Nº 102 (July, 2010). Leonardo Gasparini & Guillermo Cruces.

This paper explores the distributional impact of the universal family allowances a few months after its implementation in Argentina. The paper provides estimates of its potential direct impact on a set of variables, including monetary poverty and inequality, and contributes to the discussion of some alternatives to program that was actually implemented. The paper argues that the country has advanced in the right direction in terms of social policy based on a massive income transfer program, but warns of the need to improve its structure and ensure its sustainability, and highlights some implementation alternatives.

Published in Económica (ISSN 0013-0419), Vol. LVI, 105-146.