Financial humanitarian assistance

Emergency aid, reconstruction and long-term development cooperation: The assistance provided as part of humanitarian work is as diverse as the crises themselves – and specifically tailored to the respective needs. Cash transfers and vouchers are a highly suitable way of supporting people.

Flyer informing about different financial aid — Financial humanitatrian assistance can vary a lot.

Handing over money — There are, for example, cash transfers like here in Zimbabwe (photo) or vouchers.

volunteer showing beneficiary mobile phone — Increasingly, beneficiaries are receiving humanitarian cash assistance digitally on their mobile phones – as here in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland.

IFRC Visa card in hand — Slovakia: Red Cross Visa cards allow refugees from Ukraine registered in Slovakia to receive cash.

Mason building a wall — In other cases, people are paid for their contributions to reconstruction.

Cash transfer is a form of humanitarian aid that provides people in need with access to essential goods. It is used in various phases of emergency situations and supports affected people for example in the areas of food security, water and hygiene, construction or the long-term development of livelihoods.

In addition to direct payments or transfers of money, there are other forms of financial assistance, such as vouchers for goods and services, or cash-for-work programmes, in which people receive wages for their work.

man in wheel chair with volunteer — The beneficiaries can decide for themselves what they want to invest the money in, whether it is medicine, clothing or rent debts.

Woman with sewing machine — Thanks to a financial grant, Sumitra from Nepal was able to continue earning a living despite earthquake damage to her house. She sews slippers for weddings.

Woman and bull in the background — Nepal: Goma used Red Cross humanitarian aid to buy a buffalo.

Studies have shown the benefits of cash transfers, which also reflect the GRC's work experience: The freedom to decide for themselves through cash transfers gives people in need the opportunity to provide for themselves as best as possible.

At the same time, transport and storage costs are eliminated, local markets are strengthened, and aid distribution is rapid, as no complex logistics are required. Cash transfers can also be flexibly adapted to people's individual needs. Their amount is based on current local market prices and the situation in the country.

Cash transfer and vouchers

Different types of financial assistance

Advantages of Cash transfer