This report explores the changing trends in employment, income and livelihoods of people receiving cash assistance through the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN). It also looks at their social relations and coping strategies as a result of COVID-19. According to the report:

• COVID-19 had a negative impact on both eligible and ineligible participants’ daily lives, including their ability to meet basic needs, their employment situation, their social life and psychological health.
• COVID-19 increased participants’ level of indebtedness.
• COVID-19 had wider psychological and social implications beyond economic challenges.
• Both eligible men and women stressed the crucial role of the cash assistance they received during the pandemic and how it helped them to provide for themselves and their families.

Please note this report was produced prior to the Republic of Türkiye changing its name, and therefore refers to 'Turkey' throughout.