Cash transfer value

Persons from at-risk groups, in particular persons with disabilities, older persons, pregnant women and chronically ill persons, may have higher than average cost to reach the same level of basic needs coverage in humanitarian situations and to recover from disaster.

Tips for inclusion:

• When calculating the cash transfer value (gap analysis) consider extra cost which may result from special dietary requirements, medication for chronic medical conditions or disability, the loss or damage of assistive devices, regular rehabilitation or medical services, the need to use accessible transport (taxis or vans) instead of public transport and specific non-food items required for daily life (like special type of clothes, blankets, adult diapers, self-care items etc.).
• Consult with persons from at-risk groups and their representative organizations to identify areas where extra cost may occur.
• Depending on context, adjust the transfer value for all cash recipients or provide a higher cash transfer value (top-up amount) to persons meeting agreed criteria associated with extra cost, such as disability, chronic illness or pregnancy.
• Remember that calculations of Minimum Expenditure Baskets (MEB), as done by government authorities or Cash Working Groups, may not consider extra cost. Raise awareness on gaps in MEB calculations.