MALUKU

Senior High School Operational Assistance (BOS SMA) is a central government assistance program to provide funding for personnel and non-personnel operating costs for schools sourced from non-physical special allocation funds. One of the factors that influenced the success of the BOS program was the implementation of BOS funds in accordance with BOS technical guidelines and all available resources in the implementation of the BOS program. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of BOS funds and the impact on students in the teaching and learning process of the 2019/2020 school year. This study used descriptive qualitative method. The results showed that the use of BOS funds by schools was in line with BOS guidelines, flexible, efficient, and effective. although in the realization there are still components that have not been implemented because of the priority scale, according to the needs of the school that is flexible.

Resilience in the time of COVID‐19: Lessons learned from Middle East and North Africa small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises

We investigated the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. Using firm‐level panel data from an enterprise survey, we highlight several new findings. The surveyed firms resorted to wage and work hour reductions more readily than layoffs in the wake of the pandemic. Within these firms, larger firms are more resilient, recover faster, and adapt more often. On the sector level, the accommodation and food services sector is the worst affected by most outcomes. Furthermore, we find that switching to remote work is associated with better outcomes, while participating in government assistance programs is not. On the other hand, firms that participate in international trade are more resilient and adaptable during the pandemic. The results of the study carry policy implications relevant to the resilience of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in developing countries in times of extreme crisis.

Empowering Single Parents: Navigating Socio-Economic Challenges and Fostering Resilience in Family Well-being

Single-parent households represent a diverse and growing family structure in contemporary society, often facing unique socio-economic challenges. This research seeks to comprehensively examine the role of single parents in meeting the socio-economic needs of their families, with a particular focus on the well-being of both parents and children. Through a mixed-methods approach encompassing quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and an extensive review of existing literature, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities and resilience demonstrated by single-parent households. Our findings reveal that single parents employ a variety of coping strategies, including meticulous financial planning, seeking education and job opportunities, and building robust support networks. These strategies are essential in navigating the financial stress, time constraints, and emotional strain often associated with single parenthood. Moreover, children in single-parent households often exhibit resilience through adaptive thinking, effective emotion regulation, and seeking support from trusted adults. Quantitative analyses indicate that academic achievement and reported stress levels in single-parent households may differ slightly from those in two-parent households. However, it is essential to consider that these outcomes are influenced by numerous factors beyond household structure, including income levels and parental involvement. Furthermore, our research underscores the significance of accessible support systems, including government assistance programs, community organizations, and family networks, in alleviating these challenges. In light of these findings, this research proposes a series of policy changes and interventions aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of single-parent households. These include strengthening child support enforcement, expanding access to affordable childcare, increasing investments in affordable housing, and enhancing education and job training programs tailored to single parents' unique needs. In conclusion, the socio-economic well-being of single-parent households is a multifaceted and vital concern in contemporary society. By recognizing the diverse strengths and challenges these families face and implementing inclusive policies and support systems, we can empower single parents and their children to thrive. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of single-parent dynamics and resilience while offering actionable recommendations to enhance their socio-economic prospects and foster a more inclusive future for all families.

Active Labour Market Policy in Indonesia: Reviewing the Employment Policies and Programmes’ Preparation

Indonesia experienced a significant increase in the labor force with a percentage reaching 69.30% of the total working age population. This condition is a demographic bonus that must be managed by Indonesia. For this reason, the government is trying to improve the investment climate through the Labor Market Flexicurity approach. However, this approach must be balanced with an Active Labor Market Policy that can boost the competitiveness of the Indonesian workforce. The focus of this research is to describe and analyze the development of Active Labor Market Policy in Indonesia. The approach taken in this research is a qualitative approach using a descriptive research type. Data collection techniques were carried out by means of documentation studies, observations, and interviews with 17 people through purposive sampling. The results of the research show that the development of the implementation of the Active Labor Market Policy needs to be supported by a reliable Labor Market Information System. The priority programs for the Active Labor Market in Indonesia include providing government assistance programs, vocational training programs, providing assistance to job seekers to fostering industrial relations and labor inspection. The target group of the Active Labor Market Policy in Indonesia so far has targeted youth, women and persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, the strategy implemented in Indonesia is based on a demand approach, phasing, involving stakeholders and using technology. The implementation of the Active Labor Market Policy in Indonesia still encounters several obstacles, so that it is not enough to say it is optimally active.

704-P: Effects of Comorbidity Burden among Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes self-management and health outcomes are complicated by comorbid conditions. Obesity, arthritis, pain conditions and others can create barriers to exercise and blood sugar goals. The burden patients experience managing chronic conditions may affect subsequent behaviors and outlook, creating a negative cycle. Understanding the impact of patients’ perceptions of comorbidity burden may inform future patient-centered healthcare services and community supports. We conducted a secondary data analysis using baseline and 3 month follow up survey data from an ongoing social needs intervention trial involving adult Medicaid beneficiaries with Type 2 diabetes. The sample (N=350) was 24-68 years old (M=52, SD=9), mostly female (n = 274; 78%), African American (n = 232; 66%) or White (n = 98; 28%), and had a mean of 7.6 (SD=3.0) of the 21 conditions, including diabetes, assessed at baseline. Each condition was rated by participants for impact on their daily activities (1=not at all; 5=a lot). Sum scores reflect ratings for diabetes burden only (M=2.9, SD=1.6) and all other conditions combined (M=21.0, SD=12.7). Bivariate correlations showed significant (p<.05) positive associations between diabetes burden and three month outcomes: sum social needs (r= .17), stress (r= .11), depression (r= .14), diabetes distress (r= .35), frequency of checking blood sugar (r= .16), but inverse associations with difficulty sleeping (r= -.17) and diabetes self-efficacy (r= -.15). The associations with other comorbidity burden ratings were similar except stronger with depression (r= .33) and receipt of government assistance programs (r= .17). Although people with diabetes have substantial self-management responsibilities, the effect was not different from other comorbidity burden on social needs and psychosocial outcomes, suggesting that similar or holistic interventions to reduce the negative effects of disease burden may be more efficient and effective to implement than disease-focused interventions. Disclosure A.Mcqueen: None. N.Verdecias: None. C.A.Caburnay: None. R.E.Smith: None. D.J.Broussard, jr.: None. D.A.Von nordheim: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK115916-01)

US states' racial bias correlates with less SNAP participation by “undeserving poor” adults and lower unemployment benefit maximums

AbstractThe present study assessed whether Whites' anti‐African American bias correlates with states placing greater emphasis on work incentives in two government assistance programs. The study regressed the representation of “able‐bodied adults without dependents” in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP, also known as food stamps) and maximum unemployment benefits on White residents' implicit and explicit bias, while controlling for key economic and sociopolitical covariates. Findings indicate that states with greater bias had proportionally fewer SNAP‐designated “Able‐Bodied Adults Without Dependents” and states with greater implicit and explicit bias had lower unemployment benefit maximums. Due to Whites' anti‐African American bias, persons of all races and ethnicities who otherwise might benefit from public assistance are exposed to food insecurity and lesser financial support when unemployed.

Implementation of Direct Fuel Cash Transfer: Policy Recycling (Case Study in Kendari City)

The Fuel Oil Direct Cash Transfer Program (BLT-BBM) is a government assistance program that give cash or various other services. This program is one of the efforts to overcome poverty in many countries that have been implemented in over 65 countries since the 2000s. The purpose of this study was to understand the recycling of BLT-BBM policies. This research was qualitative, with information gathered from program implementers from the Social Service, PT. Post, social worker escort workforce. The study was conducted in Kendari City. The results showed a BLT BBM in 2022, and there were similarities in the BLT program in 2003, 2005, 2008, and 2020. The implementors of the program recycle from the previous policy by modifying it a little at a time. Modifications are the regulatory basis, beneficiaries, assistance amount, payment period, nominal payment, and data verification. The theoretical implication of this study was that public policy continues to create a complex system because policy implementors in solving problems are not willing to face the real problem, work perfunctorily, and only polish it little at a time from the existing policy.
 Keywords: Cash Transfer, Recycling Policy, Incremental Theory, BLT Fuel