URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A new study from the U of I found that giving monthly cash payments to low-income families had little effect on improving romantic relationship quality or stability, except in one state.
Researchers analyzed data from Baby’s First Years project, which provided unconditional monthly payments of either $333 or $20 to nearly 1,000 low-income mothers across Louisiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, and New York. The study focused 443 women who were in relationships with their child’s father when the payments began.
After one and two years, researchers found no significant overall differences in relationship outcomes or life satisfaction between the two groups. However, mothers in Louisiana who received the higher payment reported improved relationship quality in the second year—possibly due to the state’s lower cost of living and fewer financial support programs.
Lead researcher Jeremy Kanter said the modest payments may not have been enough to offset multiple financial stressors such as housing instability or childcare costs. He also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and federal relief efforts may have influenced the results.
Kanter emphasized the importance of context, suggesting that combining cash support with relationship education could be more effective. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution,” he said.
The study, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, was supported by multiple public agencies, including the NIH and USDA.