Social Protection
PORTFOLIO OF IMPACT EVALUATIONS
Chile: Can subsidies and social workers make a difference for the poorest?
- Timeline: Completed (Funded under SIEF1)
- Evaluation: SIEF researchers sought to measure the impact of the Government of Chile’s targeted poverty reduction program known as Chile Solidario. The program, which began its roll out in 2002 with World Bank support, twins regular visits from social workers over two years with better coordinated supply of social services and a small cash transfer to encourage the poorest households to take up benefits for which they are eligible. In the medium term, for those enrolled in the program between 2002 and 2006, there was an increased take-up of subsidies for the indigent, including those with children, the disabled and the elderly. The program also raised enrollment in housing and employment programs, among other services. However, in a later follow-up of those enrolled in that period, researchers found no evidence of short- or long-term effects on employment or housing. For futher information, see our Chile page.