Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Introduction 

This document provides data users with the questions asked of respondents in the April 2024 –

March 2025 Consumer Expenditure Diary Questionnaire (CED). It is organized by questionnaire 

section and includes variable names, question text, response options, and skip instructions. As the 

contents of this document are instrument specifications, which show the organization of the survey 

from the perspective of the person interviewing the respondent, some content, including 

interviewer help options, icons, and CAPI-specific language, may not be relevant to data users. 

Table of Contents 

CED Survey Section Section Content Page 

F10 Questionnaire placement 4 

Front Questionnaire placement 6 

Coverage Questionnaire pick-up 26 

01 Questions to clarify the CU Members 35 

02 Questions on the home, food, and vehicles 46 

04 Questions on income 52 

Back Information on the interview process 67 

Diary Additions Additional questions added to the diary 79 

CHAI Information of contact history 81 

1 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Section Tag Variable Name Question Text Skip Instructions 

Name 

H_STATUS STATUS OF INTERVIEW (X=Section 

Complete) 

Section 1 Household 

Roster..............................fill_XStatus[1] 

Section 2 Consumer Unit 

Characteristics..............fill_XStatus[2] 

Section 3 Work Experience & 

Income..................fill_XStatus[3] 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

UPDP UPDPWD To update the Diary outcome code(s) enter the <UPDPWD=PASSWO 

WD current password for this function. RD_IN> [goto 

UPDDATE] 

Note: Diary outcome code(s) should only be [else goto 

updated in special circumstances (e.g., laptop or UPDWARN] 

instrument problem, approved weather-related 

issues, etc.) 

UPDW UPDWARN The password you have entered is incorrect. <1> [go back to 

ARN UPDPWD] 

Check NumLock and/or Caps Lock Keys and <2> [START] 

try again. 

Call #### for password assistance. 

Note: Diary outcome code(s) should only be 

updated in special circumstances (e.g., laptop or 

instrument problem, approved weather-related 

issues, etc.) 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

2. Enter 2 to Quit 

UPDATE UPDD UPDDATE Enter the corresponding date for the previous 

ATE Diary visit. 

^VISIT 

If [(UPDDATE lt EPD) 

OR (PLACED_FLAG 

ne 1 and UPDDATE 

gt LPD) OR 

(PLACED_FLAG eq 1 

and INSTAT2 eq 201 

and UPDDATE gt 

PLCEDAT1+24 ) OR 

(PLACED_FLAG eq 1 

and UPDDATE lt 

PLCEDAT1) OR 

(UPDDATE gt 

CURRENT DATE)], 

goto ERR_UPD 

Else goto UPDRSN 

2 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

UPDATE UPDR UPDRSN Specify reason. <1,2,3> [goto 

SN UPDCODE] 

1. Keying Error <4> [goto 

2. Inclement weather UPDRSN_ERR] 

3. Laptop problem <5> [goto UPDSPEC] 

4. Survey instrument problem 

5. Other (specify) 

UPDATE UPDS UPDSPEC Specify [goto UPDCODE] 

PEC 

UPDCODE Enter the orginal outcome code of the case. 

Note: If you have restarted in the case, report the 

outcome code of the case before it was 

restarted. 

If UPDCODE IS NOT 

IN ('200', 

'201','202','203','206',' 

209', '216', 

'217','219','224','225',' 

226', '228', 

'229','231','232','233',' 

240','241', 

'243','244','245', '247', 

'248','252', '258', '259', 

'290', '320', '321', 

'322', '323', '324', 

'325', '326', '331', 

'332', '341', '342', 

'580', '581', '582', 

'583') goto 

UPDCODE_ERR 

Else goto START 

INTDA INTDATE **OUT VARIABLE** <MMDDYYYY> 

TE 

PASSWORD_IN <8 CHARACTERS> 

FRONT SITE ** OUT VARIABLE ** <21 - 32> 

FRONT SEGMENTI ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

BACK BESTTIME ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-9> 

BACK BESTTIM2 ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

BACK NOSU NOSUNDAY ** OUT VARIABLE ** <0, 1> 

NDAY 

CALLBACK ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

F10_ST1 Instruct the respondent on how to complete the go to F10APPT 

Week 1 and Week 2 Diaries, and attempt to 

leave the online diaries user guide or Diary forms 

with the respondent. 

RO Survey PSU PSU Frame Sample 

Sequence #1 Sequence #2 HH CU Spinoff 

Code State County 

Designation No. 

No. 

SITE (1-2) (3-4) (5-7) (8) (9-11) 

(12-15) (16-17) (18) (19-20) (21-22) 

Username 

Password 

WDUSERID 

USERPIN 

Were the Diaries placed? 

1. Yes, online diaries 

2. Yes, paper diaries 

3. No 

4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

F10 F10APPT [fill: *DO NOT place Diaries. Roster section <1-31> 

not complete] [goto F10APPTTIME] 

<0,R> 

* Missing Sections: Press shift-F5 to view [goto DONE] 

the status table 

I'd like to schedule a DATE to [Fill: 

conduct/complete] the interview. May I 

return on 

[fill: * Diaries must be picked up within this 

range.] 

0. Battery problem 

1. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+15] or 

[CURRENTDATE]] 

2. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+16] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 1]] 

3. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+17] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 2]] 

4. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+18] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 3]] 

5. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+19] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 4]] 

6. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+20] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 5]] 

7. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+21] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 6]] 

8. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+22] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 7]] 

9. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+23] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 8]] 

10. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1+24] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 9]] 

11. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 10] 

12. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 11] 

13. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 12] 

14. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 13] 

15. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 14] 

16. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 15] 

17. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 16] 

18. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 17] 

19. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 18] 

20. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 19] 

21. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 20] 

22. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 21] 

23. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 22] 

24. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 23] 

25. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 24] 

26. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 25] 

27. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 26] 

28. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 27] 

29. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 28] 

30. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 29] 

31. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 30] 5 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

F10 F10APPTTIME What TIME would be best to visit again? 

Enter the time of contact in HH:MM am/pm 

format. Example 12:23 AM. 

IF entry = EMPTY 

then goto F10BSTSP 

ELSEIF (F10APPT = 

INTDATE) AND 

(F10APPTTIME <= 

SYSTIME) then 

goto 

CK_F10APPTTIME 

else goto 

F10APPTNOTE] 

Back F10APPTNOTE Enter any appointment notes [goto F10SUN] 

F10 F10SUN Would a Sunday interview be acceptable? <0,1,2> [goto 

F10VRINF] 

0. Battery problem 

1. Yes 

2. No 

F10 F10VRINF * Verify/change any of the information <1> [goto 

listed below? Phone Number: [fill: (AREA) F10THANK] 

PREFIX - SUFFIX] 1. Enter 1 <2> [goto 

to Continue 2. Change F10VPHN] 

F10 F10VPHN What is your telephone number? 

*Enter zero for none. 

<10 or more 

Characters> [goto 

F10PHTYP] 

<0, Empty,R> [goto 

F10THANK] 

F10PH 

TYP 

F10PHTYP Is this a home, work, or cell number? [goto F10THANK] 

1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

F10 F10THANK Thank you. I'll come back at the time 

suggested. 1. Enter 1 to Continue 

<1> [goto DONE] 

2 ALPHASUF ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

2 SEGSUFF ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

2 SAMP_DES ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

2 PSU ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

2 SERIAL ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

2 INTID ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

8500_FORTRAINI ** NON-DISPLAYED FIELD ** 

NG Documentation of 8500 Record layout 

FRONT DATAMODEL_CK ** CHECK ITEM AT THE DATA MODEL LEVEL [goto SETBASIC] 

** 

FRONT SETBASIC ** CHECK ITEM ** [goto START] 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT DATE_CHK *CHECK ITEM* IF 

[current date before 

EPD (too early to 

place)] OR 

[current date after 

LPD AND 

PLACED_FLAG ne 1 

(late placement)] OR 

[PLACED_FLAG=1 

and current date gt 

PLCEDAT1+24 (late 

pickup)] 

goto PLPRDERR 

FRONT PLPRDERR PLACEMENT/PICKUP 

ERROR Diary Survey 

Diaries Placed: [Fill: ^YES_NO] 

Earliest Placement Date: [Fill: 2500.EPD] 

Date is: [Fill: current date] 

Latest Placement Date: [Fill: 2500.LPD] 

ELSE goto START 

IF PLACED_FLAG ne 

1 AND current date 

after LPD, goto 

RACRF_W1 

ELSE goto DONE 

^PLACEDATE 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT START CENSUS CATI/CAPI SYSTEM 

[Date instrument changed] 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys 

Diary Survey 

Case status is: ^STATUS 

Placement Period Begins: [Fill: 

2500.EPD] 

Placement Period Ends: [Fill: 

2500.LPD] 

Date is: [Fill: current date] 

Time is: [Fill: time] 

Diaries Placed: [^YES_NO] 

RECALL 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

2. Skip Notes 

3. Quit: Do not attempt now 

4. Noninterview 

5. Transmit for reassignment 

6. OPENCASE 

1: IF 

PLACED_FLAG=1 

AND current date less 

than PLCEDAT1+15, 

goto PICK_CHK 

ELSEIF 

PLACED_FLAG=1 

goto SHOW_NOTES 

ELSEIF 

PLACED_FLAG ne 1 

and NEWCU=1 goto 

SHOWROS 

ELSE goto 

GENINTRO 

2: IF 

PLACED_FLAG=1, 

goto VISIT_SHOW 

ELSE goto 

GENINTRO 

3: IF 

PLACED_FLAG=1, 

goto VERIFY_INFO 

ELSE goto 

PHONENUM 

4: IF 

PLACED_FLAG=1 

goto NTYP_PK1 

(pickup) 

ELSE goto 

NTYPE_W1 

(placement) 

5: goto VERRSGN 

6: Goto ACSRECAL 

FRONT VERRSGN <1> [goto DONE] 

You are about to transmit this case for <2> [goto START] 

reassignment. 

Are you sure want to reassign this case? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

ACSR 

ECAL 

ACSRECAL Click on the RECALL/RECEIPTS tab to perform 

recall and/or record expenses from receipts. 

Goto OPEN_CASE 

When you are finished in the 

RECALL/RECEIPTS tab, enter 1 to continue. 

1. Enter 1 to continue. 

FRONT PICK_CHK 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

The 10-day pickup period for the Diaries is 

from ^PLCEDAT1+15 to ^PLCEDAT1+24. 

The Diaries should not be picked up prior to 

this period. 

^Earlyweek2 

<1> [goto 

PICKREAS] 

<2> [goto DONE] 

Do you want to continue with early pickup? 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

2. Quit 

FRONT PICKREAS Why is early pickup being performed? 

1. CU will be away during regular pick-up date. 

2. CU is moving. 

3. CU refuses to keep diaries any longer. 

4. Weather/natural disaster. 

5. Other-specify 

1-4> [goto 

VISIT_SHOW] 

<5> [goto 

PICKSP] 

FRONT PICKSP Specify: <30 char> 

[goto SHOW_NOTES] 

FRONT SHOW_NOTES INFORMATION FROM PREVIOUS 

VISIT 

BEST TIME TO CALL: ^BESTTIME 

[Fill: BESTTM2] 

APPOINTMENT NOTES: [FILL: CALLBACK] 

SUNDAY INTERVIEW: ^NOSUNDAY 

<1> [goto 

VISIT_SHOW] 

Use CTRL+F7 to view case level notes 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

9 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT VISIT_SHOW Diary Placement Status: <1> [goto 

SHOWROS] 

Placement Date: ^PLCEDAT1 

Week 1 Placement Status: ^INSTAT1 

Week 2 Placement Status: ^INSTAT2 

Pick up Date: ^PICKDTE1 

Diary Mode: ^PAPER_ONLINE 

Use CTRL+F7 to view case level notes. 

Enter 1 to continue 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

FRONT SHOWROS STATUS OF HOUSEHOLD <1> [goto 

COMPOSITION AS OF LAST VISIT GENINTRO] 

Resp. LN NAME MEMBER 

RELATION CU SEX AGE 

(Person 1) 

(Person 2) 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

FRONT GENINTRO o ^GENINTRO 

If unavailable use Shift-F1 for HH roster. 

o The Household address is: 

^GENADDRS 

^GENADDRS2 

Read if necessary 

I am (your name) from the US Census 

Bureau. Here is my identification card. We 

are conducting a Consumer Expenditure 

Survey for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. I 

have some questions I would like to ask you. 

^LETTER 

^GENINTRO2 

1: If PLACED_FLAG 

NE 1 AND 

QTYPE2=1, then goto 

RCD_PST. Else goto 

INTROB 

2: Goto 

GIVE_LETTER 

3: Goto NTYPE_W1 

RCD_LTR ***out variable*** <0,1,2> 

10 
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

GIVE_LETTER ?[F1] <1> If QTYPE2=1, 

then goto RCD_PST. 

We normally send a letter in advance to Else goto INTROB 

sample households informing them about the 

survey, and communicating the Privacy Act 

and other information, but the current social 

distancing guidelines may have prohibited us 

from doing so. Therefore, we've provided the 

letter online at www.bls.gov/respondents/cex. 

Would you like me to email this link to you 

for your reference? 

* If the respondent says "Yes" ask for (and 

verify) email address, and send link via OWA -

Proceed with interview. 

* If the respondent says "No" or "What does 

the letter say?" - Press F1 and read verbatim 

Help text. 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

RCD_PST Did you receive our postcard? <1,2> goto INTROB 

1. Yes 

2. No 

FRONT INTROB 1: IF PLACED_FLAG 

Is Respondent ready to complete the 

interview? 

ne 1 and Newly 

spawned CU, goto 

MAILAD 

ELSE goto 

VERDADD 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 2,4: IF 

2. Reluctant Respondent 

3. Non-Interview 

4. Other Outcome 

5. Wrong address 

6. Inconvient time 

PLACED_FLAG=1, 

goto VERIFY_INFO 

ELSE goto 

PHONENUM 

3: If 

PLACED_FLAG=1, 

goto NTYP_PK1 

(pickup) 

ELSE goto 

NTYPE_W1 

(placement) 

5: goto DONE 

6: goto APPTOTH 

11 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT VERADD ^VDDEND 

I have your address listed as * 

READ ADDRESS BELOW. Is this your exact 

address? 

1: goto MAILAD 

2: goto NADDST1 

3: goto DONE 

R: goto PHONENUM 

[Fill: HNO HNOSUF STRNAME] 

[Fill: UNITDES] 

[Fill: PO, ST, ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [Fill: PHYSDES] 

GQ unit: [Fill GQUNITINFO] 

Non-City : [Fill NONCITYADD] 

Building: [Fill BLDGNAME] 

FRONT NADDST1 

1. Yes, address is EXACTLY correct as listed. 

2. Address is mostly correct, needs minor 

changes. 

3. INCORRECT ADDRESS 

* Enter correction in space below 

<10 Characters> 

[goto NADDST2] 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

FRONT NADDST2 

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

* Enter change 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

<3 characters, 

Empty> [goto 

NADDST3] 

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

^UNITDES] 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-Z4] 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

12 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT NADDST3 <49 characters, 

* Enter change empty> [goto 

NADDST4]] 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT NADDST4 

* Enter change 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

<20 characters, 

empty> [If FRAME = 

3 or 

RT2501.GQUNITINA 

REA = 1 goto 

NMAILST5] [goto 

NMAILST6] 

FRONT NADDST5 <allow 43 characters, 

* Enter corrections for Group Quarters Unit empty> [goto 

Description or Press â€ ̃ENTER' for Same/No NADDST6] 

Change 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

^UNITDES 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5 -ZIP4] 

Phy des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT NADDST6 * Enter corrections for Non City Style <allow 27, empty> 

Address or Press ENTER for Same/No Change [goto NADDPHYS] 

^HNO- ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

^UNITDES] 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5 -ZIP4] 

Phy des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME] 

13 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT NADDPHYS <99 characters, 

* Enter change Empty> [goto 

NADDCT] 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT NADDCT <22 Characters> 

* Enter change 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT SNADDST 

* Enter change 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

<AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, 

CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, 

GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, 

KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, 

MA, MI, 

MN, MS, MO, MT, 

NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, 

NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, 

OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, 

TN, TX, UT, 

VT, VA, WA, WV, 

WI, WY, D, R>>[goto 

NADDZP] 

FRONT NADDZP <9 characters, D,R> 

* Enter change [goto NADDBUIL] 

Press â€ ̃ENTER' for same/ no change

OLD ADDRESS: 

^HNO HNOSUF STRNAME 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZP4] 

^UNITDES 

^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City : ^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

14 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT MAILAD <1> [goto 

Is this your mailing address? PHONENUM] 

<2> [goto 

^MAILAD NMAILST1] 

[Fill: MHNO MHNOSUF 

MSTRNAME]MUNITDESC 

MPO MST MZIP5-MZIP4 

GQ unit : [MGQUNITINFO] Non-city: 

^NONCITYADD 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

1. Yes 

2. No 

FRONT NMAILST1 <10 

Enter change to Mailing address - House # or characters,empty> 

Press ENTER for Same/No Change [goto NMAILST2] 

Mailing Address: 

Address: 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[fill: MUNITDESC] 

^UNITDES 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] 

[Fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES] 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD] 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

15 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT NMAILST2 Enter change to Mailing address - House # suffix <3 Characters, 

or Press ENTER for Same/No Change Empty> [goto 

NMAILST3] 

Mailing Address: 

Address: 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[fill: MUNITDESC] 

^UNITDES 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] 

fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES] 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD] 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT NMAILST3 Enter change to Mailing address â€“ Street <49 Characters> 

Name or Press ENTER for Same/No Change [goto NMAILST4] 

Mailing Address: 

Address: 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] 

^HNO ^HNOSUF STRNAME 

[fill: MUNITDESC] 

^UNITDES 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] 

[fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES] 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD] 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

16 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT NMAILST4 Enter change to Mailing address â€“ Street <20 characters, 

Name or Press ENTER for Same/No Change empty> [If FRAME = 

3 or 

Mailing Address: RT2501.GQUNITINA 

Address: REA = 1 goto 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] NMAILST5] [goto 

^HNO ^HNOSUF STRNAME NMAILST6] 

[fill: MUNITDESC] 

^UNITDES 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] [fill: 

PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] GQ 

unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD] 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

FRONT NMAILST5 <allow 43 characters, 

Enter change to Mailing address - GQ Unit empty> [goto 

Description or Press ENTER for Same/No NMAILST6] 

Change 

Mailing Address: 

Address: 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[fill: MUNITDESC] [fill: 

UNITDES] 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] [fill: 

PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES] 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] GQ 

unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

17 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT NMAILST6 Enter change to Mailing address â€“ Non-City <allow 27 characters> 

Style Address or Press ENTER for Same/No [goto NMAILCT] 

Change 

Mailing Address: 

Address: 

[fill: MHNO-MHNOSUF MSTRNAME] 

^HNO ^HNOSUF ^STRNAME 

[fill: MUNITDESC] 

^UNITDES 

[fill: MPO, MST MZIP5-MZIP4] 

[fill: PO, ST ZIP5-ZIP4] 

Phys des: [fill PHYSDES] 

Phys des: ^PHYSDES 

GQ unit: [fill: MGQUNITINFO] 

GQ unit: ^GQUNITINFO 

Non-City: [fill: MNONCITYADD] 

Non-city: ^NONCITYADD 

Building: [fill BLDGNAME] 

Building: ^BLDGNAME 

NMAILCT * Enter change or press ENTER for same/no <22 Characters> 

change ADDRESS: [goto NMAILST] 

[Fill: HNO HNOSUF STRNAME] [Fill: 

UNITDES] [Fill: PO, ST ZIP5][Fill: 

MAILING ADDRESS MHNO MHNOSUF 

MSTRNAME MUNITDES MPO, MST 

MZIP5 ] 

NMAILZP * Enter change or press ENTER for same/no 

change ADDRESS: 

[Fill: HNO HNOSUF STRNAME] [Fill: 

UNITDES] [Fill: PO, ST ZIP5][Fill: 

MAILING ADDRESS MHNO MHNOSUF 

<5 Characters,D,R> 

[goto PHONENUM] 

MSTRNAME MUNITDES MPO, MST 

MZIP5 ] 

NMAILST * Enter change or press ENTER for same/no 

change ADDRESS: 

[Fill: HNO HNOSUF STRNAME] [Fill: 

UNITDES] [Fill: PO, ST ZIP5][Fill: 

MAILING ADDRESS MHNO MHNOSUF 

<AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, 

CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, 

GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, 

KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, 

MA, MI, 

MSTRNAME MUNITDES MPO, MST MN, MS, MO, MT, 

MZIP5 ] NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, 

NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, 

OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, 

TN, TX, UT, 

VT, VA, WA, WV, 

WI, WY, D, R> 

FRONT PHONENUM What is your telephone number? 10 or more 

characters: goto 

Enter 0 for none. PHTYP1 

0, D, R goto 

EMAILADDRESS 

18 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT 

PHTYP 

1 

PHON 

ENUM 

BER2 

PHTYP 

2 

EMAIL 

ADDR 

ESS 

PHTYP1 

PHONENUMBER2 

PHTYP2 

EMAILADDRESS 

Is this a home, work, or cell number? 

1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

Ask or verify, if necessary. 

Do you have another phone number where I 

can reach you? 

Enter 0 for none. 

Is this a home, work, or cell number? 

1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

Ask or verify, if necessary. 

Can I have your e-mail address? 

goto 

PHONENUMBER2 

10 or more 

characters: goto 

PHTYP2 

0, D, R goto 

EMAILADDRESS 

goto 

EMAILADDRESS 

go to BCOVERAGE 

FRONT VERIFY_INFO 

Enter E-Mail or press ENTER for None/Same 

Verify/change any of the information listed 

below. 

1: goto END_FRONT 

2: goto V_PHONE 

Phone Number: ^VFYINFO 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

2. Change something 

FRONT V_PHONE What is your telephone number? 10 or more 

characters: goto 

V_PHTYP1 

<Empty> [If 

LANGUAGE=1-3, 

END_FRONT] 

V_PHT 

YP1 

V_PHTYP1 Is this a home, work, or cell number? goto BSTTI 

1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

19 
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back BSTTI When is the best time to contact you? 1-9: goto BSTTI_SP 

0: goto END_FRONT 

Do not read categories 

0. Battery problem 

1. Morning (9am-12noon) 

2. Noon/Lunchtime (11am-1pm) 

3. Afternoon(12noon-4pm) 

4. Suppertime/Early evening (4pm-7pm) 

5. Evening (6pm-9pm) 

6. Anytime(9am-9pm) 

7. Late evening/Night(7pm-9pm) 

8. Daytime(9am-4pm) 

9. After 5pm 

Back BSTTI_SP Best time to contact [goto END_FRONT] 

FRONT END_FRONT ** CHECK ITEM ** IF (PLACED_FLAG=1 

AND NONINT_FLAG 

ne "yes") goto 

FM_SALES 

ELSEIF 

[PLACED_FLAG=1 

AND (RT2500.URRAL 

is R AND 

RT2500.GQTYPE is 

901 or 902) AND 

(FRAME is 2] goto 

FM_SALES 

ELSEIF 

PLACED_FLAG=1 

goto ANYENTR1 

ELSE goto DONE 

20 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT STATE_REF REFERENCE: PERMISSIBLE STATE CODES <Empty> [return 

AL =Alabama IA =Iowa NJ =New from help] 

Jersey VT =Vermont AK =Alaska KS 

=Kansas NM =New Mexico VA 

=Virginia AZ =Arizona KY =Kentucky 

NY =New York WA =Washington AR 

=Arkansas LA =Louisiana NC =N. 

Carolina WV =W. Virginia CA =California 

ME =Maine ND =N. Dakota WI 

=Wisconsin CO =Colorado MD =Maryland 

OH =Ohio WY =Wyoming CT 

=Connecticut MA =Massachusetts OK 

=Oklahoma DE =Delaware MI =Michigan 

OR =Oregon DC =Dist. Colum. MN 

=Minnesota PA =Pennsylvania FL 

=Florida MS =Mississippi RI 

=Rhode Island GA =Georgia MO 

=Missouri SC=S. Carolina HI 

=Hawaii MT =Montana SD=S. 

Dakota ID =Idaho NE =Nebraska 

TN =Tennessee IL =Illinois NV =Nevada 

TX =Texas IN =Indiana NH =New 

Hampshire UT =Utah 

21 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT H_HEYS * Function Keys <Esc> [Return to 

Description: interview] 

F1 Question Help 

F2 (Unassigned) 

F3 (Unassigned) 

F4 Jump Menu 

F5 Show Status 

F6 (Unassigned) 

F7 Item Notes/Remarks 

F8 Return 

F9 Skip to next 

person/Sec (Currently Unavailable) 

F10 Exit 

F11 Calculator 

F12 Repeat 

Shift-F1 Show HH 

Shift-F2 FAQ 

Shift-F3 (Unassigned) 

Shift-F4 (Unassigned) 

Shift-F5 Language 

Shift-F6 (Unassigned) 

Shift-F7 Show Notes/Remarks 

Shift-F9 Change Respondent 

Shift-F10 Show Function Keys 

Shift-F11 Show Standard Abbr. 

(Currently Unavailable) 

Shift-F12 (Unassigned) 

Ctrl-D Don't Know 

Ctrl-F3 Show Question Text 

Ctrl-E Blaise Report Error 

(Currently Unavailable) 

Ctrl-F Search Tag 

Ctrl-F7 Case Level Notes 

Ctrl-H Info 

Ctrl-K Show Function Keys 

Ctrl-M Show DK & Refused 

Ctrl-R Refused 

FRONT H_HHROS RESP LN NAME MEMBER <1> [return to 

RELATIONSHIP CU SEX AGE interview] 

1. Continue with interview 

22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT H_CHGRESP Ask if necessary: <1-30, 95> [Return 

to interview] 

With whom am I speaking? 

Enter line number 

^HCHGRESP 

95. Proxy respondent 

FRONT H_PURPOSE 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. What is this survey all about? 

2. Who uses this information? What good is it? 

3. How is the data collected? How many times 

will I be interviewed? 

4. I hesitate to tell some things about myself, 

what protection do I have? 

5. Is this survey authorized by law? 

6. Proceed with the interview 

<1> [goto 

H_PURPOSE1] 

<2> [goto 

H_PURPOSE2] 

<3> [goto 

H_PURPOSE3] 

<4> [goto 

H_PURPOSE4] 

<5> [goto 

H_PURPOSE5] 

<6> [return to 

interview] 

FRONT H_PURPOSE1 <1> [return to 

interview] 

WHAT IS THIS SURVEY ALL ABOUT? 

The Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey 

collects information from households and 

families on their buying habits. It helps us to 

understand what products and services are 

bought and how much is spent. 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

23 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT H_PURPOSE2 

WHO USES THIS INFORMATION? 

<1> [return to 

interview] 

This survey has a number of uses. The most 

important is the periodic revision of the 

Consumer Price Index. The Consumer Price 

Index provides cost of living and wage 

adjustments, social security payment 

adjustments, and helps determine the cost of 

school lunches. 

Government and private agencies use the 

data to study the welfare of particular 

segments of the population. Economic 

policymakers use the data to study the 

impact of policy changes 

in the welfare of different socioeconomic 

groups. Researchers use the data in a 

variety of studies, including those that focus 

on the spending behavior of different family 

types and historical spending trends. 

1. Continue with interview 

FRONT H_PURPOSE3 

HOW IS THE DATA 

COLLECTED? 

HOW MANY TIMES WILL YOU I BE 

INTERVIEWED? 

<1> [return to 

interview] 

I will be here a short time today to ask a few 

questions about your household. I will also 

drop off your diaries. How long it will take to 

write your expenses each day depends on 

how many things you buy. Some days, you 

may have nothing to record, other days may 

have a lot to record. It averages out to about 

10 minutes a day. 

After today, I will return in two weeks to pick 

up your completed diaries and ask a few final 

questions. 

1. Continue with interview 

24 
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT H_PURPOSE4 <1> [return to 

WHAT PROTECTION DO I HAVE? interview] 

Your names and addresses are removed from 

what you report in the diaries. All Census 

Bureau employees take an oath of 

confidentiality and are subject to fines and 

imprisonment, if they improperly disclose 

information provided by people like you. All 

information collected is used for statistical 

purposes only. 

1. Continue with interview 

FRONT H_PURPOSE5 

IS THIS SURVEY 

AUTHORIZED BY LAW? 

Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics 

conducts the Consumer Expenditure Diary 

Survey under the authority of Title 29 of the 

U.S. Code. Congress authorizes the financial 

support for the CE survey through Public 

Laws 94-439 and 95-205. 

The Census Bureau collects the CE data 

under the authority of Title 13, U.S. Code, 

Section 8b, which allows the Census Bureau 

to undertake surveys for other government 

agencies. Participation in the survey is 

voluntary. Under Title 13, the Census Bureau 

holds all information in strict confidence. We 

will not release information reported in the 

survey which would permit the identification 

of a household or any of its members to 

anyone outside of the Census Bureau. 

1. Continue with interview 

<1> [return to 

interview] 

FRONT MARK ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-20> 

FRONT NEWCU ** OUT VARIABLE ** <Blank, 1> 

FRONT REASSG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <Blank, 1> 

FRONT REF_MONTH ** OUT VARIABLE ** <15 characters> 

FRONT MFLAG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <Blank, 1> 

FRONT INSTVER ** OUT VARIABLE ** <60 Characters> 

FRONT OUTCOME ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

FRONT FIRCONDT ** OUT VARIABLE ** <MMDDYYYY> 

25 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

FRONT FIRFRCDE ** OUT VARIABLE ** <8 characters> 

CTRLNUM 

FRONT INTPER ** OUT VARIABLE ** <24 characters> 

FRONT QUIT_FLAG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <yes, no> 

1. Yes 

2. No 

FRONT NONINT_FLAG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <yes, no> 

FRONT PLPRD_FLAG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <yes, no> 

FRONT EPD **OUT VARIABLE** <MMDDYYY> 

Front LATEPK1_FLAG **OUT VARIABLE** <Yes, No> 

DONE_FLAG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <yes, no> 

INFORULE1_FLA **OUT VARIABLE** <yes, no> 

G 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Coverag ANYE ANYENTR1 Were there any expenditures recorded in the <1,2> [goto 

e NTR1 Week 1 Diary at pick up? ANYRECAL1] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Coverag ANYR ANYRECAL1 Do you have any purchases or expenses for <1> [goto 

e ECA1 Week 1 that you did not record in the diary? ANYRECP1] 

Week 1 Day 1 of the recording period - Week 1 

Day 7 of the recording period 

If YES 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<2> [If 

ANYENTR1=2, goto 

ANYBUY1] 

[else, goto 

RESPONS1] 

Coverag ANYB ANYBUY1 Did (you/you or any of the people on your <1,2,D,R> [goto 

e UY1 list) have any expenses or purchases during RESPONS1] 

the first week (^PLCEDAT1+1 through 

^PLCEDAT1+7)? 

Do not include any expenses while away 

overnight. 

NONE 

1. Yes 

2. No 

26 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag 

e 

ANYR 

ECP1 

ANYRECP1 Were receipts used for the majority of these 

recalled items? 

<1,2> [goto 

RESPONS1] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

RESPONS1 

INFORULE1 

**CHECK ITEM** 

^INFORULE1 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

<1> [goto 

INFORULE1] 

If RESPONS1=5 goto 

RFRN_PK1 

else if current date 

less than 

PLCEDAT1+8 goto 

INFORULE2 

else goto ANYENTR2 

Coverag 

e 

NTYP_ 

PK1 

NTYP_PK1 

What type of non-interview do you have? 

Type A = No one home, Refusal, 

Temporarily Absent 

Type B = Vacant, under construction, 

occupied by persons with URE 

Type C = Demolished, House moved, 

Merged, Condemned, Located on base, CU 

moved 

<1> [goto 

TYPA_PK1] 

<2> [goto 

TYPB_PK1] 

<3> [goto 

TYPC_PK1] 

1. TYPE A 

2. TYPE B 

3. TYPE C 

Coverag 

e 

TYPA_ 

PK1 

TYPA_PK1 Enter TYPE A noninterview 

1. No one home 

2. Refused 

3. Temporarily Absent 

4. Other Type A - specify 

<1,3> [goto 

END_PICKUP] 

<2> [goto 

RFRN_PK1] 

<4> [goto 

TPAS_PK1] 

Coverag TPAS_ TPAS_PK1 Specify other TYPE A <30 characters> [goto 

e PK1 END_PICKUP] 

Coverag RFRN_ RFRN_PK1 Enter type of refusal 

e PK1 

1. Hostile Respondent 

2. Time Related Excuses 

3. Language Problems 

4. Other Refusal - specify 

<1-3> If 

TYPA_PK1=2 goto 

END_PICKUP 

else If current 

date < PLCEDAT1+8 

goto INFORULE2 

else goto 

ANYENTR2 

<4> [goto 

RSNS_PK1] 

27 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag RSNS_ RSNS_PK1 Specify type of refusal <45 characters> 

e PK1 

If TYPA_PK1=2 goto 

END_PICKUP 

else if current date < 

PLCEDAT1+8 goto 

INFORULE2 

else goto 

ANYENTR2 

Coverag 

e 

TYPB_ 

PK1 

TYPB_PK1 Enter TYPE B noninterview 

1. Vacant (for rent) 

2. Vacant (for sale) 

3. Vacant (other) 

4. Occupied by persons with URE 

5. Under construction, not ready 

6. All persons under 16 

7. Unfit or to be demolished 

<1-9> [goto 

BYOBS_PK1] 

<10> [goto 

TPBS_PK1] 

8. Unoccupied tent or trailer site 

9. Permit granted, construction not started 

10. Other Type B - specify 

Coverag 

e 

TPBS_ 

PK1 

TPBS_PK1 Specify other TYPE B <45 characters> 

[goto BYOBS_PK1] 

Coverag TYPC_ TYPC_PK1 Enter TYPE C noninterview <1-12> [goto 

e PK1 BYOBS_PK1] 

<13> [goto 

TPCS_PK1] 

1. Demolished 

2. House or Mobile Home moved 

3. Converted to permanent nonresidential use 

4. Merged with units in the same structure 

5. Condemned 

6. Located on military base (post) 

7. Unused serial # on listing sheet 

8. CU Moved 

9. CUmerge 

10. SpawnInErr 

11. Unit does not exist or unit is out of scope 

12. Unlocatable sample address 

13. Other Type C-Specify 

Coverag TPCS_ TPCS_PK1 Specify other TYPE C <45 characters> 

e PK1 [goto BYOBS_PK1] 

Coverag BYOB BYOBS_PK1 Did you classify this unit by observation <1> [goto 

e S_PK1 only? END_PICKUP] 

<2> [goto 

CP1NAME_PK1] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

28 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag CP1NA CP1NAME_PK1 <42 characters> 

e M_PK1 Enter contact person's name [goto CP1TITL_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1TI 

TL_PK 

1 

CP1TITL_PK1 Enter Contact person's title <43 characters> [goto 

CP1PHON_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1PH 

ON_PK 

1 

CP1PHON_PK1 Enter contact person's phone number 

Enter 0 for none. 

<10 digits> 

[goto CP1EXT_PK1] 

<0, D, R> [goto 

CP1ADD1_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1EX 

T_PK1 

CP1EXT_PK1 Enter contact person's phone number 

extension 

<00000-99999, D, R, 

Empty> [goto 

CP1PHTYP_PK1] 

CP1PH 

TYP_P 

K1 

CP1PHTYP_PK1 Is this a home, work, or cell number? 

1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

[goto CP1ADD1_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1AD 

D1_PK 

1 

CP1ADD1_PK1 Enter contact person's street address <54 characters> 

[goto CP1ADD2_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1AD 

D2_PK 

1 

CP1ADD2_PK1 Enter second line of address if necessary <54 characters> 

[goto CP1PO_PK1] 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

CP1PO 

_PK1 

CP1ST 

_PK1 

CP1ZI 

P5_PK 

1 

CP1PO_PK1 

CP1ST_PK1 

CP1ZIP5_PK1 

Enter city 

Enter state 

Enter zipcode 

<20 characters> 

[goto CP1ST_PK1] 

<2 Digit State codes, 

D, R> [goto 

CP1ZIP5_PK1] 

<5 characters,D,R> 

[goto END_PICKUP] 

Coverag ANYE ANYENTR2 Were there any expenditures recorded in the <1,2> [goto 

e NTR2 Week 2 Diary at pickup? ANYRECAL2] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Coverag ANYR ANYRECAL2 

e ECAL2 

Do you have any purchases or expenses for 

Week 2 that you did not record in the diary? 

Week 2 Day 1 of the recording period - Week 2 

Day 7 of the recording period 

If YES 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [goto 

ANYRECP2] 

<2> [if 

ANYENTR2=2, goto 

ANYBUY2] 

[else, goto 

RESPONS2] 

29 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

ANYB 

UY2 

ANYR 

ECP2 

ANYBUY2 

ANYRECP2 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) have any expenses or purchases during 

the second week (^PLCEDAT1+8 through 

^PLCEDAT1+14)? 

Do not include any expenses while away 

overnight. 

NONE 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Were receipts used for the majority of these 

recalled items? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1,2,D,R> [goto 

RESPONS2] 

<1,2> [goto 

RESPONS2] 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

INFOR 

ULE2 

RFRN_ 

PK2 

RSNS_ 

PK2 

RESPONS2 

INFORULE2 

RFRN_PK2 

RSNS_PK2 

**CHECK ITEM** 

^INFORULE2 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

Enter type of refused 

1. Hostile Respondent 

2. Time Related Excuses 

3. Language Problems 

4. Other Refusal - specify 

Specify type of refusal 

<1> [goto 

INFORULE2] 

If RESPONS2=5, goto 

RFRN_PK2 

else goto 

END_PICKUP 

<1-3> [goto 

END_PICKUP] 

<4> [goto 

RSNS_PK2] 

<45 characters> [goto 

END_PICKUP] 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

BYOB 

S_PK2 

CP1NA 

M_PK2 

CP1TI 

TL_PK 

2 

CP1PH 

ON_PK 

2 

BYOBS_PK2 

CP1NAME_PK2 

CP1TITL_PK2 

CP1PHON_PK2 

Did you classify this unit by observ

only? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Enter contact person's name 

Enter Contact person's title 

Enter contact person's phone num

Enter 0 for none. 

ation <1> [goto 

END_PICKUP] 

<2> [goto 

CP1NAME_PK2] 

<42 characters> 

[goto CP1TITL_PK2] 

<20 characters> [goto 

CP1PHON_PK2] 

ber <10 digits> 

[goto CP1EXT_PK2] 

<0, D, R> [goto 

CP1ADD1_PK2] 

30 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag 

e 

Coverag 

e 

CP1EX 

T_PK2 

CP1AD 

D1_PK 

2 

CP1EXT_PK2 

CP1ADD1_PK2 

Enter contact person's phone number 

extension 

Enter contact person's street address 

<0000-9999, D, R, 

Empty> [goto 

CP1ADD1_PK2] 

<54 characters> 

[goto CP1ADD2_PK2] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1AD 

D2_PK 

2 

CP1ADD2_PK2 Enter second line of address if necessary <54 characters> 

[goto CP1PO_PK2] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1PO 

_PK2 

CP1PO_PK2 Enter city <20 characters> 

[goto CP1ST_PK2] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1ST 

_PK2 

CP1ST_PK2 Enter state <2 Digit State codes, 

D, R> [goto 

CP1ZIP5_PK2] 

Coverag 

e 

CP1ZI 

P5_PK 

2 

CP1ZIP5_PK2 Enter zipcode <5 characters,D,R> 

[goto END_PICKUP] 

Coverag 

e 

END_PICKUP ** CHECK ITEM ** If (PICK_UP1 in (201) 

or PICK_UP2 in (201)) 

goto PRE_01 

Else if PICK_UP2 = 

240, 241, 243, 244, 

245, 247, 248, 252, 

256, 257, 258, 259, 

290,or 341 goto 

DONE 

Else goto THANKYOU 

31 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag 

e 

PRE_FM_SALES ** CHECK ITEM ** If TYPEC_W1=1-8 

then go to 

END_COVERAGE 

If PLACED_FLAG <> 

1 AND 

(RT2501.URRAL is U) 

AND (NONINT_FLAG 

ne "yes")] goto 

GQ_UNIT 

If [[PLACED_FLAG <> 

1] AND 

(RT2501.URRAL is R) 

AND (FRAME is 3) 

AND 

(RT2501.GQTYPE = 

901 or 902) AND 

(NONINT_FLAG ne 

"yes")], 

then store 2 in 

FM_SALES, go to 

GQ_UNIT 

Coverag 

e 

FM_SA 

LES 

FM_SALES During the past 12 months did sales of 

crops, livestock, 

and other farm products from this 

place amount to 

$1,000 or more? 

If [[PLACED_FLAG <> 

1] AND 

(RT2501.URRAL is R) 

AND 

[(RT2501.GQTYPE ne 

901 or 902) OR 

(FRAME is 2)] AND 

NONINT_FLAG ne 

"yes"] , then goto 

FM_SALES] 

<1, 2> [goto 

GQ_UNIT] 

Coverag 

e 

GQ_U 

NIT 

GQ_UNIT 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Indicate if the unit is: 

1. In a Group Quarters 

2. NOT in a Group Quarters 

<1> [goto 

DESCRIP] 

<2, D> [goto 

DIRACC] 

32 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag 

e 

DIRAC 

C 

DIRACC Indicate if access to the household is: 

1. Direct 

<1> [goto 

DESCRIP] 

<2, D> [goto 

MERGUA] 

2. Through another unit 

Coverag 

e 

MERG 

UA 

MERGUA ? [F1] 

Is this a merged unit? 

<1,D> [goto 

DESCRIP] 

<2> [goto 

ERR_MERGE] 

1. Merged 

2. Not Merged 

Coverag ERR_MERGE -----------------------------------------------------------------

e ----------------------------------------------------------------

Hard Edit----------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

------------ * You have entered that the 

access to this unit is through another unit 

AND that it is not a merged unit --------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------

involved 

Question 

| Value-------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

--------- DIRACCMERGUA-----------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------

| Close | | Goto |------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------

Coverag 

e 

H_MERGUA DEFINITION OF A MERGED UNIT A merger 

is a unit that is the result of combining two or 

more unit addresses to form one unit 

<Esc Key> 

MERGUA] 

[return to 

address. A merger could involve two single 

family homes or two or more apartments in 

a multi-unit structure. For more 

information please refer to your Listing and 

Coverage Manual. 

33 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag DESC DESCRIP 

e RIP Enter type of Housing Unit. 

1. House, apartment, flat 

2. HU in non-transient hotel, motel, etc. 

3. HU Permanent in transient hotel, motel, etc. 

4. HU in rooming house 

5. Mobile home or trailer with no permanent 

room added 

6. Mobile home or trailer with one or more 

permanent rooms added 

7. HU not specified above 

8. Quarters not HU in rooming or boarding house 

9. Student quarters in college dormitory 

10. Group Quarters unit not specified above 

<1-6,8,9, D> [goto 

UNITQ] 

<7,10> 

[goto DESCRSP] 

Coverag 

e 

DESC 

RSP 

DESCRSP Enter other type of housing unit <45 characters> [goto 

UNITQ] 

Coverag 

e 

UNITQ UNITQ Ask if not apparent 

How many housing units, both 

occupied and 

vacant, are there in this structure? 

goto 

END_COVERAGE 

1. Only Group Quarters units 

2. Mobile home or trailer 

3. One, detached 

4. One, Attached 

5. 2 

6. 3 - 4 

7. 5 - 9 

8. 10 - 19 

9. 20 - 49 

10. 50 or more 

Coverag 

e 

END_COVERAGE ** CHECK ITEM ** [if PLACED_FLAG <> 

1 AND NTYPE_W1 

<> EMPTY, goto 

THANKYOU] 

[else, goto PRE_01] 

{Section 1} 

Coverag TOTALCU **OUT VARIABLE ** <1-15> 

e 

Coverag SECTCOMP **OUT VARIABLE ** <Blank, Yes> 

e 

CP1TY CP1TYPE **OUT VARIABLE** 

PE 

Coverag PICKDTE1 **OUT VARIABLE*** <8 digits> 

e 

34 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Coverag PICK_UP1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

e 

Coverag PICK_UP2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

e 

Coverag 

e 

PICKDTE2 **OUT VARIABLE** <8 digits> 

01 

01 PERST 

AT 

PRE_01 

PERSTAT 

** CHECK ITEM ** 

Use up/down arrows to move to the correct 

row for membership change. 

If PLACED_FLAG = 1 

goto MEMAWYW1 

ELSE goto FNAME 

<7,8,9,99> 

Use left/right arrows to move to 

REVIEW/Update demographics. 

When done, REVIEW/Update 

demographics and Press END key. 

7. Delete person 

8. CU Member deceased 

9. Reinstate person 

99. Error - Person should not have been listed 

01 FNAM FNAME ^FNAME <16 characters> 

E 

Enter 999 if no more persons 

[goto LNAME] 

<999> [goto 

CHECKS] 

01 LNAM LNAME Enter Last Name <16 characters> 

E [goto CU_CODE1] 

01 CU_C CU_CODE1 Ask if not apparent goto SEX 

ODE1 

What is (your/name's) relationship to 

(you/name of reference person/the 

owner/renter)? 

If this is the Reference Person, Enter 1 

(The Reference person is one of the 

persons who owns or rents this home.) 

1. Reference Person 

2. Spouse (Husband/Wife) 

3. Child or adopted child 

4. Grandchild 

5. In-Law 

6. Brother or Sister 

7. Mother or Father 

8. Other related person (Aunt, Uncle, etc) 

9. Unrelated Person (Lodger, Lodger's spouse, 

foster child, etc) 

10. Unmarried Partner 

35 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 SEX SEX Ask if not apparent goto AWAY_COL 

(Are you/Is Name) male or female? 

1. Male 

2. Female 

01 AWAY AWAY_COL Ask if not apparent 

_COL 

(Are you/Is Name) living away at college? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

01 HH_M HH_MEM (Do you/Does NAME) usually live here? 

EM 

Probe if usual place of residence 

elsewhere. 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> If 

CU_CODE1 = 1 goto 

AWAY_COL_CK 

ELSE goto 

FNAME for next 

person on grid 

<2, D, R> [goto 

HH_MEM] 

goto next line of grid 

PERC PERCUNUM ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-20> 

UNUM 

01 NONM NONMEMB ** OUT VARIABLE ** <Blank, 1> 

EMB 

01 NAME ** OUT VARIABLE ** <33 character> 

MEMBNO ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 HH_CODE1 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-10> 

36 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 CHECKS ** CHECK ITEM ** 1. Check to make sure 

all appropriate fields 

have been entered. If 

not display hard edit 

identifying 

the item that has 

been missed. 

Once the grid has 

been completed 

through hh_mem for 

all "active" members, 

do the following 

checks. 

2. If no reference 

person (CU_CODE1 = 

1) has been selected 

display hard edit 

message 

" * No reference 

person has been 

selected. 

A reference 

person MUST be 

selected before you 

can continue. " 

(List 

CU_CODE1 for row 1 

and Fname = 999 as 

the jumping point) 

3. If more than 1 

reference person 

(CU_CODE1 =1) has 

been selected then 

display hard edit 

message 

" * More than 1 

reference person has 

been selected. 

There can only 

be 1 reference person 

Please verify 

and correct. " 

(List CU_CODE1 

for row 1 as the 

jumping point) 

4. All others go to 

HHRESP 37 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 HHRE HHRESP * Ask if necessary <1-30, 95> go to 

SP 

With whom am I speaking? 

Enter line number 

1. NAME only[1] 

2. NAME only[2] 

3. NAME only[3] 

4. NAME only[4] 

5. NAME only[5] 

6. NAME only[6] 

7. NAME only[7] 

8. NAME only[8] 

9. NAME only[9] 

10. NAME only[10] 

11. NAME only[11] 

12. NAME only[12] 

13. NAME only[13] 

14. NAME only[14] 

15. NAME only[15] 

16. NAME only[16] 

17. NAME only[17] 

18. NAME only[18] 

19. NAME only[19] 

20. NAME only[20] 

21. NAME only[21] 

22. NAME only[22] 

23. NAME only[23] 

24. NAME only[24] 

25. NAME only[25] 

26. NAME only[26] 

27. NAME only[27] 

28. NAME only[28] 

29. NAME only[29] 

30. NAME only[30] 

95. Proxy Respondent 

MCHILD 

38 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

HHCHECK So I have (number of people listed on roster ) 

^PEOPLEPERSON living or staying here now. 

[Fill names from roster screen] 

<1> go to 

ADD_PERSON 

<2, D, R> go to 

CK_SUBFAMILY 

Is there anyone else living or staying here 

now -- any babies, small children, nonrelatives or anyone else? 

Please verify that the information on the 

screen is correct. You will not be able to alter 

the list of household members after this 

screen. 

01 ADD_PERSON 

1. Yes 

2. No 

hard Edit 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

[goto the field where 

Fname is 999] 

* Go back to grid to add person 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

Question involved 

| Value 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

Fname: First Name 

999 

Mchild/maway/ . . 

Yes, add new person 

_______________________________________ 

_______________________________________ 

__ 

| Close | | Goto | 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------

39 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 CK_SU CK_SUBFAMILY *CHECK ITEM* 1. If there are no nonBFAMI rels is the household 

LY who are cu/household 

members then, store 

line numbers 

in SUBFAM2(1,X) 

and goto 

SET_CUNUMBER 

2. If there are more 

than 1 non-rel who are 

CU/household 

members in the 

household 

(CU_CODE1 = 9) 

then goto 

SUBFAM1 

3. All others go to 

SET_SUBFAMS 

01 SUBFA SUBFAM1 Earlier you said that ^WasYouWere not 

M1 related to ^NAME. 

^AREYOU_ISNAME related to anyone else 

in this household? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [goto 

SUBFAM2] 

<2> [goto SUBFAM1 

for next unassigned 

non-rel] 

[if no more nonrels, goto 

SET_SUBFAMS] 

40 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 SUBFA SUBFAM2 Who (Are you/Is Name) related to? 

M2 

PROBE: Anyone else? 

Enter line number(s), separate with 

commas 

1. ^NAME only[1] 

2. ^NAME only[2] 

3. ^NAME only[3] 

4. ^NAME only[4] 

5. ^NAME only[5] 

6. ^NAME only[6] 

7. ^NAME only[7] 

8. ^NAME only[8] 

9. ^NAME only[9] 

10. ^NAME only[10] 

11. ^NAME only[11] 

12. ^NAME only[12] 

13. ^NAME only[13] 

14. ^NAME only[14] 

15. ^NAME only[15] 

16. ^NAME only[16] 

17. ^NAME only[17] 

18. ^NAME only[18] 

19. ^NAME only[19] 

20. ^NAME only[20] 

21. ^NAME only[21] 

22. ^NAME only[22] 

23. ^NAME only[23] 

24. ^NAME only[24] 

25. ^NAME only[25] 

26. ^NAME only[26] 

27. ^NAME only[27] 

28. ^NAME only[28] 

29. ^NAME only[29] 

30. ^NAME only[30] 

<1-30,D,R> [goto 

SUBFAM, for next 

unassigned non-rel] 

[If no more 

non-rels, goto 

SET_SUBFAMS] 

01 SET_SUBFAMS ** CHECK ITEM ** [goto OWNMONEY] 

01 

01 OWNM 

ONEY 

MEMLN 

OWNMONEY 

FR Instruction:Enter the line number(s) 

separated by commas 

^OWNMON 

[fill: Do/Does] [fill: (name(s) of persons in this 

subfamily)] pay for all [Fill: your/his/her/their] 

housing 

expenses with [fill: your/his/her/their] own 

money? 

<1-30> go to 

OWNMONEY 

<1,2,D,R> [goto 

OWNFOOD] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

41 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 OWNF OWNFOOD 

OOD 

fill: Do/Does] [fill: (name(s) of persons in this 

subfamily)] pay for all [fill: your/his/her/their] 

food 

expenses with [fill: your/his/her/their] own 

money? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1>[if OWNMONEY is 

1, goto OWNMONEY 

for next subfam; 

if no more subfams 

then goto 

UPDATE_SUBFAM] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

OWNEXP] 

01 OWNE OWNEXP [Fill: Do/Does] [fill: (name(s) of persons in 

XP this subfamily)] pay for all [fill: 

(your/his/her/their)] other 

living expenses such as clothing, 

transportation, 

etc., with [fill: your/his/her/their] own 

money? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [If OWNMONEY 

is 1 OR OWNFOOD is 

1, goto OWNMONEY 

for next 

subfamily: if no more 

subfamiles, goto 

UPDATE_SUBFAM] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

INHOUSE] 

01 INHOU INHOUSE Does all or part of the money to pay for <1> [goto SUPRT] 

SE ^HOUSNAM come from someone <2,D,R> [goto 

in this household? OWNMONEY for next 

subfamily] 

[if no more 

1. Yes subfamilies, goto 

2. No UPDATE_SUBFAM] 

42 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 SUPRT SUPRT Who is that person(s)? 

Enter line number(s), separate with 

commas 

1. ^NAME only[1] 

2. ^NAME only[2] 

3. ^NAME only[3] 

4. ^NAME only[4] 

5. ^NAME only[5] 

6. ^NAME only[6] 

7. ^NAME only[7] 

8. ^NAME only[8] 

9. ^NAME only[9] 

10. ^NAME only[10] 

11. ^NAME only[11] 

12. ^NAME only[12] 

13. ^NAME only[13] 

14. ^NAME only[14] 

15. ^NAME only[15] 

16. ^NAME only[16] 

17. ^NAME only[17] 

18. ^NAME only[18] 

19. ^NAME only[19] 

20. ^NAME only[20] 

21. ^NAME only[21] 

22. ^NAME only[22] 

23. ^NAME only[23] 

24. ^NAME only[24] 

25. ^NAME only[25] 

26. ^NAME only[26] 

27. ^NAME only[27] 

28. ^NAME only[28] 

29. ^NAME only[29] 

30. ^NAME only[30] 

<1-30,D,R> [goto 

OWNMONEY for next 

subfamily] 

[if no more, 

goto 

UPDATE_SUBFAM] 

01 UPDATE_SUBFA ** CHECK ITEM ** [goto 

M CONSUMER_UNITS] 

01 CONS CONSUMER_UNI HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS BROKEN INTO <1> [goto 

UMER TS APPROPRIATE CU's CU_INTRO] 

_UNIT 

S [Fill: TOTAL_CU] have been determined. 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

43 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 CU_IN 

TRO 

CU_INTRO [fill: *Read if necessary] 

During this interview, I will refer to the (fill: 

person/people) on your list. 

(If household has more than one CU, read: 

This is the person or group of related people 

in this household who are independent of 

everyone else in the household for payment 

of their major expenses.) 

The (fill: person/people I'm including on your 

list is/are (READ NAME(S)) 

<1> [goto AGE] 

[Fill: CU LIST ] 

01 

01 

AGE 

AGE2 

AGE 

AGE2 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

Screen 1----------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

As of today, how old Fill for is_are 

^YOU_NAME? 

* Ask if necessary 

[Fill: Are/Is] [Fill: you/he/she] under 16? 

<00-200> [goto 

HORIGIN] 

<D,R> [goto 

AGE2] 

<1,2,D,R> [goto 

HORIGIN] 

01 HORIG 

IN 

HORIGIN 

1. Yes 

2. No 

(Are you/Is Name) Hispanic, Latino, or 

Spanish? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [goto 

HISPANIC] 

<2, D, R> [goto 

RACE] 

44 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 HISPA HISPANIC Information Booklet Page Number[1] <1-5, D, R> [goto 

NIC 

[Fill: Are/Is] [Fill: you/name] -

Examples of "other" include - Argentinean, 

Colombian, Dominican, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, 

Spaniard 

RACE] 

<6> 

HISPOTH] 

 [goto 

1. Mexican? 

2. Mexican-American? 

3. Chicano? 

4. Puerto Rican? 

5. Cuban? 

6. Other? 

01 HISPO HISPOTH 

TH 

* Specify: <30 charact

[goto RACE] 

ers> 

01 RACE RACE Information Booklet Page Number[1] <1-3, 5-8, R> [goto 

MARITAL1] 

What is (your/name's) race? <4> [goto 

ASIAN] 

Probe if necessary <9> [goto 

RACESP] 

Enter all that apply, separate with 

commas 

Examples of "Other Pacific Islander" 

include - Fijian, Tongan 

1. White? 

2. Black or African American? 

3. American Indian or Alaska Native? 

4. Asian? 

5. Native Hawaiian? 

6. Guamanian or Chamorro? 

7. Samoan? 

8. Other Pacific Islander? 

9. Other 

10. Don't Know 

01 ASIAN ASIAN Information Booklet Page Number[1] <1-6, D, R> [goto 

MARITAL1] 

[fill: Are/Is] [Fill: you/name] - <7> [goto 

ASIANOTH] 

Examples of "other" include - Hmong, Laotian, 

Thai, Pakistani, Cambodian 

1. Chinese? 

2. Filipino? 

3. Japanese? 

4. Korean? 

5. Vietnamese? 

6. Asian Indian? 

7. Other? 

45 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 ASIAN ASIANOTH * Specify: <30 characters> [goto 

OTH MARITAL1] 

01 RACE RACESP * Specify other race <40 characters> 

SP [goto MARITAL1] 

01 MARIT MARITAL1 * Ask if not apparent <1-5,D,R> [if AGE ge 

AL1 14 or Agerng is 8 or 9 

(Are you/Is Name) now - goto EDUCA] 

[goto AGE 

for next member] 

1. Married? 

2. Widowed? 

3. Divorced? 

4. Separated? 

5. Never married? 

01 EDUC EDUCA Information Booklet Page Number[2] 

A 

What is the highest level of school ^EDUCA 

completed or the highest 

degree ^EDUCA received? 

1. No schooling completed, or less than 1 year 

2. Nursery, kindergarten, and elementary 

(grades 1-8) 

3. High school (9-12, no degree) 

4. High school graduate -- high school diploma 

or the equivalent (GED) 

5. Some college but no degree 

6. Associate's degree in college 

7. Bachelor's degree (BA, AB, BS, etc.) 

8. Master's, professional, or doctorate degree 

(MA, MS, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, etc.) 

<1-3,D,R> [if 

AGE=17-65 or 

(AGERNG is 8 or 9), 

goto ARM_FORC] 

[ELSE IF 

AGE ge 66 goto 

VETERAN] 

[else goto 

AGE for next member] 

<4-8> [goto 

IN_COLL] 

01 IN_CO IN_COLL (Are you/Is Name) currently enrolled in a <1-3,D,R> [If 

LL college or university either - AGE=17-65 or 

(agerng is 8 or 9), 

goto ARM_FORC] 

[ELSE IF AGE 

1. Full Time? ge 66 goto VETERAN] 

2. Part Time? [else goto 

3. Not at all? AGE for next member] 

VETER VETERAN Information Booklet Page Number[2] <1,2,D,R> [If this is 

AN the last person then 

Did ^YOU_NAME ever serve on Active Duty goto CHECK2] ] 

in the U.S. Armed Forces? [Else goto AGE for the 

next member] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

46 
 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 ARM_F ARM_FORC Information Booklet Page Number[2] 

ORC 

(Are you/Is Name) currently serving on Active 

Duty in the U.S. Armed Forces? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [If this is the last 

person, goto 

CHECK2] 

[ELSE goto AGE 

for the next person] 

<2, D, R> [If AGE ge 

17 or (AGERNG is 8 

or 9) then goto 

VETERAN] 

[Else goto AGE for 

the next person] 

01 AGER 

NG 

AGERNG ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-9> 

01 RACE1 RACE1 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RACE2 RACE2 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RACE3 RACE3 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RACE4 RACE4 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RACE5 RACE5 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RACE6 RACE6 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-6> 

01 RC_W 

HITE 

RC_WHITE ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1,R,Blank> 

01 RC_BL 

ACK 

RC_BLACK ** OUT VARIABLE ** <2,R,Blank> 

01 RC_NA 

TAM 

RC_NATAM ** OUT VARIABLE ** <3,R,Blank> 

01 RC_AS 

IAN 

RC_ASIAN ** OUT VARIABLE ** <4,R,Blank> 

RC_HA 

WAI 

RC_HAWAI **Out Variable** 

RC_G 

UAM 

RC_GUAM **Out Variable** <6,R,Blank> 

RC_SA 

MOA 

RC_SAMOA **Out Variable** <7,R,Blank> 

01 RC_PA 

CIL 

RC_PACIL ** OUT VARIABLE ** <5,R,Blank> 

01 RC_OT 

HER 

RC_OTHER ** OUT VARIABLE ** <6,R,Blank> 

01 RC_DK RC_DK ** OUT VARIABLE ** <7,R,Blank> 

01 RECSTATM *OUT VARIABLE* <1,3> 

01 CHECK2 ** CHECK ITEM ** 

01 CONT 

RIB 

CONTRIB Does more than one person in this 

household regularly contribute to the 

expense of items such as food, cleaning 

supplies, or paper products? 

<1> [ go to PURCH] 

<2> [go to BSNS_YN] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

47 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 PURC PURCH Does one person usually make the <1> [go to PURCHSR] 

H purchase? <2, D, R> [go to 

BSNS_YN] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

01 PURC PURCHASR Who? <1-30, D,R> go to 

HASR BSNS_YN 

Enter line number 

NOTE: Ask the person who usually makes 

the purchases to record the expenses for the 

shared items. 

01 BSNS_ BSNS_YN Are these living quarters used partly for <1> go to BSNSTYPE 

YN business or rented to others? <2,D,R> If 

PLACED_FLAG = 1 

goto MEMAWYW1, 

1. Yes else goto Section 2 

2. No 

01 BSNST BSNSTYPE *Ask if not apparent <1,2,3> go to 

YPE BUS_EXPN 

Is it for business, or rented to others, or 

both? 

1. Part Business 

2. Rented to others 

3. Both business and rented to others 

01 BUS_E BUS_EXPN What percent of the expenses is counted as a <"range" (000 -100)> 

XPN business expense? [if PLACED_FLAG = 1 

goto MEMAWYW1, 

Enter percentage Else goto Section 2] 

01 CUNU CUNUMBER ** OUT VARIABLE ** <01-99> 

MBER 

HH_N HH_NUM ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

UM 

01 MEML MEMLN123 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

N123 

01 MEML MEMLN456 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

N456 

01 NUMH NUMHOUSE ** OUT VARIABLE** 

OUSE 

01 RESPL RESPLINE ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30, 95> 

INE 

01 RESP RESPNAME ** OUT VARIABLE ** <32> characters? 

NAME 

01 SUPRT1 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT10 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT11 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT12 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

48 
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

01 SUPRT13 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT14 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT15 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT16 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT17 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT18 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT19 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT2 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1 - 30> 

01 SUPRT20 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT21 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT22 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT23 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT24 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT25 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT26 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT27 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT28 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT29 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT3 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT30 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT4 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT5 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT6 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT7 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT8 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-30> 

01 SUPRT9 <1-30> 

02 CENSID2 

02 S2_INT 

RO 

S2_INTRO Now I am going to ask about expenditures for 

your living quarters, food expenses and 

vehicles. 

<1> [goto ST_HOUS] 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

02 ST_HO 

US 

ST_HOUS Ask if not apparent 

Are these living quarters presently used 

as student housing by a 

college or university? 

<1> [goto 

GROCERXP] 

<2, D, R>

OWNED] 

 [goto 

1. Yes 

2. No 

49 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

02 OWNED Do you own this home? 

Include Cus with a mortgage as owners. 

<1> 

TYPOWND] 

<2, D, R> 

RENTED] 

 [goto 

 [goto 

02 TYPO 

WND 

TYPOWND 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Are these quarters owned by regular 

ownership or as a condominium or 

cooperative? 

<1-3, D, R> 

MORT] 

[goto 

In this survey, we consider a cooperative to 

be a property which is owned by a 

corporation. Each shareholder is entitled to 

occupy an individual unit. Is this what you 

mean? 

If the respondent answers "No" to the probe 

try to determine whether the ownership is 

"regular" or 

"condominium" and mark the appropriate 

box. 

02 RENTE 

D 

RENTED 

1. Regular ownership 

2. Condominium 

3. Cooperative 

Are your living quarters rented for cash 

rent or occupied without payment of cash 

rent? 

<1,2,D,R> [ goto 

GROCERXP ] 

02 MORT MORT 

1. Rented for cash 

2. Occupied without payment of cash rent 

Do you have a mortgage on this property? <1, 2, D, R> [ goto 

GROCERXP ] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

50 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

GROCERXP How much ^DoDoes (you/your household) 0,DK,RF: IF any CU 

USUALLY spend each week for groceries, members AGE less 

including food and non-food items? Please than 22 goto 

include in-person and online grocery PURCMEAL 

shopping and delivery. Include items like â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚ELS

prepared meal kits, personal health and E goto OWN_VEH 

wellness items, diapers, pet food, and home 

cleaning supplies but do NOT include 1-9999: IF entry = gt 

prescription drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or 700, goto 

other tobacco products. ERR1_GROCERXP 

â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚

*Include grocery home delivery service fees, ELSEIF any CU 

drinking water delivery fees. Also include members AGE less 

purchases made with government benefits such than 22 goto 

as SNAP and WIC EBT cards. PURCMEAL 

â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚â€‚ELS

E goto OWN_VEH 

GROC_RXP ** OUT VARIABLE ** <blank, A1> 

02 PURC 

MEAL 

PURCMEAL During the previous 30 days, have you (or or 

any of the people on your list) purchased any 

meals at school or in a preschool program 

for preschool or school age children? 

<1> [goto 

MEMB_SM] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

OWN_VEH] 

02 

02 

02 

02 

MEMB 

_SM 

SCHLN 

CHX 

SCHLN 

CHQ 

MEMB_SM 

SCHLNCHX 

SCHLNCHQ 

SCHL_CHX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

What are the names of all the people on your 

list who purchased meals at school? 

Enter line numbers for all that apply, 

separate with commas. 

What has been the usual weekly expense for 

the meals (Name) purchased at school? 

How many weeks in the past 30 days did 

(Name) purchase meals? 

** OUT VARIABLE ** 

<1-30> [goto 

02_CREATE] 

<D,R> [goto 

OWN_VEH] 

<0-9999,D,R> If 

SCHLNCHX is lt 1 or 

gt 35 goto 

SCHLNCHX_ERR1 

ELSE goto 

SCHLNCHQ 

<1-5,D,R> [goto 

SCHLNCHQ for next 

person] 

[if no more 

persons goto 

OWN_VEH] 

<blank, A1> 

51 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

02 OWN_ OWN_VEH Do (you/you or any of the people on your 

VEH list) list own an automobile, truck, or other 

vehicle? 

Do not include any vehicle which is used 

entirely for business purposes. 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [goto VEHQ] 

<2, D, R> [If 

PLACED_FLAG = 1 

goto S3A_INTRO, 

else goto FOUR_CK] 

02 VEHQ VEHQ How many? <1-99, D, R> If 

VEHQ gt 20 goto 

VEHQ_ERR1 

ELSE goto 

VEH_BUS] 

02 VEHQ_ ** OUT VARIABLE ** <blank, A1> 

S3A_I S3A_INTRO The next few questions are about income. <1> [goto 

NTRO We know people aren't used to discussing WKS_WRKD] 

their income, but please be assured that, like 

all other information you have provided, 

these answers will be kept strictly 

confidential. 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

04 WKS_ WKS_WRKD [fill:Now I am going to ask about ^NAME's <0> 

WRKD work experience and income.] [goto WHYNOWRK ] 

<1-52, D,R > 

In the past 12 months, including paid [goto HRSPERWK] 

vacation and sick leave, how many weeks did 

^YOU_NAME work? 

If CU member did not work, enter zero. 

04 HRSP HRSPERWK In the weeks that ^YOU_NAME worked, how <1-168 D,R> 

ERWK many hours did Fill for YOUHESHE usually [goto OCCULIST] 

work per week? 

52 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 OCCU 

LIST 

OCCULIST Information Booklet Page Number[3] 

Which of the following categories best 

describes the job in which ^YOU_NAME 

received the most earnings during the last 12 

months? 

Enter one code. 

<1-15 D,R> 

[goto EMPLTYPE ] 

04 EMPLT 

YPE 

EMPLTYPE 

1. Adminstrator, manager 

2. Teacher 

3. Professional 

4. Administrative support, including clerical 

5. Sales, retail 

6. Sales, business goods and services 

7. Technician 

8. Protective service 

9. Private household service 

10. Other service 

11. Machine or transportation operator, laborer 

12. Construction workers, mechanics 

13. Farming 

14. Forestry, fishing, groundskeeping 

15. Armed Forces 

^WERE_WAS ^YOU_NAME: <1-6, D, R> go to 

HAVEWAGE 

04 WHYN 

OWRK 

WHYNOWRK 

1. An employee of a PRIVATE company, 

business, or individual working for wages or 

salary? 

2. A FEDERAL government employee? 

3. A STATE government employee? 

4. A LOCAL government employee? 

5. Self-employed in ^YOURHISHER OWN 

business, partnership, professional practice, or 

farm? 

6. Working WITHOUT PAY in family business or 

farm? 

What was the main reason ^YOU_NAME did 

not work during the last 12 months? 

^WERE_WAS [fill: you/he/she] -

<1-6, D, R> go to 

HAVEWAGE 

1. Retired? 

2. Taking care of home/family? 

3. Going to school? 

4. Ill, disabled, unable to work? 

5. Unable to find work? 

6. Doing something else? 

53 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 HAVEWAGE ? [F1] 

The next few questions are about income 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, that is from 

^DATE1 TO ^DATE2... 

<1> 

[goto WAGEX] 

<2,D,R> 

[goto SEMPFRM] 

Did ^YOU_NAME receive any wages, salary, 

tips, bonuses, or commissions? 

04 WAGEX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

How much did ^YOU_NAME receive before 

taxes? 

<1-99999999> 

[goto GROSPAYX] 

<D,R> 

[goto WAGEB] 

04 WAGEB Information Booklet Page Number[4] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD A 

best reflects total wages and salaries for ALL 

JOBS during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-11,D,R> 

[goto GROSPAYX] 

04 

04 

04 

GROSPAYX 

PAYPERD 

PAYPRDOT 

1. $1-$4,999 

2. $5,000-$9,999 

3. $10,000-$14,999 

4. $15,000-$19,999 

5. $20,000-$29,999 

6. $30,000-$39,999 

7. $40,000-$49,999 

8. $50,000-$69,999 

9. $70,000-$89,999 

10. $90,000-$119,999 

11. $120,000 and over 

What was the amount of (your/name's) last 

pay before any deductions? 

What period of time did this cover? 

1. One week 

2. Two weeks 

3. Month 

4. Quarter 

5. Year 

6. Twice a month 

7. Other 

Specify: 

<1-99999999,D,R> 

[goto PAYPERD] 

<1-6,D,R> 

[goto PAYSTUB] 

<7> 

[goto PAYPRDOT] 

<40 characters> 

[goto PAYSTUB] 

54 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

PAYSTUB Does the respondent have a paper or 

electronic pay check record present for 

^HISHERNAMES last paycheck? 

<1,2,D,R> goto PVT 

04 PVT 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Was there any money deducted from 

(your/name's) pay forPrivate pension fund? 

<1> 

PVTX] 

<2,D,R> 

[goto GV] 

[goto 

04 

04 

PVTX 

GV 

1. Yes 

2. No 

How much? 

Was there any money deducted from 

(your/name's) pay forGovernment retirement? 

<1-99999999 D,R> 

[goto GV] 

<1> [goto 

GVX] 

<2,D,R> 

[goto RR] 

04 

04 

GVX 

RR 

1. Yes 

2. No 

How much? 

Was there any money deducted from 

(your/name's) pay forRailroad retirement? 

<1-99999999 D,R> 

[goto RR] 

<1> [goto 

RRX] 

<2,D,R> 

[goto SSDED] 

04 

04 

RRX 

SSDED 

1. Yes 

2. No 

How much? 

Was there any money deducted from 

(your/name's) pay forSocial Security including Medicare? 

<1-99999999 D,R> 

[goto SSDED] 

<1> [goto 

MEDICOV] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

SSNORM] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

55 
 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 

04 

SSNORM 

MEDICOV 

Are Social Security payments NORMALLY 

deducted from (your/name's) pay? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Does the money deducted for Social Security 

cover only the Medicare portion of Social 

Security? 

<1> [goto 

MEDICOV] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

EMPLCONT] 

<1,2,D,R> 

[goto EMPLCONT] 

04 EMPLCONT 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Other than Social Security, did any employer 

or union contribute to (your/name's) pension 

or retirement plan in the last 12 months? 

<1, 2, D, R> go to 

SEMPFRM 

1. Yes 

2. No 

SEMPFRM ? [F1] <1> go to 

SEMPFRMX 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS - <2, D, R> go to 

SOCSRRET 

Did ^YOU_NAME receive any selfemployment income or have a loss? 

(Report income from own businesses (farm 

or non-farm) including proprietorships and 

partnerships.) 

1. Yes 

2. No 

SEMPFRMX ? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

(-999999999 <= 

SEMPFRMX <= -1) 

OR (1 <= 

SEMPFRMX <= 

(Report net income after operating expenses. 

Include earnings as a tenant farmer or 

sharecropper.) 

999999999) go to 

SOCSRRET 

<D, R> go to 

SMPFRMB 

* If net income was a loss, precede amount with 

a â€ ̃-â€ ̃.

* Breakeven = 1. 

56 
 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

SEMPFRMB Information Booklet Page Number[4] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD A 

best reflects (your/name's) income or loss 

from self-employment during the PAST 12 

MONTHS? 

<0-11, D, R> go to 

SOCSRRET 

SOCSRRET 

0. Loss 

1. $1-$4,999 

2. $5,000-$9,999 

3. $10,000-$14,999 

4. $15,000-$19,999 

5. $20,000-$29,999 

6. $30,000-$39,999 

7. $40,000-$49,999 

8. $50,000-$69,999 

9. $70,000-$89,999 

10. $90,000-$119-999 

11. $120,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1> go to SSRRTX 

<2, D, R> go to 

US_SUPP 

Did ^YOU_NAME receive any Social Security 

or Railroad Retirement benefits? 

04 

04 

SS_RRX 

SS_RRB 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount of the last Social 

Security or Railroad Retirement payment 

received? 

Information Booklet Page Number[5] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD B 

best reflects the amount of (your/name's) last 

Social Security or Railroad Retirement 

payment during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-99999999> 

[goto MEDICARE] 

<D,R> 

[goto SS_RRB] 

<1-6, D, R> go to 

MEDICARE 

04 MEDICARE 

1. Less than $500 

2. $500-$699 

3. $700-$999 

4. $1,000-$1,299 

5. $1,300-$1,699 

6. $1,700 and over 

Is this amount AFTER the deduction for a 

Medicare premium? 

<1,2,D,R> 

[goto SS_RRQ] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

57 
 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 

04 

SS_RRQ 

US_SUPP 

During the past 12 months, how many Social 

Security or Railroad Retirement payments did 

^YOU_NAME receive? 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1-52,D,R> 

[goto US_SUPP] 

<1> go to SUPPX 

<2, D, R> go to IRA 

Did ^YOU_NAME receive any Supplemental 

Security Income (SSI) payments? 

04 

04 

SUPPX 

SUPPB 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the amount ^YOU_NAME 

received in Supplemental Security Income 

during the past 12 months? 

<1-99999999> go to 

IRA 

<D, R> go to SUPPB 

Skip instructions: 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

IRA 

04 IRA 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Did ^YOU_NAME contribute any money to 

retirement plans such as 401(k)s or Individual 

Retirement Accounts, also known as IRAs? 

Do not include rollovers. 

<1> go to IRAX 

<2, D, R> go to 

S04A_CHECK 

04 IRAX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

How much? <1-99999999,D,R> 

[goto S04A_CHECK] 

58 
 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 S03A_CHECK **CHECK ITEM** If no more persons 

with AGE gt or equal 

to 14, goto Section 

3B. 

04 GROS_AYX **OUT VARIABLE** 

Else, goto 

WKS_WRKD for the 

next person 

<blank, A1> 

04 WAGEX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 FEDTXX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 STATXX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 IRAX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 SS_RRX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 SS_RRQ_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 SUPPX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

MEMBNO **OUT VARIABLE** 

INTERDIV ? [F1] 

INTERDIVINTRO 

<1> go to INTRDVX 

<2, D, R> go to 

NETRENT 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any interest or dividends? Report 

even small amounts credited to an account. 

INTRDVX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

<1-999999999> go to 

NETRENT 

<D, R> go to 

INTRDVB 

59 
 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

INTRDVB Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the amount (you/you or any of 

the people on your list) received in interest or 

dividends during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

NETRENT 

NETRENT 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1> go to NETRENTX 

<2, D, R> go to 

ROYEST 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any net rental income or a loss? 

* Net rental income is the total amount after 

expenses. 

NETRENTX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

* The net amount is the total amount after 

expenses. 

* If income was a loss, precede amount with a 

â€ ̃-â€ ̃.

* Breakeven=1. 

(-999999999 <= 

NETRENTX <= -1) 

OR (1 <=NETRENTX 

<=999999999) go to 

ROYEST 

<D, R> go to 

NETRENTB 

60 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

NETRENTB Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total net rental income or 

loss during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<0-12, D, R> go to 

ROYEST 

ROYEST 

0. Loss 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1> go to ROYESTX 

<2, D, R> go to 

RETSURV 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any royalty income or income 

from estates and trusts? 

ROYESTX 

ROYESTB 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total amount received in 

royalty income or income from estates and 

trusts during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-99999999> go to 

RETSURV 

<D, R> go to 

ROYESTB 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

RETSURV 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

61 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

RETSURV ? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1> go to RETSURVX 

<2, D, R> go to 

OTHREG 

RETSURVX 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any retirement, survivor, or 

disability pensions? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount? 

(Do not include Social Security.) 

<1-99999999> go to 

OTHREG 

<D, R> go to 

RETSURVB 

RETSURVB 

OTHREG 

Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total amount received in 

retirement, survivor, or disability pensions 

during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1-12, D, R> go to 

OTHREG 

<1> go to OTHREGX 

<2, D, R> go to LUMP 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive income on a REGULAR basis 

from any other source such as Veteran's 

Administration (VA) payments, 

unemployment compensation, child support, 

or alimony? 

Do NOT include any monthly Child Tax Credit 

payments. 

1. Yes 

2. No 

62 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

OTHREGX 

OTHREGB 

? [F1] 

What was the amount from all sources? 

(Do not include lump sum payments such as 

money from an inheritance or sale of a 

home.) 

Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total amount received in 

Veteran's Administration (VA) payments, 

unemployment compensation, child support, 

or alimony during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-99999999> go to 

LUMP 

<D, R> go to 

OTHREGB 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

LUMP 

04 LUMP 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1> go to LUMPX 

<2, D, R> go to 

OTHIN 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any lump sum payments from 

insurance, estates, trusts, royalties, child 

support, alimony, prizes or games of chance, 

or from people who are not on your list? 

04 LUMPX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the total amount received 

^BY_ALL? 

<1-9999999> go to 

OTHIN 

<D, R> go to LUMPB 

63 
 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 LUMPB Information Booklet Page Number[6] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total lump sum payments 

during the PAST 12 MONTHS? 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

OTHIN 

04 OTHIN 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Did (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) receive any other money income, 

including money received from cash 

scholarships and fellowships, stipends not 

based on working, or from the care of foster 

children, not already reported? 

Do NOT include any monthly Child Tax Credit 

payments. 

<1> [goto OTHINX] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

ADDOTH] 

04 OTHINX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the total amount received 

^BY_ALL? 

<1-99999999> 

[goto FEDREF] 

<D,R> 

[goto ADDOTH] 

64 
 

 

 

 

 

 

04 

04 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 OTHINB Information Booklet Page Number[6] <1-12, D,R> 

[goto ADDOTH] 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total amount of other money 

income received during the PAST 12 

MONTHS? 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

04 ADDOTH DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS - <1> go to ADDTHX 

<2, D, R> go to 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your OCCEXPN 

list) PAY any inheritance or estate taxes? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

ADDOTHX What was the total amount PAID ^BY_ALL? <1-99999999,D,R> 

[goto OCCEXPN] 

OCCEXPN DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Did fill_YOU_ANY have any occupational 

expenses such as union dues, tools, 

uniforms, business or professional 

association dues, licenses, or permits? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

<1> [goto 

OCCEXPNX] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

REC_FS] 

04 

04 

OCCEXPNX 

REC_FS 

What was the total amount of these 

occupational expenses? 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Did you or anyone in this household receive 

Food Stamps or a Food Stamp benefit card? 

Include government benefits from the 

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance 

Program (SNAP). Do NOT include WIC or the 

National School Lunch Program. 

<1-99999999,D,R> 

[goto REC_FS] 

<1> [goto 

FS_MTHI] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

PAWELFAR] 

04 FS_MTHI 

1. Yes 

2. No 

In how many of the last 12 months were food 

stamps or EBTs received? 

<1-12, D, R> go to 

FS_AMT 

65 
 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 

04 

FS_AMT 

PAWELFAR 

What was the dollar value of the last food 

stamps or EBT received? 

? [F1] 

DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

<1-99999999,D,R> 

[goto PAWELFAR] 

<1> go to WELFRX 

<2, D, R> go to 

FREEMEAL 

Did [fill: you/you or any members of this 

household, including any children,] receive 

any welfare payments or cash assistance 

from the state or local welfare office? 

Please include even if only for one month. Do 

NOT include benefits from food, energy, or 

rental assistance programs. 

04 WELFRX 

1. Yes 

2. No 

? [F1] 

What was the amount for the PAST 12 

MONTHS? 

<1-99999999> go to 

FREEMEAL 

<D, R> go to 

WELFRB 

04 WELFRB Information Booklet Page Number[6] <1-12, D, R> go to 

FREEMEAL 

Could you tell me which range on CARD C 

best reflects the total amount of income from 

cash assistance from state or local 

government welfare programs during the 

PAST 12 MONTHS? 

1. $1-$999 

2. $1,000-$1,999 

3. $2,000-$2,999 

4. $3,000-$3,999 

5. $4,000-$4,999 

6. $5,000-$9,999 

7. $10,000-$14,999 

8. $15,000-$19,999 

9. $20,000-$29,999 

10. $30,000-$39,999 

11. $40,000-$49,999 

12. $50,000 and over 

04 FREEMEAL DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS -

Have (you/you or any of the people on your 

list) received any free meals at work as part 

of your pay? 

<1> [goto FREEMLX] 

<2,D,R> [goto 

RTASPAY] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

66 
 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

04 FREEMLX About what was the weekly dollar value of <1-999999,D,R> 

such meals? [goto MEALWKI] 

04 MEALWKI How many weeks did (you/you or any of the <01-52,D,R> [goto 

people on your list) receive such meals RTASPAY] 

during the last 12 months? 

04 RTASPAY DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS - <1> [goto 

RTCOMPX] 

Did (you/you or any of the people on your <2,D,R> [goto 

list) receive any free or reduced rent for this SEC4BFLG] 

unit as a form of pay? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

04 RTCOMPX What is the rental charge to another tenant <0-999999,D,R> 

for a similar unit? [goto RTCMPPD] 

04 RTCMPPD What period of time does this cover? <1-3,D,R> [goto 

SEC4BFLG] 

<4> [goto RTCM_SP] 

1. Week 

2. 2 Weeks 

3. Month 

4. Other 

04 RTCM_SP * Specify: <30 characters> 

[goto SEC3BFLG] 

04 WELFRX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 FS_AMT_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 LUMPX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 OTHINX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 ADDFEDX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 ADDSTAX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 ADDOTHX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 OCCE_PNX **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 FREEMLX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 RTCOMPX_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

04 MEALWKI_ **OUT VARIABLE** <blank, A1> 

Back AFTERMID ** CHECK ITEM ** 

INT_ACC Do you have high speed Internet access <1> goto INT_ABL 

available in your home or through a smart <2, 3, R> goto 

phone with a data plan? PLACE_PAPER 

1. Yes 

2. No 

3. Don't Know 

67 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

INT_ABL 

PLACE_ONLINE 

How often do you access the Internet? 

1. Daily 

2. A few times a week 

3. A few times a month 

4. Less than a few times a month 

5. Don't Know 

Enter 2 to place paper diaries if the entire 

household does not speak English. 

Ask if not apparent. 

<1,2> goto 

PLACE_ONLINE 

<3,4,5,R> goto 

PLACE_PAPER 

<1> GOTO 

USERNAMES 

<2,DK, R> GOTO 

WK1_ST1 

Would you prefer to record your household's 

expenses using an online diary or a paper 

diary? 

Show the respondent the online diary user guide 

and paper diary. 

PLACE_PAPER 

1. Online Diary 

2. Paper Diaries 

We would like you to complete these paper 

diaries. 

<1> goto WK1_ST1 

WDUSERID 

USERPIN 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

***OUT VARIABLE*** 

***OUT VARIABLE*** 

68 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

USERNAMES At this point in the interview I will show you 

how to log in and use the online diary. It 

would also be helpful if we look at the diary 

together using the device or devices you 

think you will be using to access your online 

diary throughout the next two weeks. 

<1> [goto 

USERNAMES_CK] 

<2> [goto 

NTYPE_W1] 

Provide the username and password to the 

respondent 

Provide the online diary website address: 

respond.census.gov/diary 

Instruct the respondent on how to use the 

online diary 

Be sure to go over with the respondent: 

- how to log in with their username and 

password (attempt to log in with a respondent, if 

they are willing) 

- creating shortcuts to the online diary 

- let the respondent(s) know that there are 

video tutorials available by clicking the Help link 

in the online 

diary 

Username 

Password 

WDUSERID 

USERPIN 

Was the Diary placed? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

69 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back WK1_ST1 Instruct the respondent on how to complete the 

Week 1 and Week 2 Diaries, transcribe the 

name(s) to the Diaries, and attempt to leave the 

Diary forms with the respondent. 

<1> [goto 

THANK_W1] 

<2> [goto 

NTYPE_W1] 

Discuss with the respondent the practice of 

saving receipts. 

Were the Diaries placed? 

RO Survey PSU PSU Frame Sample 

Sequence #1 Sequence #2 HH CU Spinoff 

Code State County 

Designation No. 

No. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------

---------

SITE (1-2) 

(12-15) 

(3-4) (5-7) (8) (9-11) 

(16-17) (18) (19-20) (21-22) 

Back NTYPE_W1 

1. Yes 

2. No 

What type of non-interview do you have? 

Type A = No one home, Refusal, Temporarily 

Absent 

Type B = Vacant, under construction, 

occupied by persons with URE 

Type C = Demolished, House moved, 

Merged, Condemned, Located on base, CU 

moved 

<1> [goto 

TYPEA_W1] 

<2> [goto 

TYPEB_W1] 

<3> [goto 

TYPEC_W1] 

1. TYPE A 

2. TYPE B 

3. TYPE Q 

Back TYPEA_W1 Enter TYPE A noninterview 

1. No one home 

2. Refused 

3. Temporarily Absent 

4. Other Type A - specify 

<1,3> [goto 

RACRF_W1] 

<2> [goto 

RFRSN_W1] 

<4> [goto 

TYPAS_W1] 

Back TYPAS 

_W1 

TYPAS_W1 Specify other TYPE A <30 characters> 

[goto RACRF_W1] 

70 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back RFRSN_W1 Enter type of refused 

1. Hostile Respondent 

2. Time Related Excuses 

<1-3> [goto 

RACRF_W1] 

<4> [goto 

RSN_S_W1] 

3. Language 

4. Other Refusal - specify 

Back RSN_S 

_W1 

RSN_S_W1 Specify type of refusal <45 characters> [goto 

RACRF_W1] 

Back TYPEB_W1 

Enter TYPE B noninterview 

<1-9> [goto 

BYOBS_W1] 

<10> [goto 

TYPBS_W1] 

1. Vacant (for rent) 

2. Vacant (for sale) 

3. Vacant (other) 

4. Occupied by persons with URE 

5. Under construction, not ready 

6. All persons under 16 

7. Unfit or to be demolished 

8. Unoccupied tent or trailer site 

9. Permit granted, construction not started 

10. Other Type B - specify 

Back TYPBS 

_W1 

TYPBS_W1 Specify other TYPE B <45 characters> 

[goto BYOBS_W1] 

Back TYPEC_W1 Enter TYPE C noninterview 

1. Demolished 

<1-12> [ goto 

BYOBS_W1] 

<13> [goto 

TYPCS_W1] 

2. House or Mobile Home moved 

3. Converted to permanent nonresidential use 

4. Merged with units in the same structure 

5. Condemned 

6. Located on military base (post) 

7. Unused serial # on listing sheet 

8. CU Moved 

9. ^TYPEMRGE 

10. ^TYPECSPWN 

11. Unit does not exist or unit is out of scope 

12. Unlocatable sample address 

13. Other Type C - specify 

Back TYPCS 

_W1 

TYPCS_W1 Specify other TYPE C <45 characters> 

[goto BYOBS_W1] 

71 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back BYOBS_W1 Did you classify this unit by observation only? <1> [goto DONE] 

<2> 

[CP1NAM_W1] 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Back CP1NAM_W1 

Enter contact person's name 

<42 characters> 

[goto CP1TITL_W1] 

Back CP1TITL_W1 Enter Contact person's title <20 characters> [goto 

CP1PHON_W1] 

Back CP1PHON_W1 Enter contact person's phone number 

Enter 0 for none. 

<10 digits> 

[goto CP1EXT_W1] 

<0, D, R> [goto 

CP1ADD1_W1] 

Back CP1EXT_W1 Enter contact person's phone number 

extension 

<00000-99999, D, R, 

Empty> [goto 

CP1PHTYP_W1] 

CP1PH 

TYP_ 

CP1PHTYP_W1 Is this a home, work, or cell number? [goto CP1ADD1_W1] 

W1 1. Home 

2. Work 

3. Cell 

Back CP1ADD1_W1 Enter contact person's street address <54 characters> 

[goto CP1ADD2_W1] 

Back CP1ADD2_W1 Enter second line of address if necessary <54 characters, 

empty> [goto 

CP1PO_W1] 

Back CP1PO_W1 Enter city <20 characters> 

[goto CP1ST_W1] 

Back CP1ST_W1 Enter state <2 Digit State codes, 

D, R> [goto 

CP1ZIP5_W1] 

Back CP1ZIP5_W1 Enter zip code <goto THANKYOU] 

Back RACRF_W1 Race of individual <1-8,D> [goto 

HH_MM_W1] 

1. White 

2. Black or African American 

3. American Indian or Alaska Native 

4. Asian 

5. Native Hawaiian 

6. Guamanian or Chamorro 

7. Samoan 

8. Other Pacific Islander 

Back HH_MM_W1 Number of household members: <1-30,D> [goto 

TENUR_W1] 

72 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back TENUR_W1 Tenure code goto THANKYOU 

1. Owned 

2. Rented 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

TYPAS 

_W2 

RSN_S 

_W2 

TYPBS 

_W2 

TYPCS 

_W2 

TYPAS_W2 

RSN_S_W2 

TYPBS_W2 

TYPCS_W2 

RACRF_W2 

Specify other TYPE A 

Specify type of refusal 

Specify other TYPE B 

Specify other TYPE C 

Race of individual 

Back 

Back 

HH_MM_W2 

TENUR_W2 

1. White 

2. Black or African American 

3. American Indian or Alaska Native 

4. Asian 

5. Native Hawaiian 

6. Guamanian or Chamorro 

7. Samoan 

8. Other Pacific Islander 

Number of household members: 

Tenure code 

Back THANK_W1 

1. Owned 

2. Rented 

^THANK_INSTRUCT 

^THANK_DATE 

Thank you. 

^THANK_RETURN 

[fill: 2. Select another date] 

EMAIL_REM 

Enter 1 to continue 

1: IF INSTAT1 ne 201, 

goto DONE 

ELSE goto 

APPTTIME 

2: goto APPTOTH 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

73 
 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back APPTOTH [fill: *DO NOT place Diaries. Roster section 1-31: goto APPTTIME 

not complete] 0,R: goto DONE 

* Missing Sections: Press shift-F5 to view 

the status table 

I'd like to schedule a DATE to [Fill: 

conduct/complete] the interview. May I 

return on 

[fill: * Diaries must be picked up within this 

range.] 

0. Battery problem 

1. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+15] or 

[CURRENTDATE]] 

2. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+16] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 1]] 

3. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+17] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 2]] 

4. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+18] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 3]] 

5. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+19] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 4]] 

6. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+20] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 5]] 

7. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+21] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 6]] 

8. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+22] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 7]] 

9. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+23] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 8]] 

10. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1+24] or 

[CURRENTDATE + 9]] 

11. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 10] 

12. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 11] 

13. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 12] 

14. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 13] 

15. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 14] 

16. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 15] 

17. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 16] 

18. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 17] 

19. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 18] 

20. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 19] 

21. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 20] 

22. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 21] 

23. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 22] 

24. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 23] 

25. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 24] 

26. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 25] 

27. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 26] 

28. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 27] 

29. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 28] 

30. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 29] 

31. [fill: DayName] [fill:[CURRENTDATE + 30] 

74 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back APPTTIME What TIME would be best to visit again? 

Enter the time in HH:MM am/pm format. 

Example 12:23 AM. 

IF entry = EMPTY 

then goto APPTNOTE 

ELSEIF (APPTOTH = 

INTDATE) AND 

(APPTTIME <= 

SYSTIME) then 

goto 

CK_APPTTIME 

else goto APPTNOTE] 

Back APPTNOTE Enter any appointment notes [goto NOSUN] 

Back NOSUN Goto DONE 

Would a Sunday interview be 

acceptable? 

0. BATTERY problem 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Back THANKYOU ^THANKYOU 

NOTE: Inform the respondent that a 

supervisor may call them to conduct re-interview. 

Explain re-interview as needed. 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

<1> 

[If PICK_UP1 in (201) 

or PICK_UP2 in (201) 

goto TELPV] 

[Else, goto 

NUMCALL] 

OPEN_ OPEN_CASE Do you need to keep the case open to complete Goto DONE 

CASE recall, including with receipts? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

OPENCASE_FLA 

G 

Back TELPV <1,2> [goto 

How did you collect MOST of the data for EXRECORD] 

this case? 

(Include follow-ups) 

1. By Personal Visit 

2. By Phone 

75 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

EXRECORD How were the expenditures recorded in the 

diaries for this case? 

(Include follow-ups) 

<1,2,3,4> [goto 

CONVREF] 

Mark all that apply. 

Back CONVREF 

1. By the respondent or someone else in the 

respondent's household 

2. By you (the interviewer) over the phone 

3. By you (the interviewer) in person 

4. By you (the interviewer) transcribed from 

receipts WITHOUT the respondent 

Was this a converted refusal? 

<1, 2> [goto 

RESPON] 

Back RESPON 

1. Yes 

2. No 

Enter the line number of the MAIN 

respondent. 

<1-30,95> 

OTHRESP] 

[goto 

Back OTHRESP 

[Display household roster] 

Enter the line number of ALL OTHER 

respondents. 

<0-30,95> [goto 

INFOBOOK] 

[display household roster] 

Back INFOBOOK 

Enter 0 For NONE 

Was the information booklet used during the 

interview? 

<1,2> [goto 

LANGUAGE] 

Back LANGUAGE 

1. Yes 

2. No 

In what language was the interview 

conducted? 

<1,2> [goto 

NUMVISIT] 

<3> [goto 

LANG_SP] 

Back 

Back 

LANG_SP 

NUMVISIT 

1. English 

2. Spanish 

3. Other 

Specify: 

Enter the total number of visits that were made 

to pick-up or place diary. 

<30 characters> 

[goto NUMVISIT] 

<1-30> [goto 

OTHVISIT] 

76 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back 

Back 

Back 

OTHVISIT 

NUMCALL 

CALLRESN 

Enter the number of other visits that were 

made. 

Enter the number of phone calls that were made 

to collect data. 

What was the reason for collecting 

data by telephone? 

<0-30> [goto 

NUMCALL] 

<0> [goto OTHCALL] 

<1-30> [goto 

CALLRESN] 

<1,2> [goto 

OTHCALL] 

<3> [goto CALLSP] 

Enter all that apply, separate with 

commas 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

CALLSP 

OTHCALL 

DONE 

SHOFINAL 

1. Collected missed items 

2. Additional respondents 

3. Other 

Specify: 

Enter the number of other Phone calls that 

were made? 

** CHECK ITEM ** 

OUTCOME: [Fill: OUTCOME] 

WEEK CODES 

<30 characters> 

[goto OTHCALL] 

<0-30> [goto DONE] 

[Goto SHOFINAL] 

<1> 

Week 1 Placement: [Fill: INSTAT1] 

Week 1 Pick up: [Fill: PICK_UP1] 

Week 2 Placement: [Fill: INSTAT2] 

Week 2 Pick up: [Fill: PICK_UP2] 

DATES 

Place Date [fill: PLCEDAT1] 

Pick up Date [fill: PICKDTE1] 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

Back 

SET_REINT 

PLCEDAT1 

PLCEDAT2 

FINCONDT 

FINFRCDE 

AREA 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

** CHECK ITEM ** 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

** OUT VARIABLE ** 

** OUT VARIABLE ** 

** OUT VARIABLE ** 

[EXIT INSTRUMENT] 

<8 digits> 

<8 digits> 

<MMDDYYYY> 

<8 characters> 

<3 digits> 

77 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Back NUMBER ** OUT VARIABLE ** <7 digits> 

Back 

Back 

Back 

INSTAT1 

INSTAT2 

CALLRSN1 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

<201, 216, 217, 321, 

322, 323, 324, 325, 

219, 224, 225, 226, 

326, 331, 332, 228, 

229, 231, 232, 233, 

240, 241, 243, 244, 

245, 247, 248, 252, 

258, 259, 290, 341, 

342,> 

<201, 216, 217, 320, 

321, 322, 

323,324,325, 219, 

224, 225, 226, 326, 

331, 332, 228, 229, 

231, 232, 233, 240, 

241, 243, 244, 245, 

247, 248, 252, 258, 

259, 290, 341, 342> 

<1> 

Back CALLRSN2 **OUT VARIABLE** <2> 

Back CALLRSN3 **OUT VARIABLE** <3> 

Back NUMVIS_T **OUT VARIABLE** <empty, A1> 

Back LANGUA_E ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1-3> 

Back LANG_SP2 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <30 characters> 

Back OTHRESP1 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <1> 

Back OTHRESP2 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <2> 

Back OTHRESP3 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <3> 

Back OTHRESP4 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <4> 

Back OTHRESP5 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <5> 

Back OTHRESP6 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <6> 

Back OTHRESP7 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <7> 

Back OTHRESP8 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <8> 

Back OTHRESP9 ** OUT VARIABLE ** <9> 

PLACED_FLAG 

PUD1 **OUT VARIABLE** <8 digits> 

PUD2 **OUT VARIABLE** <8 digits> 

LINE ** SHOW ONLY ** 

78 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Diary ENTRY ENTRYTYPE Enter 99 or click on the "CED" tab to exit the 

Additions TYPE RECALL/RECEIPTS tab. 

Only read question and answer text if necessary. 

Was this purchase for ... ? 

1. Food and Drinks for Home Consumption 

2. Meals, Snacks and Drinks Away from Home 

3. Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry and Accessories 

4. All Other Products, Services, and Expenses 

888. Delete the Line 

99. No more entries 

99: IF 

(ENTRYTYPE=2 and 

VENDOR is not 

EMPTY) then goto 

CK_ENTRYTYPE 

ELSE IF 

(ENTRYTYPE=1,3,4 

and ITEMDESC is not 

EMPTY) then goto 

CK_ENTRYTYPE 

ELSE exit table and 

return to interview 

888: Gray row and go 

to the next row. 

2: Goto VENDOR 

1,3,4: Goto 

ITEMDESC 

VEND 

OR 

VENDOR Which of the following categories best 

describes where you made this purchase? 

Goto COST_COM 

1. Fast Food, Take-out, Delivery, Concession 

2. Full Service Places 

3. Vending Machines or Mobile Vendors/Food 

Trucks 

4. Employer or School Cafeteria 

Diary 

Additions 

ITEMD 

ESC 

ITEMDESC ENTRYTYPE 

What did you buy or pay for? 

IF ENTRYTYPE = 1 

then goto PKG_TYPE 

ELSE goto 

COST_COM 

Diary 

Additions 

PKG_T 

YPE 

PKG_TYPE Was this ... ? Goto COST_COM 

1. Fresh 

2. Frozen 

3. Bottled/Canned 

4. Other 

79 
 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

Diary COST_ COST_COM (What was the TOTAL COST with tax and 

Additions COM tip?/What was the TOTAL COST without tax 

and tip?) 

IF (ENTRYTYPE=1 

and 

COST_COM>299) 

OR 

IF (ENTRYTYPE=2 

and 

COST_COM>999) 

OR 

IF (ENTRYTYPE=3 

and 

COST_COM>9999) 

OR 

IF (ENTRYTYPE=4 

and 

COST_COM>99999) 

Then goto 

ERR1_COST_COM 

ELSEIF ENTRYTYPE 

= 2 then goto 

ALC_HOL 

IF ENTRYTYPE= = 

3 then goto AGE_SEX 

ELSE goto OLTNAME 

Diary 

Additions 

AGE_S 

EX 

AGE_SEX What is the gender and age range for whom 

this was purchased? 

Goto OLTNAME 

Diary 

Additions 

Diary 

Additions 

ALC_H 

OL 

ALC_C 

OST 

OLTNA 

ME 

ALC_HOL 

ALC_COST 

OLTNAME 

1. Man, 16 & over 

2. Woman, 16 & over 

3. Boy, 2-15 

4. Girl, 2-15 

5. Child under 2 

Were alcoholic beverages included in the 

total cost? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

How much? 

Outlet_fill 

1: Goto ALC_COST 

2, DK, RF: Goto 

OLTNAME 

If 

ALC_COST>COST_C 

OM goto 

ERR1_ALC_COST 

ELSE Goto 

OLTNAME 

Goto PURCH_DATE 

80 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

DATE_SELECT On what date was this purchase made? Goto ANYRECPTS 

Diary 

Additions 

Diary 

Additions 

PURC 

H_DAT 

E 

ANYR 

ECPTS 

PURCH_DATE 

ANYRECPTS 

1. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+1]] 

2. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+2]] 

3. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+3]] 

4. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+4]] 

5. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+5]] 

6. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+6]] 

7. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+7]] 

8. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+8]] 

9. [fill: DayName] [fill: [PLCEDAT1+9]] 

10. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1+10]] 

11. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1 + 11]] 

12. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1 + 12]] 

13. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1 + 13]] 

14. [fill: DayName] [fill:[PLCEDAT1 + 14]] 

On what date was this purchase made? 

Was a receipt used for this recalled item? 

Goto ANYRECPTS 

Goto END_ROW 

Diary 

Additions 

Diary 

Additions 

Diary 

Additions 

CHAI CHI_TI 

ME 

END_ROW 

NEWITEM_FRCO 

DE 

NEWITEM_DATE 

NEWITEM_TIME 

CASEID_OUT_Inf 

o 

CHI_TIME 

1. Yes 

2. No 

** Not Displayed ** 

** Not Displayed ** 

** Not Displayed ** 

** Not Displayed ** 

** Not Displayed ** 

Go to next row 

FRONT CTRLNUM ** OUT VARIABLE ** <24 characters> 

BACK LANGUAGE * LANGUAGE If LANGUAGE = 1 

* Select the categories that describe this 

language situation. 

* Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

goto SPECLANG 

else goto RSPNDENT 

1. Specify language or dialect. 

2. No household member able to translate 

3. Contact RO about language problem 

4. Unable to find translator 

5. No time left to find translator 

CHAI CENSI CENSID2 

D2 

CHAI FPRIM FPRIMARY 

ARY 

81 
 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI CTATE CTATEMPT *CONTACT HISTORY INSTRUMENT <1> goto TIMEOFCT 

MPT *Are you making a contact attempt or just looking <2> exit CHI 

at a case? 

1. Contact attempt 

2. Looking at a case - exit CHI 

CHAI TIMEO TIMEOFCT * TIME OF CONTACT <1> goto PERORTEL 

FCT * Are you entering the Contact History <2> goto FR_DATE 

Instrument at the time of a contact attempt? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

CHAI MODE MODE Goto to CTSTATUS 

PERSONAL OR TELEPHONE 

Was this a personal or telephone contact 

attempt? 

1. Personal 

2. Telephone 

CALLD CALLDATE **OUT VARIABLE** 

ATE 

CHAI CNTC CNTCMNTH **OUT VARIABLE** 

MNTH 

CHI CNTC CNTCDAY **OUT VARIABLE** 

DAY 

CHAI CNTC CNTCYEAR **OUT VARIABLE** 

YEAR 

CHAI CNTCT CNTCTIME **OUT VARIABLE** 

IME 

FRCO FRCODE 

DE 

CHAI FRDAT FRDATE DATE OF CONTACT Goto FR_TIME 

E Enter the date of the contact attempt in 

MM/DD/YYYY format 

CHAI FRMN FRMNTH **OUT VARIABLE** 

TH 

CHAI FRDAY FRDAY **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI FRYEA FRYEAR **OUT VARIABLE** 

R 

CHAI FRTIM FRTIME TIME OF CONTACT Goto PERORTEL 

E Enter the time of the contact attempt in 

HH:MM am/pm format. 

CHAI CTSTA CTSTATUS CONTACT OR NONCONTACT <1> goto CTTYPE 

TUS Select the category that best describes <2> If PERORTEL =1, 

this attempt. goto NCTPER 

If PERORTEL =2, 

goto NCTTEL 

1. Contact with SAMPLE unit member 

2. Contact with NON-SAMPLE unit member 

3. Noncontact 

82 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI CTTYP 

E 

CTTYPE CONTACT 

Select the category that best describes 

this contact attempt. 

<1> goto RSPNDENT 

<2> goto NONINTER 

1. Completed case - ready to transmit 

2. Partial interview - follow-up required 

3. Unable to conduct interview 

CHAI NONIN 

TER 

NONINTER PARTIAL INTERVIEW OR UNABLE TO 

CONDUCT INTERVIEW 

Select the categories that describe why you 

were not able to conduct the interview during this 

contact attempt. 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

<4> goto LANGUAGE 

<6> goto TALKEDTO 

<7> goto CTOTHER 

<else> goto 

RSPNDENT 

1. Eligible person not available 

2. Inconvenient time 

3. Respondent is reluctant 

4. Language problem -specify 

5. Health problem 

6. Specify whom you talk with 

7. Successful paper questionnaire placement 

8. Other - specify 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_1 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_2 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_3 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_4 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_5 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_6 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_6 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_7 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_7 

CHAI UNABL 

ECOD 

UNABLECODE_8 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_8 

83 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

LANG LANGUAG LANGUAGE If LANGUAGE =1 

UAG Select the categories that describe this goto SPECLANG 

language situation. else goto RSPNDENT 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

1. Specify language or dialect 

2. No household member able to translate 

3. Contact RO about language problem 

4. Unable to find translator 

5. No time left fo find translator 

SPECL SPECLANG SPECIFY LANGUAGE OR DIALECT. goto RSPNDENT 

ANG 

TALKE TALKEDTO SPECIFY WHOM YOU TALKED TO Goto RSPNDENT 

DTO Specify with whom you talked. 

CTOT 

HER 

CTOTHER OTHER Contact Category 

Specify the reason for not completing the 

interview during this contact attempt. 

goto RSPNDENT 

CHAI LANG LANGUAGECODE **OUT VARIABLE** 

UAGE 

CODE 

_1 

_1 

CHAI LANG LANGUAGECODE **OUT VARIABLE** 

UAGE 

CODE 

_2 

_2 

CHAI LANG LANGUAGECODE **OUT VARIABLE** 

UAGE 

CODE 

_3 

_3 

CHAI LANG LANGUAGECODE **OUT VARIABLE** 

UAGE 

CODE 

_4 

_4 

CHAI LANG LANGUAGECODE **OUT VARIABLE** 

UAGE 

CODE 

_5 

_5 

84 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

RSPN 

DENT 

RSPNDENT CONCERN/BEHAVIOR/RELUCTANCE 

Select the categories that describe 

respondent concerns, behaviors, or reluctance 

during this contact attempt. 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

<23> goto 

RSPNDOTH 

<else> goto 

STRATEGS 

1. Not interested/Does not want to be bothered 

2. Too busy 

3. Interview takes too much time 

4. Breaks appointments (puts off FR indefinitely) 

5. Scheduling difficulties 

6. Survey is voluntary 

7. Privacy concerns 

8. Anti-govenment concerns 

9. Does not understand survey/Asks questions 

about the survey 

10. Survey content does not apply (retired, 

healthy, no crimes to report) 

11. Hang-up/slams door on FR 

12. Hostile or threatens FR 

13. Other household members tell respondent 

not to participate 

14. Talk only to specific household member 

15. Family issues 

16. Respondent requests same FR as last time 

17. Gave that information last time 

18. Asked too many personal questions last time 

19. Too many interviews 

20. Last interview took too long 

21. Intends to quit survey 

22. No concerns 

23. Other - specify 

RSPN 

DOTH 

RSPNDOTH OTHER 

CONCERNS/BEHAVIORS/RELUCTANCE 

Specify other concerns/behaviors/reluctance 

during this contact attempt. 

goto STRATEGS 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

RELUCTCODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_1 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

RELUCTCODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_2 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

RELUCTCODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_3 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

RELUCTCODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_4 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

RELUCTCODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

E_5 

85 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_6 

RELUCTCODE_6 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_7 

RELUCTCODE_7 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_8 

RELUCTCODE_8 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_9 

RELUCTCODE_9 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_10 

RELUCTCODE_10 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_11 

RELUCTCODE_11 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_12 

RELUCTCODE_12 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_13 

RELUCTCODE_13 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_14 

RELUCTCODE_14 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_15 

RELUCTCODE_15 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_16 

RELUCTCODE_16 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_17 

RELUCTCODE_17 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_18 

RELUCTCODE_18 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_19 

RELUCTCODE_19 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E 

RELUCTCODE_20 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_21 

RELUCTCODE_21 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI RELUC 

TCOD 

E_22 

RELUCTCODE_22 **OUT VARIABLE** 

86 
 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI RELUC RELUCTCODE_23 **OUT VARIABLE** 

TCOD 

E_23 

NCTTE 

L 

NCTTEL NONCONTACT / TELPHONE 

Select the categories that describe this 

telephone noncontact. 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

<7> goto 

NCTTELOT 

<else> goto 

STRATEGS 

1. Got answering machine/service 

2. No answer 

3. Busy Signal 

4. Disconnected 

5. Wrong number 

6. FAX number 

7. Other - specify 

NCTTE 

LOT 

NCTTELOT OTHER Noncontact Telphone Attempt 

Category 

Specify the details about this telephone 

noncontact. 

Goto STRATEGS 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_1 

NCTTELCODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_2 

NCTTELCODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_3 

NCTTELCODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_4 

NCTTELCODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_5 

NCTTELCODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_6 

NCTTELCODE_6 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTTE 

LCOD 

E_7 

NCTTELCODE_7 **OUT VARIABLE** 

87 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

NCTPE 

R 

NCTPER NONCONTACT / PERSONAL VISIT 

Select the categories that describe this 

personal visit noncontact. 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

<6> goto MRNDRIVE 

<13> goto 

NCTMOVED 

<14> goto 

NCTPEROT 

1. No one home 

2. No one home - - appointment broken 

3. No one home -- previous note / letter taken 

4. Household does not answer door - - evidence 

<else> goto 

STRATEGS 

someone is home 

5. Drive-by 

6. Multiple drive-bys - specify 

7. Unable to reach / locked gate / buzzer entry 

8. Address does not exist/unable to locate 

9. On vacation, away from home / at second 

home 

10. Spoke with neighbor 

11. Building management / doorman contact 

12. Completed case (Type B or C) 

13. Sample respondent moved - specify 

14. Other - specify 

NCTPE 

ROT 

NCTPEROT OTHER Noncontact Personal Visit 

Category 

Specify the details about this personal 

visit noncontact. 

goto STRATEGS 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_1 

NCTPERCODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_2 

NCTPERCODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_3 

NCTPERCODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_4 

NCTPERCODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_5 

NCTPERCODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_6 

NCTPERCODE_6 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_7 

NCTPERCODE_7 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_8 

NCTPERCODE_8 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_9 

NCTPERCODE_9 **OUT VARIABLE** 

88 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_10 

NCTPERCODE_1 

0 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_11 

NCTPERCODE_1 

1 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_12 

NCTPERCODE_1 

2 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE 

RCOD 

E_13 

NCTPERCODE_1 

3 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI NCTPE NCTPERCODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

RCOD 4 

E_14 

CHAI MRND MRNDRIVE DRIVE-BYS ATTEMPTED TODAY Goto AFTDRIVE 

RIVE How many drive bys were: 

Morning (12:00 - 11:59am)? 

Afternoon (12:00pm - 4:59pm)? 

Evening (5:00pm - 11:59pm)? 

CHAI AFTDR AFTDRIVE DRIVE-BYS ATTEMPTED TODAY Goto EVNDRIVE 

IVE How many drive bys were: 

Morning (12:00am - 11:59am)? 

Afternoon (12:00pm - 4:59pm)? 

Evening (5:00pm - 11:59pm)? 

CHAI EVND EVNDRIVE DRIVE-BYS ATTEMPTED TODAY Goto CONTINUE 

RIVE How many drive bys were: 

Morning (12:00am - 11:59am)? 

Afternoon (12:00pm - 4:59pm)? 

Evening (5:00pm - 11:59pm)? 

CONTI 

NUE 

CONTINUE CONTINUE 

Is ^TOTDRVBY the correct number of 

drive-bys attempted today? 

Enter 1 to continue or correct entry below. 

NCTM 

OVED 

NCTMOVED 

1. Enter 1 to Continue 

MOVED 

Select the categories that describe this move 

situation. 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

<5> goto 

MOVEDOTH 

<else> goto 

STRATEGS 

CHAI 

MOVE 

DOTH 

MOVE 

DCOD 

E_1 

MOVEDOTH 

MOVEDCODE_1 

1. Address unknown 

2. New address in FR's area 

3. New address - transfer to different RO/FR 

4. Further work need to get address 

5. Other - specify 

OTHER Non Contact Moved Category 

Specify the details about this move situation. 

**OUT VARIABLE** 

goto STRATEGS 

89 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI MOVE 

DCOD 

E_2 

MOVEDCODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI MOVE 

DCOD 

E_3 

MOVEDCODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI MOVE 

DCOD 

E_4 

MOVEDCODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI MOVE MOVEDCODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

DCOD 

E_5 

STRAT STRATEGS CONTACT STRATEGIES ATTEMPTED if STRATEGS =22 

EGS Select the categories that describe the goto STRATOTH 

strategies used on this contact attempt. else exit CHAI 

Enter all that apply, separate with commas. 

1. Advance letter given 

2. Scheduled appointment 

3. Left Note/appointment card 

4. Left promotional packet / informational 

brochure 

5. Called household 

6. Left message on answering machine 

7. FR will request No One Home Letter 

8. FR will request Refusal Letter 

9. FR will request Better Understanding Letter 

10. Called Contact Person 

11. Stake-Out 

12. Check with neighbors 

13. Contacted other family members 

14. Contacted property manager 

15. Visited country assessor/post office/permit 

office 

16. On-line tracking database 

17. Sought help from SFR/RO 

18. Reassignment 

19. Offered incentive 

20. Used MAF or ALMI 

21. None 

STRAT 

OTH 

STRATOTH 

22. Other - specify 

OTHER STRATEGY 

Specify the strategy used on this contact 

attempt. 

exit CHI 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_1 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_1 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_2 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_2 

90 
Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_3 

STRATCODE_3 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_4 

STRATCODE_4 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_5 

STRATCODE_5 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_6 

STRATCODE_6 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_7 

STRATCODE_7 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_8 

STRATCODE_8 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_9 

STRATCODE_9 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_10 

STRATCODE_10 **OUT VARIABLE* 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_11 

STRATCODE_11 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_12 

STRATCODE_12 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_13 

STRATCODE_13 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_14 

STRATCODE_14 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_15 

STRATCODE_15 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_16 

STRATCODE_16 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_17 

STRATCODE_17 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_18 

STRATCODE_18 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CHAI STRAT 

CODE 

_19 

STRATCODE_19 **OUT VARIABLE** 

91 
 

 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_20 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_20 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_21 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_21 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_22 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_22 

CHAI STRAT STRATCODE_23 **OUT VARIABLE** 

CODE 

_23 

FRONT OLDSITE ** OUT VARIABLE ** 

FRONT OLDFRCDE **OUT VARIABLE** 

FRONT SSFTEAM **OUT VARIABLE** 

FRONT FSTEAM **OUT VARIABLE** 

FRONT NEWMGT **OUT VARIABLE** 

01 MEMA MEMAWYW1 Were (you/you or any of the people on your <1,2, D, R> go to 

WYW1 list) away overnight for one day or more MEMAWYW2 

during your diary's first week of recording 

from ^PLCEDAT1+1 to ^PLCEDAT1+7? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

01 MEMA MEMAWYW2 Were (you/you or any of the people on your <1,2,D,R> go to 

WYW2 list) away overnight for one day or more SEC01FLG 

during your diary's second week of recording 

from ^PLCEDAT1+8 to ^PLCEDAT1+14? 

1. Yes 

2. No 

01 SEC01 SEC01FLG End of Section 1 

FLG 

SECTION1_FLG **OUT VARIABLE ** 

02 SEC02FLG 

SECTION2_FLG **OUT VARIABLE ** 

04 FOUR_ FOUR_CK This is the end of the first visit. The income <1> [goto 

CK questions are normally asked at the final visit, S3A_INTRO] 

but you may continue with those questions now if <2> [goto 

needed. AFTERMID] 

1. Continue with income 

2. Place Diaries 

SEC03FLG **CHECK ITEM** 

SECTION3_FLG **OUT VARIABLE ** 

DIARY_MODE ***Output Variable*** <0,1,2,3> 

92 
 

Consumer Expenditure Surveys Diary Questionnaire (CED) – April 2024 – March 2025 

Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) – Instrument Specifications 

QTYPE ** Not Displayed ** 

QTYPE2 ** Not Displayed ** 

8500_input_file ** NON-DISPLAYED FIELD ** 

Documentation of 8500 Record layout 

93