Of course it did. If you give poor people more money they will on balance have better lives. Left unaddressed are questions like: How does giving free money compare to spending the money on directed social programs? What is the optimal amount to give?
Also, am I reading this right? "Individuals who received the stipend reported increasing their monthly income by 36%, from $1,200 to $1,640, compared to the control group, whose income only rose 9%." They gave them $500 and their income went up $440. Is that before or after the $500?
> ACF says the extra cash gave participants breathing room to make investments that could improve their job prospects.
Earlier on it also mentions that they were able to get car repairs and find better jobs. I would assume that means that the $440 is in addition to the $500 they were given.
Also, am I reading this right? "Individuals who received the stipend reported increasing their monthly income by 36%, from $1,200 to $1,640, compared to the control group, whose income only rose 9%." They gave them $500 and their income went up $440. Is that before or after the $500?