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Welcome to the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) Information for
Respondents
This website is your source of information about the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE). You'll find Frequently Asked Questions about the
survey, results from the most recently published data, and a lot more.
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
If your address has been selected, it means that we have asked someone in your household to be a respondent for this survey. Your
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
participation is essential in order for the survey to provide a complete, accurate picture of how Americans spend their money.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Knowing what goods and services consumers are buying and how much they are spending is critical information in determining the
CONFIDENTIALITY
strength of our Nation’s economy and the direction in which it is moving.
VALUE OF THE CE
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts the Consumer Expenditure Survey to gather data needed for the calculation of the
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has been conducting this survey since 1980.
ABOUT THE BLS
The Consumer Expenditure Survey is conducted in two parts, a quarterly interview survey and a diary survey. The interview survey asks
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
purchases. The purpose of the diary survey is to capture small everyday purchases like food, meals, personal care products and gasoline.
about large expenditures and regular purchases. For the diary survey, respondents are asked to keep two 1-week diaries for recording all
CONTACTS
Your household has been chosen for only one of these surveys. To find out more information about the survey you have been selected to
be in, go to:
CE Interview Survey
CE Diary Survey
If you cannot find the information or answers to questions you are looking for, please contact the Census Regional Office that serves your
area.
We look forward to your participation in the Consumer Expenditure Survey!
Is the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) a legitimate survey?
Am I required to participate?
Why should I participate?
Frequently asked questions
Confidentiality
Value of the CE
The CE and the Consumer Price Index
About the BLS
About the Census Bureau
Contacts
Last Modified Date: August 3, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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Is the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) a legitimate survey?
BROWSE CE
RESPONDENTS
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
You may have concerns about giving your personal information to the Census Bureau’s Field Representative. Below are several ways to
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
be sure that the survey and the interviewer contacting you are legitimate.
Consumer Expenditure Survey
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
The Consumer Expenditure Survey is an official government survey. The survey is conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Labor Statistics. You can learn more about the data and results from the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Interviewer Official Identification
CONFIDENTIALITY
Anyone contacting you in person at your home regarding the Consumer
VALUE OF THE CE
Expenditure Survey will:
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
1.
Show their Census Bureau official identification badge which contains their
photograph
ABOUT THE BLS
2.
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
Be carrying a laptop computer labeled with the U. S. Census Bureau’s official
seal
CONTACTS
3.
Say the name of the survey
4.
Provide a copy of the letter you were sent about the survey
U.S. Census Bureau interviewers working on the Consumer Expenditure Survey will
never ask for Social Security Numbers or bank account numbers.
Survey Letter
Before anyone contacts you about the Consumer Expenditure Survey, you may receive a letter from the Census Bureau Director telling
you that a Census Bureau representative will visit you.
The letter will appear on official Census Bureau letterhead, and will include information for how to reach the Census Bureau Regional
Office that serves your area.
You can confirm the identity of a Census Employee
Please call your Census Bureau Regional Office if you would like to confirm the
identity of anyone contacting you regarding the Consumer Expenditure Survey.
It is illegal for anyone to impersonate a Census Bureau
Interviewer
It is a federal offense for anyone to pretend they work for the Census Bureau.
Section 912 of Title 18, U.S. Code, states that anyone pretending to be a
government employee shall be fined and/or imprisoned for up to three years.
If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email.
If you have questions about your participation in the CE Survey contact the nearest Census Bureau Regional Office that serves your area.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
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AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
to answer any particular question. Your voluntary response is essential for
ensuring that this survey’s results are complete and accurate.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
CONFIDENTIALITY
VALUE OF THE CE
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Why me? Why not interview someone else?
ABOUT THE BLS
Your address, not you personally, was selected as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
other households. We need to talk with someone from your household because only your household can accurately tell us how you spend
your money.
CONTACTS
What will you do with my information?
Your information is combined with responses from thousands of other households across the country, to provide summary statistical data
that are used by various local, state, and federal agencies.
Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13
require the Census Bureau to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for
statistical purposes only.
Please see Value of the CE for a more detailed explanation of how the data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey are used.
Why should I answer these questions?
The questions for the Consumer Expenditure Survey are carefully chosen, and each question meets an important statistical need.
Questions about your household help the government understand the economy and develop cost of living measures.
If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email.
If you have questions about your participation in the CE Survey contact the Census Bureau Regional Office that serves your area.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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Why should I participate?
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
You may be wondering why you should participate in the Consumer Expenditure Survey, or be curious about what is in it for you!
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
We understand that your time is valuable, and you may not want to spend it answering questions for a survey. It’s important that you
understand how important your participation in the Consumer Expenditure Survey is and how it affects you, your community, and your
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
country.
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Your input is very important. How important? Your address, chosen randomly to participate, actually represents as many as 15,000 other
households.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
CONFIDENTIALITY
By participating, you make sure that the Consumer Expenditure Survey represents all Americans. The information you provide is your
VALUE OF THE CE
voice in the statistics that are used to evaluate and guide the actions of the Federal Government. By performing this public service you
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
are helping your community, your region, and the Nation. Are you spending more on gasoline or less at restaurants? How much do you
spend on travel or school tuition? Your responses are used to give a clear picture of spending trends in America. In return, you can see
from the published tables how the average spending compares with your own spending.
ABOUT THE BLS
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
How are the Consumer Expenditure Survey Data Used?
CONTACTS
The information you provide for the Consumer Expenditure Survey is used in a variety of important ways. You can learn more about how
it is used for the Consumer Price Index (CPI), one of most important economic statistics, and read about other ways the data are used.
We also have published data available.
If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email.
To help protect your privacy and ensure confidentiality; please do not identify yourself to BLS as being a respondent in the CE survey.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
WHY SHOULD I
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On this Page:
As a respondent, you may have some questions about the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs). If
you have additional questions not answered below, please contact the Census Regional Office that serves your area.
Questions
1.
What is this survey about?
2.
Why is this survey important?
3.
What kinds of questions will I be asked?
CONFIDENTIALITY
4.
Why me? Why not interview someone else?
VALUE OF THE CE
5.
What if I am retired, ill, unemployed, or just don’t spend much money?
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
CE
6.
How long will the interview take?
7.
Where can I find out more about the survey?
ABOUT THE BLS
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
CONTACTS
Questions
What is this survey about?
The Consumer Expenditure Survey measures how people in the United States spend their money on items such as housing, food,
education, transportation, and healthcare.
Why is this survey important?
The Consumer Expenditure Survey is an essential source of data for the government. The information you provide will affect wages and
pensions through adjustments due to changes in the cost of goods and services.
In addition, people in your community and throughout the country use the survey results for planning public services and addressing
consumer needs. Your voluntary response is essential for ensuring that this survey’s results are complete and accurate.
What kinds of questions will I be asked?
If you have been selected for the Diary survey, you will write down in a diary all the purchases you make for two weeks. We will want to
know about your purchases and the purchases of everyone who lives in your household.
If you have been selected for the Interview survey, you will answer a series of questions about purchases that you and other people in
your household have made, and bills you have paid, in the past 3 months.
Why me? Why not interview someone else?
Your address was selected, not you personally, as part of a scientifically determined sample. Your household represents thousands of
other households. We need to talk with someone from your household because only your household can accurately tell us how you spend
your money.
What if I am retired, ill, unemployed, or just don’t spend much money?
We are interested in how all Americans spend their money. We can only have a complete picture if we talk to all types of people. You and
your household represent thousands of other Americans in similar situations. It is important to hear from and learn about the spending
habits of people of all ages and of all levels of spending in order to have data that accurately represents the country.
How long will the interview take?
If you have been selected for the Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey, we expect that it will take about 15 minutes to record your
expenditures daily; in addition, it will take about 25 minutes for each of our visits over this two-week period.
If you have been selected for the Consumer Expenditure Interview survey, the average interview takes about 65 minutes. The length of
the interview depends on many factors, including the number of people in your household and how your household spends its money.
Where can I find out more about the survey?
8/11/2010
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) — Information for Respondents (FAQs)
Page 2 of 2
The Consumer Expenditure Survey is an official government survey. The survey is conducted by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. You can learn more about the data and results from the Consumer Expenditure Survey at www.bls.gov/cex.
If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email.
Please do not identify yourself to BLS as being in the CE survey.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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Confidentiality
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
BLS and the Census Bureau know how important it is to keep information private, or confidential.
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
Federal law1 requires both BLS and the Census Bureau to keep all information about your household completely confidential. That means
that no one other than approved, official government representatives can access your personal information.
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
This law also protects your information from being shared with other federal agencies. No one other than the Census Bureau and BLS has
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
access to your information. The law applies to the Internal Revenue Service, White House, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
police, and welfare agencies — only specially sworn Census Bureau and BLS employees can see your information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Anyone breaking this law may face severe penalties, including a federal prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or
CONFIDENTIALITY
both. More information on the Census Bureau's data protection policies is available on their web site.
VALUE OF THE CE
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
The information that the Census Bureau provides to BLS is in the form of statistics, personal identifiers such as names and addresses are
ABOUT THE BLS
survey, and published in a statistical format. If interested, you can see some examples of the data produced by the CE survey.
not included. The information you provide is combined with the information provided by all the other households who responded to the
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
CONTACTS
1
Title 13, United States Code, Section 8b, authorizes the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct this survey. Section 9 of Title 13, United States
Code requires all collected data to be kept confidential.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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Value of the CE
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
The information provided during the Consumer Expenditure survey is invaluable. Although the main use is to update the Consumer Price
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
Index (CPI), it is also used in many other important ways.
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
Government and private agencies use the data to look at spending patterns of specific groups of people, such as those over 65, or lowincome households. This information is used to make important decisions affecting these groups.
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Policymakers use the data to study the impact of policy changes on different socioeconomic groups.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Researchers use the Consumer Expenditure data to look at a wide range of topics. Some of these research studies look at spending
CONFIDENTIALITY
behavior of different types of families, spending on various products (including newly-introduced goods and services), and gift-giving
VALUE OF THE CE
behavior. Market researchers find the data useful in analyzing consumer or business interest in groups of goods and services.
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Some Uses of CE Data
ABOUT THE BLS
Consumer Expenditure Survey data are used to update the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most widely used measure of inflation.
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
on foster care and child support are based on the amounts parents spend on health care, education, transportation and other
CONTACTS
expenses for their children.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses Consumer Expenditure Survey data to estimate the cost of raising a child. Policies
The Department of Defense uses Consumer Expenditure Survey data to update cost of living adjustments for military families.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services uses Consumer Expenditure Survey data to estimate American spending on health
care. The Consumer Expenditure Survey measures out-of-pocket expenses for hospital care and is one of the few sources of this
important information.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis uses information from home owners to measure personal spending for the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP).
Last Modified Date: August 3, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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The CE and the Consumer Price Index
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
Overview
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
CE
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The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the country’s chief measure of retail inflation. It is a measure of the change over time in the
prices for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The market basket is a set of items that is priced over time to see how
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
the cost of these items change.
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
The CPI represents virtually all goods and services purchased for consumption by the U.S. urban population.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
consumer’s money.
The CPI is the chief measure compiled by the U.S. government that shows changes in the purchasing power of an American
How CE data are used in the CPI
CONFIDENTIALITY
VALUE OF THE CE
1.
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
ABOUT THE BLS
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
The BLS combines the spending information from respondents across the country to see how much is spent on each type of item.
2.
All reported expenses are used to estimate how much urban households spend on each item.
3.
These estimates are used to construct the market basket which contains a representative sample of expenses.
4.
The BLS conducts another survey to find out where consumers purchased items in the market basket.
5.
BLS data collectors visit housing units and a sample of the identified stores to obtain current price information on about 80,000
6.
The BLS combines the information about the items purchased, the expenditures on these items, and their current prices to
items each month across the country.
CONTACTS
calculate the CPI.
Importance of the CPI
The CPI affects nearly all Americans by:
Informing Federal decision-makers. The CPI provides monthly information about price changes which is used by the
government, business and many others to make economic decisions. The President, Congress, and the Federal Reserve Board use
trends in the CPI to help them make policy decisions. The CPI is often used to evaluate the effectiveness of government economic
policy.
Adjusting dollar values. The CPI is used to automatically provide cost-of-living income adjustments to millions of American
workers and retirees, and to adjust income eligibility levels for government programs and government assistance.
The CPI affects almost all Americans.
53.0 million Social Security beneficiaries.
About 25.7 million food stamp recipients.
About 4.5 million military and Federal Civil Service retirees and survivors.
Over 29 million children who receive subsidies for school lunches.
Almost 2 million workers under collective bargaining agreements.
Federal income tax brackets are adjusted each year by the CPI affecting all taxpayers.
Last Modified Date: August 3, 2010
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www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
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Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) Respondents
CE
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About the BLS
BROWSE CE
RESPONDENTS
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
economics and labor statistics.
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
The BLS is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to
the American public, the U.S. Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, business, and labor. The BLS also
serves as a statistical resource to the Department of Labor.
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
The BLS mission states that BLS data must be relevant to current social and economic issues, be timely in reflecting today’s rapidly
changing economic conditions, be accurate, consistently be of high statistical quality, and maintain impartiality.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
BLS conducts many surveys on topics ranging from employment, unemployment, inflation and prices, spending and time use, and
CONFIDENTIALITY
much more. For more information, visit www.bls.gov/bls/proghome.htm.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has approximately 2,400 employees in its National Office in Washington, D.C., its 6 Regional Offices,
VALUE OF THE CE
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
and in smaller offices around the country.
ABOUT THE BLS
Last Modified Date: August 3, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
8/11/2010
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) — Information for Respondents (About the Census Bureau)
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About the Census Bureau
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
The Census Bureau’s mission is to serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. The Nation is
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
constantly changing, and Americans change with it. They grow in number, move, and develop new patterns of living and working. The
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
Census Bureau measures these changes. Policy makers use this information to make decisions which affect our future.
The Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) data is one of several ongoing surveys collected by the Census Bureau for the Bureau of Labor
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Statistics.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Data the Census Bureau Collects
In addition to collecting data for hundreds of other important surveys each year, the Census Bureau is mainly known for the following:
CONFIDENTIALITY
VALUE OF THE CE
Population Census – The Census Bureau’s first, largest, and most visible demographic program is conducted every 10 years.
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Economic Census - A profile of American businesses is conducted every 5 years, and covers nearly all of the U.S. economy in its
ABOUT THE BLS
Census of Governments - Collected every 5 years, this survey identifies the scope and nature of the nation's state and local
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
basic collection of establishment statistics.
government sector. It provides authoritative benchmark figures of public finance and public employment; classifies local government
organizations, powers, and activities; and measures federal, state, and local fiscal relationships.
CONTACTS
American Community Survey (ACS) - A nationwide survey providing timely detailed demographic, social, economic data about the
country’s communities each year. It is designed to provide communities a snapshot at how they are changing.
On-Going Surveys – The Census Bureau also collects information for vital demographic surveys which are used by lawmakers and
fiscal planners to make important decisions regarding programs and services and across the country. For example, data from the
Current Population Survey are used to determine the Nation’s monthly unemployment rate. Other on-going surveys include the
Survey of Income and Program Participation, the National Health Interview Survey, the Nation Crime and Victimization Survey, and
the American Housing Survey.
You can find additional information about the Census Bureau and its programs on their website.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
8/11/2010
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) — Information for Respondents (Contact)
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Contact Information
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
If you have any questions about your participation in the Consumer Expenditure Survey, please contact the Census Bureau Regional
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
Office that serves your area.
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
If you have questions about how BLS uses the CE data, you can contact the CE at (202) 691-6900 or by email.
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
CONFIDENTIALITY
VALUE OF THE CE
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
ABOUT THE BLS
ABOUT THE CENSUS
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Freedom of Information Act | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers | Customer Survey | Important Web Site Notices
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
8/11/2010
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) — Information for Respondents (CE Interview Survey)
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Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) Respondents
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CE Interview Survey
CE RESPONDENTS HOME
The Consumer Expenditure Interview Survey asks questions about recent expenses and bills anyone in your household has made.
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
SURVEY?
AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
The Interview Survey asks about a wide range of expenses, including:
Housing (including mortgage, rent, and utilities)
Construction and Repairs
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
Appliances
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Furniture
CONFIDENTIALITY
Vehicle Purchases, Rental and Repairs
VALUE OF THE CE
Insurance
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Medical
ABOUT THE BLS
Trips
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
Entertainment
Clothing
Educational
And more…
CONTACTS
During the interview, the interviewer will show you an Information Booklet which provides examples of the types of expenses the
questions ask about. We encourage you to look at receipts, bills and other records to help remember your purchases.
Interviewers are highly trained to answer any questions the respondent has, and to help them answer the interview questions.
The average interview is 65 minutes, though the actual length will vary depending on the number of people in your household and your
spending patterns. The interviewer is trained to make the interview go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
8/11/2010
Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE) — Information for Respondents (CE Diary Survey)
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CE Diary Survey
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CE RESPONDENTS HOME
IS THE CE A LEGITIMATE
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AM I REQUIRED TO
PARTICIPATE?
If you are a respondent in the Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey, we will ask
you to write down all purchases and expenses made by anyone in your household
WHY SHOULD I
PARTICIPATE?
over a period of two weeks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
The Diary is divided into four sections:
CONFIDENTIALITY
Food Away From Home: any meals, snacks or beverages anyone in your
VALUE OF THE CE
household purchased to eat while away from home
THE CE AND THE
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
Food for Home Consumption: any food, such as groceries, anyone in the
ABOUT THE BLS
Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry and Accessories: any of these items anyone in
ABOUT THE CENSUS
BUREAU
the household purchased
household purchased to prepare or eat at home
All Other Products, Services and Expenses: any other spending anyone
CONTACTS
in the household did during the week
A Census Bureau interviewer will go over the diary form with you at your home, and will explain how to fill it out. You can also contact
the interviewer to answer any questions the household may have while completing the diary.
After one week, the interviewer will return to pick up your diary for the first week’s expenses. The interviewer will work with the
household to determine if all expenses were recorded, and to answer any questions you may have. During this visit, the household will
receive another diary to complete for a second week.
After the second week, the interviewer will again return to pick up the diary, review it and answer any questions. The interviewer will also
ask some questions about your household which provide information necessary for BLS to use the data.
Last Modified Date: August 13, 2010
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Freedom of Information Act | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers | Customer Survey | Important Web Site Notices
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Consumer Expenditure Surveys, PSB Suite 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20212-0001
www.bls.gov/CEX | Telephone: 1-202-691-6900 | Contact CEX
8/11/2010
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | http://labdev5/respondents/cex/ |
| Author | sielaff_c |
| File Modified | 2010-08-11 |
| File Created | 2010-08-11 |