Step 5: Distribute entitlements#

This tutorial is for users who want to learn how to generate entitlements for distribution.

What you'll learn#

Understand how to configure entitlement records for distribution.

Before you start#

The scenario#

A program has been configured, funds are allocated, beneficiaries are enrolled and a cycle has been created. All that is left is now to generate the entitlements.

Understanding entitlements#

An entitlement is a record that specifies what benefits a registrant should receive in a cycle. Think of it as a benefit authorization that can be approved and paid.

The flow is:

  1. Configure - Set benefit amounts in program configuration

  2. Generate - Create entitlement records for cycle beneficiaries

  3. Review - Check amounts and beneficiaries

  4. Approve - Confirm they're ready for distribution

Steps#

1. Approve the entitlements#

  1. Navigate to Programs and open the program Cash transfer for vulnerable families.

  2. Click on the name of the cycle to enter it. Click on the tab Entitlements and note that they have the status Pending Approval

  3. Click Approve Entitlements. Note that after approval, the only option is to end the cycle.

    Program Configuration tab

What you accomplished#

You now understand entitlement configuration:

  • Configuration tab contains entitlement type settings

  • Gear icon opens configuration dialog

  • Amount per Cycle sets the benefit amount

  • Prepare Entitlements generates records for beneficiaries

  • Status tracks entitlement approval

What's next#

Entitlements and payments work together:

  • Entitlements define what benefits each registrant receives

  • Payments execute the actual distribution (bank transfer, mobile money, etc.)

The payment/distribution phase depends on your OpenSPP configuration and payment provider integrations. This is typically handled by your finance or disbursement team.

Are you stuck?#

Can't approve entitlements? You need approval permissions. Check with your system administrator if you have the Entitlement Approver or Program Manager role.

How do I actually pay the beneficiaries? The payment step depends on your OpenSPP payment integration:

  • Bank transfers (export entitlements to Excel and import to bank system)

  • Mobile money integration (GCash, M-Pesa, etc.)

  • Service point distribution

  • Contact your system administrator for your organization's payment process

Next steps#

Congratulations! You've completed the First Program tutorial series. You now understand:

  1. Registry setup

  2. Data import

  3. Program creation

  4. Eligibility configuration

  5. Cycle management

  6. Entitlement generation

What to learn next#

For users:

  • Manual beneficiary enrollment

  • Point of service distribution

  • Advanced data import options

For implementers:

  • Configure advanced eligibility rules

  • Set up conditional entitlements

  • Create in-kind or basket entitlements

For administrators:

  • Role-based access control

  • Payment integrations

  • Approval workflows