While the findings outlined in this report indicate overall improvement for DBIP participants across many targeted outcomes, minimal differences were observed when comparing outcomes across the different payment groups. This may suggest that consistent cash assistance of even $50 can improve many aspects of one’s life. Or, as we heard through member checking, it was the aggregate of the whole DIBP program that made a difference for individuals. This means the trust conveyed by delivering guaranteed income, attention by community based organizational partner staff, phones and phone plans, and connections.
I think this effect is seen a lot in various psychological and well-being studies, I'm not sure if it has a name. But basically, if someone demonstrates they are interested in your well-being and stays in touch with you, it can often have an outsized positive effect on one's life, especially when connection and support have been difficult to find.