Cash-Based Social Assistance, Dignity and Emotional Wellbeing: A Qualitative Case Study of A+Familias

Abstract

This study explores how cash-based social assistance delivered through prepaid debit cards influences dignity, autonomy, emotional wellbeing, and financial decision-making among vulnerable families. While existing literature has mainly focused on economic outcomes such as poverty reduction or financial inclusion, less attention has been given to the psychosocial effects of monetary assistance, particularly in high-income European contexts. This research addresses that gap through a qualitative case study of A+Familias, a Spanish non-profit organisation that combines prepaid debit cards with continuous social accompaniment and personalised support. The study followed a two-phase qualitative design: an exploratory focus group with beneficiary women and a confirmatory phase consisting of five semi-structured interviews with beneficiaries and staff members. Data were analysed using the Gioia methodology. The findings show that prepaid debit cards generate effects beyond immediate financial relief. Participants associated this form of assistance with greater dignity, increased autonomy in daily decision-making, and improved emotional wellbeing, particularly due to the reduction of stigma compared to traditional in-kind aid. Emotional support, personalised attention, and continuous accompaniment emerged as key factors explaining these outcomes. At the same time, structural barriers such as housing instability, legal insecurity, and limited access to employment limited the long-term effectiveness of the intervention. Interpreted through the Capability Approach, the study shows that financial support alone is insufficient; its real impact depends on the structural and relational conditions that allow beneficiaries to transform resources into meaningful capabilities. The research contributes qualitative evidence from the Spanish context and supports a more human-centred understanding of social protection, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty).