We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My goal in the coming year and beyond is to finance my increasing medical expenses. With regular check-ups, I hope my health will improve, allowing me to regain my strength and take care of myself once again. In addition to managing my health, I am committed to supporting the education of my two children and ensuring they complete their secondary education without facing significant challenges. I am truly grateful for the financial support, which is helping me and my family during this challenging time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Immediately after my retirement as a teacher, I returned to the village, hoping to spend more time with my family. Unfortunately, for over two years now, my health has been deteriorating, leaving me dependent on my wife, who is a farmer, and my eldest children, who work as casual laborers, for financial support. The medical expenses related to my condition continue to rise, but with the help of the transfers, I am able to contribute partially to these costs while my children cover the rest. Recently, I spent $25 to pay a private doctor who visits me at home to monitor my condition. Additionally, I paid $54 in school fees for my two children, who are in Form Three and Form Four, ensuring that they can continue their education without interruption as they enter this new third and final term of the year. To further support my health, I spent $19 on food, including fruits and vegetables, to boost my overall well-being. I am deeply grateful for the financial support, which allows me to provide for my children's education despite my worsening health condition.
18th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($27 USD)
access_time 6 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the coming year and beyond, my main aspiration is to regain my independence and health. Every day feels like a battle against my body's betrayals which are high blood pressure and prostate issues, that have left me vulnerable and dependent on others even for the simplest tasks like standing. But I refuse to surrender to these ailments. With every ounce of strength I muster, I'll continue seeking medical treatment, clinging to the hope that one day I'll stand tall without needing assistance, both physically and financially. It's not just about survival; it's about reclaiming my dignity and freedom. With the support of GiveDirectly, I dare to dream of a future where I'm not defined by my limitations but empowered by my resilience to live life on my terms.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
With the recent transfer I received from GiveDirectly, I made a crucial decision to prioritize my health. Out of the $102, a significant portion, $90 to be precise, went straight into covering my medical expenses. You see, I've been battling with high blood pressure and a prostate problem, conditions that demand constant attention and care. These ailments have not only taken a toll on my physical well-being but also placed a heavy burden on my sons, who have been tirelessly caring for me. With the financial relief from GiveDirectly, I could finally afford the treatments and medications I desperately needed. This support not only eased the financial strain on my family but also provided a sense of relief and gratitude, knowing that I could access the care I required without burdening my loved ones further.
As someone unable to work due to my health conditions, every dollar matters. The remaining $12 from the transfer went towards ensuring there was food on the table. Despite my inability to contribute financially, I found a sense of pride in knowing that the money I received came with no strings attached. It allowed me to maintain my dignity and treat myself with the necessities I often struggled to afford. With the simple act of providing unconditional support, GiveDirectly not only offered me financial assistance but also restored a sense of agency and autonomy, reminding me that even in times of struggle, there is still room for pride and self-care.
14th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($22 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
At the moment, I haven't set a new goal; my primary focus remains on utilizing the transfers for medical treatment. Thanks to the assistance from GiveDirectly, covering the costs of my medication has become manageable. This support has not only facilitated timely treatment but has also enabled me to maintain a balanced diet essential for managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Regular checkups have become a routine, made possible by the consistent transfers I receive. My overarching objective is to ensure the stability of my health condition through timely treatments and access to necessary medications. Achieving this goal is reliant on the continued monthly support that plays a crucial role in sustaining my well-being.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
In my advanced age, I've encountered various health challenges, including hypertension and kidney failure. These conditions have led to frequent hospitalizations, resulting in the accumulation of substantial medical bills and expenses. The financial support I receive has been transformative, making it easier for me to access the necessary medication. The recent transfers have brought happiness and relief, ensuring that I receive proper treatment and adhere to the prescribed medication. This assistance is particularly crucial, as my inability to work anymore leaves me dependent on my sons, who also have their own families to support. I am profoundly grateful for the financial aid, which allows me to settle my medical bills promptly and receive essential treatment during each hospital visit. Moreover, the support has positively impacted my overall well-being. I can now maintain a balanced diet as advised by doctors, contributing to the management of my health conditions. The combination of timely medical care and improved nutrition has significantly enhanced my quality of life during this challenging phase of my old age.
10th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($24 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before the cash program was introduced in my village, my primary goal was to repair the roof of my house, which was deteriorating with age. The tin roof had developed perforations that caused water leakage. However, after I started receiving the cash transfers, my sons proposed that they would take care of the repair process, as my health condition required me to focus on my medication and nutritional needs. Right now, my top priority is looking after my health. I'm confident that with consistent medication, I can manage the effects of my high blood pressure better than I would have without treatment.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my advanced age and health issues arising from high blood pressure, I'm not able to actively contribute to my household's needs. This responsibility falls on my wife, who works as a field clinical officer. Occasionally, my two sons also pitch in to support the family and help cover the educational expenses of their two siblings who are still in secondary school. Before the cash transfers, my wife and sons used to contribute to the cost of my medication, which must have placed a significant financial burden on them. However, the transfers have relieved them of this burden and allowed me to finance my medication and other nutritional needs, such as buying milk and fruits. I am required to maintain this dietary regimen daily alongside my medication, and I'm grateful that the cash transfers are playing a crucial role in ensuring I can access it. After receiving the cash transfers, I used $18 for medication, and the remaining $16 was allocated to cover my dietary requirements.
6th Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($25 USD)
access_time over 1 year ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
I currently do not have a new goal to accomplish aside from checking my health and controlling my hypertension through proper medication. This could have drained me financially, but through the transfers, I am getting medication on time and taking a balanced diet. I do not have any other support, thus I will be spending my transfers majorly on medication.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent my recent transfers on paying for my medical expenses and buying food. I am suffering from hypertension and kidney failure in my old age. I frequently go for checkups, which require money. Getting proper medication was a challenge before I began receiving the transfers, but currently, I am happy that the transfers come on time and I am able to seek medication early enough. Sometimes the doctors visit me at home with all the medication, and I am now getting well. The doctors also advised me that I should be eating a balanced diet to improve my health. Whenever I receive my transfer, I do enough food shopping. I am grateful for the support because I can now take three meals a day, unlike before I was enrolled in the program when I couldn't afford to buy food and medication.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
3470 KES ($28 USD)
access_time almost 2 years ago
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In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
The fact that Give Directly gives cash to every adult individual in a household regardless of one’s physical or health vulnerability is incredible. I wish you felt how grateful I am that the cash transfers have relieved the burden on my wife. If these transfers keep coming every month without delay, am confident that a huge weight will be lifted off her shoulders. Please keep the fire burning Give Directly!
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Due to my old age and health conditions, I cannot actively contribute towards the fulfillment of my household’s needs. This leaves my wife, a field clinical officer, as the primary breadwinner of the family. Besides the huge responsibility burden, she bears of providing food and paying school fees for three of our children, she also takes care of my special medical and diet requirements. It is too much pressure. Thankfully, the monthly cash transfers come as a great relief because it is enough to cater to my monthly nutrition needs. Though I spent $12 from the recent transfers on two pieces of clothes, I was careful to spare the rest for milk and fruit. Am required to take this diet daily alongside my medication and am happy the cash transfers are playing a major role in accessing it.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
1200 KES ($10 USD)
access_time 2 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
As I am unable to eat by myself, my darling wife spoon-fed me while I was lying on my bed. My phone loudly rang, alerting me that I had received a text message. My wife looked it over and grinned widely as she informed me that I had gotten my first transfer. I was overcome with emotions, and tears of delight ran down my cheeks. I mumbled a little prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the miracle.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The transfer's proceeds have significantly improved my wellbeing by enabling me to access better medical care. I've struggled to obtain resources that will enable me to go to the monthly check-ups at the hospital ever since I depleted my money. I'm glad that the unconditional transfer will significantly aid in obtaining the medical care I require and enhancing my health.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I received a diagnosis of prostrate cancer four years ago. Since that time, my life has drastically changed. I spent all of my savings on medical care, but I still haven't recovered. I am currently bedridden and dependent on my wife, who provides the only income for my family (wife and two sons). My wife works as a volunteer in the community to raise awareness of the fatal cancer disease. She does not make much money from this job, so occasionally she is unable to take care of the family's and my medical needs. My two secondary-aged sons are frequently sent home to collect school fee arrears that have accumulated over the previous two years. So when I got my first transfer, I was overjoyed and my heart was overflowing with happiness. It was a huge financial boost to help me get medical care after I missed my previous two check-ups due to a lack of funds.
Enrolled
access_time over 2 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My well-being will greatly depend on the money I will be receiving. I am 77 years retired old man with 5 children. I have no source of income to support the family. My wife is the breadwinner. I am intending to use 10,000 KES of the transfers to buy goats. With goat keeping, I will be able to take care of myself through the income I will be making. The income will also supplement the household's income for our general welfare.
What is the happiest part of your day?
There is nothing that brings me joy other than having my family around. At 77 years of age, I no more get time to hang out with my friends as it was before. My wife and children's company play a very big in making me happy and entertained.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
In 2020, I fractured my hip bone after I fell. The accident incapacitated me. I am no longer capable of walking freely without support. It is saddening that I no longer take my morning and evening walks.