Families in the Occupied Palestinian Territories face political and social problems that reinforce poverty and undermine well-being. Since the limited self-governance era, Palestinian National Authority implemented anti-poverty reforms, including national cash transfers; yet, little is known about how social assistance is perceived by beneficiaries. This exploratory study analyzed transcripts from interviews with Palestinian heads of households. Families were unclear about eligibility requirements and frustrated with funding changes. Cash transfers did not cover basic living requirements, forcing painful budget choices. Participants characterized social workers as generally effective but offered suggestions for program improvement. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
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