In the U.S. at least, we already have a fairly good proxy for observing the effects of one time cash transfers: tax returns (not unconditional of course). They

In the U.S. at least, we already have a fairly good proxy for observing the effects of one time cash transfers: tax returns (not unconditional of course). They are indeed sources of stress during that time of year that can make or break relationships in poorer areas in my experience. A favorite skit from comedian Lou Ratchett on that: https://youtu.be/rV10F1zpfCs https://youtu.be/rV10F1zpfCs. More interesting than a single payment which can be fleeting is the effect of a long-term increase in income. For example, what happened to the families who received increased food stamp benefits during the pandemic?