Based on a literature review and case studies of various urban cash transfer schemes that were implemented in response to Covid-19 across LMICs (with primary case studies from Madagascar,
Peru and Nigeria), this paper explores the successes and challenges of implementing cash transfers in urban settings in response to a large, covariate shock. It also considers the expected longer term implications and lessons learned for building capacity to respond to future shocks and for social protection system-strengthening more broadly.