Free cash programs spread as more cities expand the anti-poverty safety net

There has been a growing trend among cities around the world to help alleviate poverty in their communities. More cities are expanding their anti-poverty safety net by introducing free cash programs. These initiatives involve providing direct cash handouts to people living below or close to the poverty line, most usually without any constraints on how the money is used.

One reason cities are turning to these so-called “universal basic income” (UBI) programs is their simplicity and efficiency. Rather than having people navigate complex welfare systems,