In the realm of humanitarian aid, Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) is recognized as an umbrella term for two of the common modalities of assistance for delivering swift and flexible humanitarian aid support to populations affected by various crises, the third being in-kind assistance.
Humanitarian Cash Assistance (also referred to as cash transfers or cash grants) describes assistance provided in the form of money - either physical currency or e-cash* - to recipients (individuals, households, or communities). Cash transfers are unrestricted by definition, which means recipients can choose how to use the assistance. As such, cash is distinct from restricted modalities including vouchers and in-kind assistance. The terms ‘cash’ or ‘cash assistance’ should be used when referring specifically to cash transfers only (i.e., ‘cash’ or ‘cash assistance’ should not be used to mean ‘cash and voucher assistance’). ‘Cash’ is here applied broadly to include both physical currency and different forms of e-cash/ digital payments, but typically in regular use ‘cash’ refers only to physical currency (coins, notes).
Humanitarian Voucher Assistance. describes assistance provided in the form of a paper voucher or e-voucher that can be exchanged for a set value, quantity and/or type of goods or services, denominated either as a currency value (e.g., $15), a predetermined range of commodities (e.g., fruits and vegetables) or specific services (e.g., a medical treatment)), or a combination of value and commodities. Vouchers are restricted by default, although the degree of restriction will vary based on the programme design and type of voucher. They are redeemable with preselected vendors or service providers or in ‘fairs’ created by the implementing agency.
Together, these methods form the cornerstone of CVA strategies. While they operate differently—with cash transfers providing broad flexibility and vouchers ensuring focused support—both aim to deliver efficient and effective aid that empowers recipients and meets their immediate needs during crises.
According to data reported in 'The State of the World's Cash 2023', which is created by the CALP Network (CALP), there has been an observed increase in the volume of Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) in the humanitarian sector. From the year 2020 to 2022, the volume grew from approximately US$6.6 billion to US$10 billion. However, this growth in CVA volume also coincides with an overall increase in humanitarian funding during the same period. When examining CVA as a proportion of total international humanitarian assistance, the increase appears more modest, from 20.3% in 2020 to 20.6% in 2022, which is an incremental rise of 0.3% a figure that CALP assessed could potentially rise to 30–40% if utilized wherever feasible and appropriate.
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