1 

OPLC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONSUMER 

EXPENDITURE SURVEY

VERSION: 2.0

DATE: 06/26/2013 

SUBMITTED BY: 

BILL PASSERO, JAY RYAN, ROB CAGE, SARA STANLEY, THESIA GARNER
2 

Version History 

Date Version Change description Author

04/19/2013 1.0 Original report approved by GEM

Steering and management

Bill Passero, Jay Ryan, 

Rob Cage, Sara 

Stanley, Thesia Garner

06/26/2013 2.0 Minor wording changes to title and 

body

Bill Passero

I. Background 

This report identifies the necessary minimum set of data elements the Consumer 

Expenditure Survey shall collect to satisfy the needs of the Consumer Expenditure 

Surveys Division (CE), the Consumer Prices and Price Indexes Division (CPI), and the 

Price and Index Number Research Division (PINR). The purposes of this report are 1) to 

provide a basis for ongoing survey redesign discussions and 2) to serve as a living 

document that will be updated with any changes in the priorities of the program offices 

represented. 

The mission of the CE is to collect, produce and disseminate information that presents a 

statistical picture of consumer spending for use by government agencies and private 

data users. First and foremost, these data are used by the CPI to estimate weights for 

the consumer goods and services classification structure used in calculation of its 

indexes, commonly referred to as the ‘market basket’ of consumer purchases. More 

specifically, the CPI uses CE data to estimate annualized expenditures, for the total 

urban population and the urban wage-earner population groups, for the CPI-U and CPIW price indexes. These expenditure weights are currently updated biennially. The CPI 

also uses CE data to estimate monthly expenditure weights for the urban population to 

construct the Chained CPI index series (C-CPI-U). Furthermore, the CPI uses 

annualized expenditure estimates from CE data to probabilistically select entry-level item 

categories for pricing in its C&S Pricing Survey, and to make certain quote-level weight 

adjustments to the sample of unique items priced in the survey (i.e., the percent-ofPOPs adjustment). 

For the CE itself, the objectives are threefold: 1) to disseminate data on consumer 

expenditures and demographic/socioeconomic characteristics in a number of formats, 2) 

to provide education and assistance in the use of the data; and 3) to conduct analytical 
3 

studies. The CE publishes tabulations of all expenditures nationally and for selected 

subgroups, provides comprehensive annual public-use microdata for the analysis of the 

expenditure patterns of individual consuming units in the U.S., and supports a variety of 

economic research, such as determining poverty thresholds and analyzing spending 

patterns by income level (CE Conceptual Framework, 2009). As an internal user of CE 

data, the PINR uses CE data in a number of different research projects. In cooperation 

with the Bureau of the Census, PINR is at the forefront of using CE data to produce the 

Supplemental Poverty Measure, an alternative to the historical income measures of 

poverty. 

Other Federal agencies are also prominent users of CE data. The Internal Revenue 

Service employs CE data to derive its optional state and local sales tax table. The U.S. 

Department of Agriculture produces its annual report on expenditures on children by 

families, a resource used in establishing child support and foster care guidelines, from 

CE data. As a final example, the Department of Defense uses CE data to compute cost 

of living allowances for Armed Forces families. 

The universe of CE data users extends to state governments, public policy think tanks, 

academic institutions, and private companies. Topics such as the distributional effects 

of consumption-based taxes, analysis of income and consumption inequality, and 

poverty measurement are addressed employing CE data. 

This document discusses those data requirements that enable the CE to fulfill its 

mission, but does not discuss survey design features necessary to meet those 

requirements. It addresses both expenditure and non-expenditure requirements. 

While these requirements satisfy the basic mission of the CE, each division desires 

additional features in terms of expenditure categories, non-expenditure data items, and 

other survey-related functionalities that would enhance the CE. These features are 

presented in Appendix E of this report. 

Section II presents the set of expenditure categories that the new CE survey must 

provide. Section III details the non-expenditure data items the survey must also collect. 

These consist of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics variables. In Section 
4 

IV, there are recommendations concerning qualities or features of the data assigned to 

these categories, such as population coverage and periodicity. 

II. Expenditure Categories 

A list of broadly-defined expenditure item categories has been developed that represent 

the minimum set of expenditures the redesigned CE survey must produce. These 

categories satisfy CPI’s expenditure class (EC) level of detail, but do not meet the level 

of elementary item stratum level (ELI) currently defined within CPI’s market basket 

structure. These categories will supply sufficient detail to support the production of 

publication tables and public-use microdata by the CE Division. In and of themselves, 

these categories are not required to be individually represented in these data products. 

They also provide the detail necessary to support the research agenda of the Price and 

Index Number Research Division, particularly for the development of the Supplemental 

Poverty Measure. 

In determining what constitutes an expenditure, decisions have been made concerning 

when an expenditure has been considered to occur, how it is to be valued, how it is paid 

for, and for whom the expenditure has been made. Expenditures are defined as the 

acquisition costs, including sales taxes, as measured by actual financial obligation at the 

time of acquisition in dollar terms, for any type of payment method, of all goods and 

services that are acquired from outside the consuming unit. To obtain the actual 

financial obligation or out-of-pocket expense, third-party reimbursements paid at the time 

of acquisition or at a later date should be accounted for in determining the amount of 

expenditure. The goods and services acquired are intended to increase the current 

economic well-being (or consumption) of the consuming unit. Goods and services 

acquired for persons outside the consuming unit (gifts) are included. Those purchases 

or portions of purchases directly assignable to business purposes are excluded. Also 

excluded are periodic credit or installment payments on goods or services already 

acquired. Goods and services obtained through non-financial means, such as home 

production, barter, and in-kind receipts do not qualify as well. 

The team used two base source documents as inputs to determine the expenditure 

categories needed to meet the requirements of each program. The CPI provided a 

spreadsheet that contained CPI EC, Item Strata, ELI, and Universal Classification Code 
5 

(UCC) detail that form the basis for creating the CPI market basket. An earlier version of 

this spreadsheet was part of the Casey paper from June 17, 2010 on CPI requirements 

for the CE. The CE requirements were outlined in Appendix C. Level of Expenditure 

Category Detail Required by CE of the data requirements overview document produced 

on May 24, 2011. The Appendix A presents the 126 expenditure categories decided 

upon by the team. Beside each category are listed the current expenditure items, 

designated by their UCC number, that comprise the item category. 

III. Nonexpenditure items 

While the primary goal of the CE survey is to collect accurate expenditure data on 

consumer purchases, there are nonexpenditure data items, such as demographic 

characteristics and socioeconomic variables that are required to satisfy the needs of the 

CE, CPI and PINR Divisions. These data items serve such functions as classification 

variables for the publication tables produced by the CE Division, as qualifying variables 

for eligibility of expenditures in producing market baskets for the CPI-U, CPI-W, and CPIE populations, and as explanatory variables in economic studies within PINR and the 

outside research community. 

Appendix B presents the nonexpenditure variables that must be collected in the 

redesigned CE survey. The first column shows the variable name while the second 

column shows the categories the variable should identify. While continuous variables 

are typically preferred, there are many numeric variables where less detailed categorical 

breakdowns are sufficient to meet the needs of the CE, CPI, and PINR Divisions. 

In addition, to provide insight into what variables were selected and how the breakdown 

categories were chosen, the team felt it would be useful to display under each variable, 

which division(s) required the variable, the general purpose for which it was needed, and 

the desired variable categories to fulfill that purpose. The CE Branch of the Statistical 

Methods Division (SMD) was included as there were some variables that were required 

for weighting and nonresponse adjustment. The third and fourth columns of the table 

show the division and rationale. 

Other useful demographic and socioeconomic variables may be collected as resources 

permit, but should not be considered integral to the core scope of the CE. They will 
6 

need to compete with other items for inclusion in the survey, based on available 

resources and respondent burden. 

IV. Other required data features 

Population. Coverage for the national, civilian, non-institutional population is necessary 

from the CE. In order to provide national coverage, the CE must measure spending in 

both urban and rural areas. 

Reference unit. To achieve its goal of collecting expenditure data from the U.S. civilian 

non-institutional population, the redesigned survey must be able to assign expenditure 

data to a reference unit composed of an individual or group of persons that behave as 

an organized unit in making expenditure decisions. More particularly this means either: 

1) a single financially-independent person living alone, sharing a household with others, 

or rooming in a private home, lodging house, or hotel, who does not share major 

expenditures with others, or 2) a group of persons, usually living together, who pool their 

income and make joint decisions regarding their major items of expense. The CE has 

identified this entity as a “consumer unit” or “CU” and it has been the historical collection 

unit since the 1972-73 survey. 

The consumer unit is very similar to, but may provide more accurate expenditure data 

than, a "household". The Census Bureau, the data collection agency for the CE, defines 

a household as all people living in a housing unit with a shared entrance. A household 

can include persons paying jointly for housing space but who do not share other living 

expenses. In addition, if household members are independent agents with respect to 

their spending decisions, it is unlikely any particular household member will know the 

expenditures of all other members, so the aggregate totals for the household are not 

collectible. 

The formal definition of a CU in the CE is: (1) all members of a particular household who 

are related by blood, marriage, adoption, or other legal arrangements; or (2) a person 

living alone or sharing a household with others or living as a roomer in a private home or 

lodging house or in permanent living quarters in a hotel or motel, but who is financially 

independent; or (3) two or more persons living together who pool their income to make 

joint expenditure decisions. 
7 

While the CU is the current choice as the reference unit for the organization of CE data, 

this may not be the case in the future. As living arrangements among people evolve, it 

may be that individuals will form new organizational units that are theoretically more 

appropriate than the CU, as currently defined, for CE purposes. Such units would still be 

required to make joint spending decisions and exhibit financial interdependence among 

their members. These are areas for further comparative research. 

Sample size. The sample size of the redesigned survey must be sufficient to allow the 

CPI to (1) produce reliable monthly expenditure estimates as needed for the C-CPI-U 

national index, and (2) replace its cost weights every two years for its national and 

subnational CPI-U and CPI-W indexes. This is considered a minimum requirement, 

since it would be optimal for the sample to be large enough to permit replacement of 

cost weights on an annual basis. However, it is highly unlikely that resources will be 

available to allow such an expansion. 

For the CE, the sample size must be large enough to provide a sufficient number of 

usable interviews to produce reliable annual estimates at the level of expenditure detail 

shown in Appendix C, both nationally and for the standard one-way tables currently 

produced. According to general guidelines from SMD, it is desirable that the CE’s 

highest-level expenditure estimates—the mean annual total expenditures per CU at the 

national level—have a coefficient of variation of one percent or less. The CE’s current 

publication criterion requires that expenditure estimates shown in the standard 

publication tables must have a coefficient of variation below 25 percent. The sample size 

must also be sufficient to guarantee that the public use microdata meet the U.S. Census 

Disclosure Review Board’s confidentiality requirements. 

Time period and periodicity. To support the CPI-U, annual expenditure estimates for 

calendar base-periods are required. The C-CPI-U requires expenditure estimates for 

each item-area in each calendar month. 

The CE data are currently published as annual tables containing the latest four quarters 

of information on a rolling basis every six months, with a potential shift to publication 

every three months. Therefore, the requirement for CE is to be able to identify the 
8 

quarter in which an expenditure was made and to publish data within six months of the 

end of each data collection quarter. In summary, the redesigned CE must be able to 

produce annual, quarterly, and monthly data to satisfy CE and CPI needs. 

Panel component. The CE Interview Survey estimates and microdata currently include 

four quarters of data from CUs from interview waves 2 - 5. This panel component allows 

microdata users to track spending for a CU over the course of an entire year. The CE 

considers the ability to support micro-level analyses over a 12-month period to be a 

requirement. This can be accomplished by either of two base designs: 

1. A design similar to the current Interview Survey design which collects a 

continuous 12 months of spending data 

2. A design based on collect spending data covering a minimum reference period of 

three months that are 12 months apart 

Here are other key features of the requirement for base design 1: 

 The reference period for collecting spending data is flexible. The current design 

meets this option since it collects the continuous 12 months of spending data 

through four interviews, each with a three month reference period. Alternatively, 

a design employing three interviews with a four month reference period over 12 

months would also meet the option. 

 The supporting data (demographics, income, assets and liabilities) must cover 

the same 12-month period as the expenditures. Data on income and assets and 

liabilities should be collected at the endpoints of the panel. The reference period 

for these items need not match the reference period for expenditures, as long as 

users will be able to calculate a 12-month estimate for income and the change in 

assets and liabilities that matches the 12-month time period for expenditures. 

 Information on the roster of household members, such as which members are 

living in the household, must be updated each interview. 

Here are other key features of the requirement for base design 2: 
9 

 The reference period for collecting spending and income data must be a 

minimum of three months. Thus, for example, a CU interviewed in January 2013 

would provide at a minimum expenditure and income data for October – 

December 2012. The CU would be interviewed again in January 2014 and 

provide at a minimum expenditure and income data for October – December 

2013. The reference period for expenditures and income do not need to be the 

same as long as users can estimate the 12-month change in both. 

 Demographic data and the stock value for assets and liabilities must be collected 

at each interview. 

 Information on the roster of household members, such as which members are 

living in the household, must be updated each interview. 

Here are other features of the overall requirement: 

 A synthetic panel does not meet the requirement since the survey will not collect 

sufficient information about each CU to permit a valid matching of expenditures 

between CU’s. 

 While the requirement is to collect data from the same CU over time, the design 

will not be based on “following” CUs that move from one location to another. 

 It is not required that the 12 months over which spending or income are 

measured match the calendar year. Thus, depending on the design chosen, a 

CU may be interviewed only one time within a calendar year. 

The CPI does not require the CE data to come from a panel of respondents. 

Full profile of spending in microdata. The redesigned CE survey must incorporate 

the capability of producing microdata files where a full profile of expenditures is available 

for each sampled unit for either design of the panel component. To the extent that the 

future redesign employs a variety of modes of primary data collection from sample units, 

(for example, by using a web diary, telephone interview, or scanner data), or 

incorporates data from secondary sources (administrative data, data from other specialpurpose expenditure surveys), a methodology to integrate the data from these multiple 

sources will also be required. 
10

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

Item Category Component UCC’S

1. Men's apparel 360110 Mens Suits

360120 Mens Sportcoats/Tailored Jackets

360210 Mens Coats And Jackets

360311 Mens Underwear

360312 Mens Hosiery

360320 Mens Nightwear/Loungewear

360330 Mens Accessories

360350 Mens Swimsuits/Warm-Up/Ski Suits

360340 Mens Sweaters And Vests

360410 Mens Shirts

360513 Mens Pants And Shorts

360901 Mens Uniforms

360902 Mens Costumes

2. Women's apparel 380110 Womens Coats And Jackets

380210 Womens Dresses

380311 Womens Sportcoats, Tail. Jkts

380312 Womens Vests And Sweaters

380313 Womens Shirts, Tops,Blouses

380320 Womens Skirts

380333 Womens Pants And Shorts

380510 Womens Suits

380410 Womens Sleepwear

380420 Womens Undergarments

380430 Womens Hosiery

380901 Womens Accessories

380340 Womens Swimsuits/Warm-Up/Ski Suit

380902 Womens Uniforms

380903 Womens Costumes

3. Children's apparel 370110 Boys Coats And Jackets

370120 Boys Sweaters

370130 Boys Shirts

370211 Boys Underwear

370212 Boys Nightwear

370213 Boys Hosiery

370220 Boys Accessories

370311 Boys Suits, Sportcoats,Vests

370314 Boys Pants And Shorts
11

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

3. Children's apparel – cont. 370904 Boys Swimsuits/Warm-Up/Ski Suits

370902 Boys Costumes

370903 Boys Uniforms

390110 Girls Coats And Jackets

390120 Girls Dresses, Suits

390210 Girls Shirts/Blouses/Sweaters

390223 Girls Skirts, Pants, And Shorts

390230 Girls Swimsuits/Warm-Up/Ski Suits

390310 Girls Underwear And Sleepwear

390321 Girls Hosiery

390322 Girls Accessories

390901 Girls Uniforms

390902 Girls Costumes

4. Footwear 400110 Mens Footwear

400210 Boys Footwear

400220 Girls Footwear

400310 Womens Footwear

5. Infants' and toddlers' apparel 410110 Infant Coat/Jacket/Snowsuit

410120 Infant Dresses/Outerwear

410130 Infant Undergarments

410140 Infant Nightwear/Loungewear

410901 Infants Accessories

6. Jewelry and watches 430110 Watches

430120 Jewelry

7. Gifts of clothing1

8. Educational books and supplies 660000 School Suppl., Etc. - Unspec.

660110 School Bk/Supl/Equip For College

660210 School Bk/Supl/Equip For Elem/Hs

660310 Encyl. Oth Sets Of Refrnce Bks

660410 School Bk/Supl/Equip For Voc/Tech

660901 School Bk/Supplies Day Care,Nurs

660902 School Bk/Supplies Other Schools

9. College tuition 670110 College Tuition

 

1

This category should be comprised of gifts of items in the men’s apparel, women’s apparel, children’s 

apparel, footwear, infants’ and toddlers’ apparel, and jewelry and watches categories. As such it 

represents a subset of the expenditures collected in its component item categories. Those categories will 

include all expenditures, both gift and non-gift. 
12

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

10. Other school tuition, tutoring, 

and test preparation

670210 Elem./H.S. Tuition

670410 Voc/ Tech School Tuition

670901 Other School Tuition

670902 Oth Sch Expenses Include Rentals

670903 Test Prep/Tutoring Services

11. Child care 340211 Babysit/Child Care Own Home

340212 Babysit/Child Care Other Home

670310 Day Care/Nurs/Prsch Exp Incl Tuit

12. Postage and delivery services 340110 Postage

340120 Delivery Services

13. Telephone services 270101 Residential Telephones/Pay Phones

270102 Cellular Phone Service

270104 Phone Cards

270105 Voice Over Ip Service

14. Internet services 690114 Computer Information Services

690116 Internet Services Away From Home

15. Information and information 

processing other than internet 

services2

310400 Apps/Games/Ringtones For Devices

320232 Telephones And Accessories

600903 Global Positioning System Device

690111 Compter/Compter Hrdwar N-Bus Use

690113 Repair-Cmptr,Cmptr Sys N-B

690115 Personal Digital Assistants

690117 Portable Memory

690118 Digital Book Readers

690119 Computer Software

690120 Computer Accessories

690210 Telephone Answering Devices

690230 Typwrits/Oth Off Mach Non-Bus Use

690310 Installation For Computers

16. Cereals and cereal products 010110 Flour

010120 Prepared Flour Mixes

010210 Cereal

010310 Rice

010320 Pasta Cornmeal Oth Cereal Prods

17. Bakery products 020110 White Bread

020210 Bread Other Than White

 

2

UCC 690112 COMPTER SFTWR/CMPTR ACC N-BUS USE deleted in 2011 
13

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

17. Bakery products – cont. 020310 Fresh Biscuits, Rolls, Muffins

020410 Cakes And Cupcakes

020510 Cookies

020610 Crackers

020620 Bread and Cracker Products

020710 Doughnuts,Sweetrolls,Coffecake

020810 Frozen & Refrig. Bakery Prod.

020820 Fresh Pies, Tarts, Turnovers

18. Beef and veal 030110 Ground Beef Exclude Canned

030210 Chuck Roast

030310 Round Roast

030410 Other Roast

030510 Round Steak

030610 Sirloin Steak

030710 Other Steak

030810 Other Beef (Exclude Canned)

19. Pork 040110 Bacon

040210 Pork Chops

040310 Ham (Exclude Canned)

040410 Other Pork

040510 Pork Sausage

040610 Canned Ham

20. Other meats 050110 Frankfurters

050210 Bologna, Liverwurst, Salami

050310 Other Lunchmeat

050410 Lamb And Organ Meats

050900 Mutton, Goat, Game

21. Poultry 060110 Fresh & Frozen Whole Chicken

060210 Fresh Or Frozen Chicken Parts

060310 Other Poultry

22. Fish and seafood 070110 Canned Fish And Seafood

070230 Fresh Fish & Shellfish

070240 Frozen Fish & Shellfish

23. Eggs 080110 Eggs

24. Dairy and related products 090110 Fresh Milk All Types

090210 Cream

100210 Cheese

100410 Ice Cream And Related Products
14

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

24. Dairy and related products –

cont.

100510 Other Dairy Products

160310 Non-Dairy Cream Substitutes

25. Fresh fruits 110110 Apples

110210 Bananas

110310 Oranges

110410 Other Fresh Fruits

110510 Citrus Fruits Excl. Oranges

26. Fresh vegetables 120110 Potatoes

120210 Lettuce

120310 Tomatoes

120410 Other Fresh Vegetables

27. Processed fruits and vegetables 130121 Frozen Fruits

130310 Canned Fruits

130320 Dried Fruits

140110 Frozen Vegetables

140210 Canned Beans

140220 Canned Corn

140230 Canned Vegetables Misc

140310 Other Processed Vegetables

140320 Other Peas

140330 Other Beans

140340 Other Vegetables Misc

28. Juices and nonalcoholic drinks 130110 Frozen Orange Juice

130122 Frozen Fruit Juices

130211 Fresh Fruit Juice

130212 Canned/Bottle Fruit Juice

140410 Frozen Vegetable Juices

140420 Fresh & Canned Vegetable Juices

170110 Cola Drinks

170210 Other Carbonated Drinks

170510 Noncarb Frut Flav/Lemade Nonfroz

170532 Bottled Water

170533 Sports Drinks

29. Beverage materials including 

coffee

170310 Roasted Coffee

170410 Instant/Freeze Dried Coffee

170520 Tea

170531 Other Noncarb. Beverages/Ice

30. Sugar and sweets 150110 Candy And Chewing Gum

150211 Sugar
15

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

30. Sugar and sweets – cont. 150212 Artificial Sweeteners

150310 Other Sweets

31. Fats and oils 100110 Butter

160110 Margarine

160211 Fats & Oils

160212 Salad Dressings

160320 Peanut Butter

32. Other foods 180110 Soup

180210 Frozen Meals

180220 Froz/Prep. Food Oth Than Meals

180310 Potato Chips And Other Snacks

180320 Nuts

180410 Salt/Other Seasonings & Spices

180420 Olives, Pickles, Relishes

180510 Sauces And Gravies

180520 Other Condiments

180611 Prepared Salads

180612 Prepared Desserts

180620 Baby Food

180710 Misc. Prepared Foods

180720 Vitamin Supplements

33. Lunch away from home 190111 Lunch At Fast Food

190112 Lunch At Full Service

190113 Lunch At Vending Machine

190114 Lunch At Employer

34. Dinner away from home 190211 Dinner At Fast Food

190212 Dinner At Full Service

190213 Dinner At Vending Machine

190214 Dinner At Employer

35. Breakfast, brunch, snacks and 

nonalcoholic beverages away from 

home

190311 Snacks At Fast Food

190312 Snacks At Full Service

190313 Snacks At Vend Machine

190314 Snacks At Employer

190321 Breakfast At Fast Food

190322 Breakfast At Full Service

190323 Breakfast At Vending Machine

190324 Breakfast At Employer
16

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

36. Gifts of food3

37. School meals 190901 Food Or Board While At School

790430 School Meals

38. Catered affairs 190902 Food And Bev For Catered Affairs

680310 Live Entertain. For Cat Affairs

680320 Rental Of Party Supp Cat Affairs

39. Food on out-of-town trips 190903 Food Out Of Town Trips

40. Food prepared by CU on out-oftown trips

 190904 Food Prepared By Consumer Unit On Out-

 Of-Town Trips

41. Meals as pay 800700 Meals As Pay

42. Beer, wine and other alcoholic 

beverages at home

200111 Beer And Alc At Home

200112 Non Alcoholic Beer

200210 Whiskey At Home

200310 Wine At Home

200410 Other Alcoholic Bev. At Home

43. Beer, wine and other alcoholic 

beverages away from home 

200511 Beer At Fast Food

200512 Beer At Full Service

200513 Beer At Vending Machine

200514 Beer At Employer

200515 Beer At Board

200516 Beer At Catered Affairs

200521 Wine At Fast Food

200522 Wine At Full Service

200523 Wine At Vending Machine

200524 Wine At Employer

200525 Wine At Board

200526 Wine At Catered Affairs

200531 Alc. Bev Exc Beer/Wine Fast Fd

200532 Alc. Bev Exc B/W Full Serv

200533 Alc. Bev B/W Vend Mach

200534 Alc Bev Exc B/W At Emp

200535 Alc Bev Exc B/W At Board

 

3

This category should be comprised of gifts of items in the food at home and food away from home 

categories. Once again, this represents a subset of expenditures in the component categories; all 

expenditures will be collected in those categories. 
17

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

43. Beer, wine and other alcoholic 

beverages away from home – cont.

200536 Oth Alc. Bev Away From Home

200900 Alc. Bev. Purchased On Trips

44. Tobacco and smoking products 630110 Cigarettes

630210 Other Tobacco Products

630220 Smoking Accessories

45. Personal care products 640110 Hair Care Products

640120 Non-Elec Articles For The Hair

640130 Wigs And Hairpieces

640210 Oral Hygiene Products,Articles

640220 Shaving Needs

640310 Cosmetics, Perfume, Bath Prep

640410 Deod,Fem Hyg, Misc. Pers. Care

640420 Electric Personal Care Appl.

640430 Adult Diapers

46. Personal care services 650310 Pers. Care Serv.

650900 Repair Of Pers. Care App.

47. Legal fees and financial 

expenses

620112 Credit Card Memberships

680110 Legal Fees

680210 Safe Deposit Box Rental

680220 Check Accts / Oth Bank Serv Chgs

680902 Accounting Fees

48. Funeral expenses 680140 Funeral Expense

680901 Cemetery Lots,Vaults,Maint Fees

49. Other apparel services 340520 Hshld Lndry,Drycln Not Coin-Op

340530 Coin-Op Hshld Lndry, Dry Cln

440110 Shoe Repair, Oth Shoe Service

440120 Coin-Op Apparel Ldry/Dry Clng

440130 Alter/Repair Of Apparel, Access

440140 Clothing Rental

440150 Watch And Jewelry Repair

440210 Apparel Lndry/Dry Clng N/Coin-Op

440900 Clothing Storage Outside The Home

50. Miscellaneous personal 

services4

 680903 Misc. Pers. Services

 

4

The CE Division will research remapping the Diary item codes that constitute "Misc. pers. services" when 

source selection for publication tables is reviewed.
18

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

51. Miscellaneous personal goods5

320130 Infants Equipment

330410 Stationery, Giftwrap, Etc.

430130 Luggage

52. Rent of primary residence 210110 Rent Of Dwelling

53. Rent as pay 800710 Rent As Pay

54. Lodging away from home 210210 Lodging Away From Home

210310 Housing For Someone At School

55. Owners' equivalent rent of 

primary residence

 910104 Rental Equivalence Of Owned Home

56. Owners' equivalent rent of 

vacation/second residence

910105 Rent Equiv Vac Home Not Avail Rnt

910106 Rent Equiv Vac Home Avail For Rnt

910107 Rental Equivalence For Timeshares

57. Household insurance*

6

220121 Homeowners Insurance Ownd

220122 Homeowners Insurance Ownv

350110 Renters Insurance

58. Fuel oil and other fuels* 250111 Fuel Oil Rntr

250112 Fuel Oil Ownd

250113 Fuel Oil Ownv

250114 Fuel Oil Rntv

250211 Gas, Bottled Or Tank Rntr

250212 Gas, Bottled Or Tank Ownd

250213 Gas,Bottled Or Tank - Ownv & Rvs

250214 Gas, Bottled Or Tank Rntv

250911 Other Fuels Rntr

250912 Other Fuels Ownd

250913 Other Fuels Ownv

250914 Other Fuels Rntv

 

5

The Requirements Team notes that this category is a collection of disparate items that should be 

examined for reassignment. 

6

To satisfy CE and CPI needs, the distinctions between owned/rented/owned vacation are required. The 

tenure status of the sample unit and the inventory of owned property can be used to distinguish renters 

from owners and owned sample units from owned vacation homes. These distinctions will apply to all 

categories marked with an asterisk, such as utilities, that are composed of UCC’s distinguishing owners 

and renters. 
19

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

59. Electricity* 260111 Electricity Rntr

260112 Electricity Ownd

260113 Electricity Ownv

260114 Electricity Rntv

60. Natural gas* 260211 Utility--Natural Gas Rntr

260212 Utility--Natural Gas Ownd

260213 Utility--Natural Gas Ownv

260214 Utility--Natural Gas Rntv

61. Water, sewer and trash 

collection services*

270211 Water And Sewerage Maint Rntr

270212 Water And Sewerage Maint Ownd

270213 Water And Sewerage Maint Ownv

270214 Water And Sewerage Maint Rntv

270411 Trash/Garbage Collect Rntr

270412 Trash/Garbage Collect Ownd

270413 Trash/Garbage Collect Ownv

270414 Trash/Garbage Collect Rntv

270901 Septic Tank Cleaning Rntr

270902 Septic Tank Cleaning Ownd

270903 Septic Tank Cleaning Ownv

270904 Septic Tank Cleaning Rented Vac

62. Floor coverings * 230121 Hrd Surface Floor Labor/Mat Rntr

230122 Hrd Surface Floor Labor/Mat Ownd

230123 Hrd Surface Floor Labor/Mat Ownv

230133 W/W Carpet Repl Ownd

230134 W/W Carpet Orig Rntr

320163 W/W Carpet Repl Rntr

320621 Flr Rep/Rpl Mat-Rntr/Udr Cn/Sc Hm

320622 Floor Repair/Repl Materials Ownd

320623 Floor Repair/Repl Materials Ownv

63. Household textiles 280110 Bathroom Linens

280120 Bedroom Linens

280130 Kitchen And Dining Room Linens

280210 Curtains And Drapes

280220 Slipcovers/Decorative Pillows

280900 Other Linens

320111 Floor Coverings (Non-Perm.)

320120 Window Coverings

64. Maintenance and repair 

supplies*

240111 Paint/Wallpaper And Supp Rntr

240112 Paint/Wallpaper And Supp Ownd
20

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

64. Maintenance and repair 

supplies* – cont.

240113 Paint/Wallpaper And Supp Ownv

240121 Equip For Paint/Wpaper Rntr

240122 Equip For Paint/Wpaper Ownd

240123 Equip For Paint/Wpaper Ownv

240211 Mat For Panl/Roof/Siding,Etc Rntr

240212 Mat For Panel/Siding, Etc Ownd

240213 Mat For Roof & Gutters, Ownd

240214 Mat For Panl/Roof/Siding, Etc, Ownv

240221 Mat For Patio,Masonry,Etc Rntr

240222 Mat For Patio,Masonry,Etc Ownd

240223 Mat For Patio,Masonry,Etc Ownv

240311 Plumbing Supp/Equip Rntr

240312 Plumbing Supp/Equip Ownd

240313 Plumbing Supp/Equip Ownv

240321 Elec Supp, Heat/Cool Equip Rntr

240322 Elec Supp,Heat/Cool Equip Ownd

240323 Elec Supp,Heat/Cool Equip Ownv

320611 Constrct Mat-Rntr/Udr Cn/Sec Hm

320612 Construction Mat Ownd

320613 Construction Mat Ownv

320631 Lndscping Mat-Rntr/Udr Cn/Sc Hm

320632 Landscaping Materials Ownd

320633 Landscaping Materials Ownv

65. Unpriced maintenance and 

repair services*

230112 Painting/Papering Labor/Mat Ownd

230113 Plmb/Wtr Heat Labor/Mat Ownd

230114 Heat/Ac/Elec Labor/Mat Ownd

230115 Roofing/Gutters Labor/Mat Ownd

230117 Repl Dishwash/Disp/Hood Rntr

230118 Repl Dishwash/Disp/Hood Ownd

230141 Repair-Displ/Dwshr/Rang Hd Rntr

230142 Repair-Displ/Dwshr/Rang Hd Ownd

230150 Rep/Maint Labor/Mat Rntr

230151 Oth Rep/Maint Labor/Mat Ownd

230152 Oth Rep/Maint Labor/Mat Ownv

230901 Property Management Ownd

230902 Prop Management Ownv

340620 Repair Of Household Appliances

340630 Reupholstery Of Furniture

340913 Repair Of Misc Hshld Eq/Fshgs
21

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

65. Unpriced maintenance and 

repair services* - cont.

990900 Rent/Inst Dwash/Hoods/Disposal

66. Furniture7

290110 Mattress And Springs

290120 Other Bedroom Furniture

290210 Sofas

290310 Living Room Chairs

290320 Living Room Tables

290410 Kitchen/Dining Room Furniture

290420 Infants Furniture

290430 Outdoor Furniture

290440 Wall Units, Cabinets, Occas Furn

320901 Office Furniture Home Use

340904 Rental Of Furniture

67. Appliances*

8

300111 Purch/Inst Refrig/Freezer Rntr

300112 Purch/Inst Refrig/Freezer Ownd

300211 Purch/Inst Clothes Washer Rntr

300212 Purch/Inst Clothes Washer Ownd

300221 Purch/Inst Clothes Dryer Rntr

300222 Purch/Inst Clothes Dryer Ownd

300311 Stoves, Ovens Rntr

300312 Stoves, Ovens Ownd

300321 Microwave Ovens Rntr

300322 Microwave Ovens Ownd

300331 Purch/Inst Port Dishwasher Rntr

300332 Purch/Inst Port Dishwasher Ownd

300411 Purch/Inst Window A/C Rntr

300412 Purch/Inst Window A/C Ownd

300900 Misc Household Appliances

320511 Electric Floor Cleaning Equip

320521 Small Electric Kitchen Appliances

320522 Portable Heating/Cooling Equip

340907 Rental Of Household Equipment

690241 Smoke Alarm Pur/Rent Rntr

 

7

The CPI and CE Divisions need to determine whether purchases and rentals of furniture should be 

combined or maintained as separate categories. 

8

The CPI and CE Divisions need to determine whether purchases and rentals of appliances should be 

combined or maintained as separate categories. 
22

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

67. Appliances*

8

– cont. 690242 Smoke Alarm Pur/Rent Ownd

690243 Smoke Alarm Pur/Rent Ownv

690244 Oth Hh Appl Rntr

690245 Oth Hh Appl Ownd

68. Other household equipment and 

furnishings

320220 Lamps And Lighting Fixtures

320233 Clocks And Other Hh Decor Items

320310 Plastic Dinnerware

320320 China And Other Dinnerware

320330 Flatware

320340 Glassware

320350 Silver Serving Pieces

320360 Other Serving Pieces

320370 Nonelectric Cookware

320380 Tableware/Non-Elec. Kitware

320903 Indoor Plants, Fresh Flowers

69. Tools, hardware, outdoor 

equipment and supplies

320150 Barbeque Grills And Outdoor Equip

320410 Lawn And Garden Equipment

320420 Power Tools

320430 Other Hardware

320902 Hand Tools

320904 Closet And Storage Items

320905 Misc. Household Equip/Parts

330511 Mat For Termte/Pst Cntrl Maintce

330610 Lawn And Garden Supplies

70. Housekeeping supplies 320140 Laundry And Cleaning Equip.

330110 Soaps And Detergents

330210 Other Laundry /Cleaning Prods.

330310 Paper Towels/Napkins/Toilet Ti

330510 Misc Household Products

71. Household operations 340310 Domestic Service

340410 Gardening/Lawn Care Service

340420 Water Softening Service

340510 Moving, Storage,Freight

340901 Rental/Repair-Tools,Lawn/Garden

340903 Misc. Home Services

340908 Rntl Off Equip Non-Bus Use

340911 Mngmt/Spec Ser/Security Ownd

340912 Mngmt/Spec Ser/Security Ownv

340914 Serv For Termt/Pst Cntrl*
23

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

71. Household operations – cont. 340915 Home Security Sys. Serv. Fee

72. Professional medical services 560110 Physicians Services

560210 Dental Services

560310 Eyecare Services

560400 Serv By Pros Oth Than Physicians

73. Adult care 340906 Care Of Invalids, Elderly, Etc

340910 Adult Day Care Centers

74. Hospital and related services 560330 Lab Tests, X-Rays

570111 Hospital Rooms & Services

570220 Care In Convl Or Nursing Home

570230 Other Medical Care Service

570240 Medcl Serv Incl In Hm Own Exp,3I

75. Commercial Health insurance 580111 Trd Fee For Srv Hlth P (No Bcbs)

580112 Trd Fee For Srv Hlth P (Bcbs)

580113 Pref Provider Hlth Pln (No Bcbs)

580114 Pref Provider Hlth Pln (Bcbs)

580311 Hlth Maint. Org (No Bcbs)

580312 Hlth Maint. Org (Bcbs)

580903 Coml Medicare Supplemnt (No Bcbs)

580904 Coml Medicare Supplement (Bcbs)

580905 Other Health Insurance (No Bcbs)

580906 Other Health Insurance (Bcbs)

76. Medicare payments 580901 Medicare Payments

77. Long term care insurance 580400 Long Term Care Insurance

78. Medicare prescription drug 

premiums

 580907 Medicare Pres. Drug Premiums

79. Medicinal drugs 540000 Prescription Drugs

550210 Over-The-Counter Drugs

550410 Nonprescrip Vitamins

630900 Marijuana

80. Medical equipment and supplies 550110 Eyeglasses And Contact Lenses

550310 Topicals And Dressings

550320 Medical Equip. For General Use

550330 Supportive/Conval Med. Equip.

550340 Hearing Aids
24

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

80. Medical equipment and supplies

- cont.

570901 Rental Of Medical/Surgical Equip

570902 Repair Of Medical Equipment

570903 Rental Of Supportive/Conval Equip

81. Video and audio9

270310 Cable/Satellite/Com Antenna Serv

270311 Satellite Radio Service

310140 Televisions

310210 Vcrs/Video Disc Players

310220 Video Cassettes/Tapes/Discs

310231 Video Game Software

310232 Video Game Hardware/Accessories

310241 Streaming Video Files

310242 Downloading Video Files

310311 Radios

310312 Phonographs

310313 Tape Recorders And Players

310314 Digital Audio Players

310315 Digital Media Players & Recorders

310320 Components/Component Systems

310331 Misc Sound Equipment

310332 Sound Equip Accessories

310334 Satellite Dishes

310335 Misc Video Equipment

310340 Records,Cds,Audio Tapes

310350 Streaming/Downloading Audio

310900 Access. For Electronic Equip.

340610 Repair Of Tv/Radio/Sound Equip

340902 Rental Of Televisions

340905 Rental Of Vcr/Radio/Sound Equip

480214 Vehicle Audio Equipment

480215 Vehicle Video Equipment

620912 Rntl Video Cass/Tapes/Discs/Films

620917 Rental Video Hardwr/Accessor

620918 Rental Video Software

620930 Online Entertainment and Games10

 

9

UCC 310230 VIDEO/COMP GAME HARDWARE/SOFTWARE and UCC 620916 RENTAL VIDEO/COMP 

GAME HARD/SOFT deleted in 2011 

10 The Requirements Team recommends that research be done to determine whether “Online 

entertainment and games” should be assigned here or to “Recreation services”.
25

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

81. Video and audio9

690320 Installation For Tvs

690330 Installation Satellite Tv Equip

690340 Installation Of Sound Systems

690350 Install Of Other Video/Sound Syst

82. Pets, pet products and services 610310 Pet Food

610320 Pet-Purchase/Supplies/Medicine

620410 Pet Services

620420 Vet Services

83. Sporting goods 600210 General Sport/Exercise Equip

600310 Bicycles

600410 Camping Equipment

600420 Hunting, Fishing Equipment

600430 Winter Sport Equipment

600901 Water Sport Equipment

600902 Other Sport Equipment

610120 Playground Equipment

620908 Rent/Repair Of Misc Sports Equ

84. Boats, RV's, and other 

recreational vehicles 

450900 Aircraft

460903 Used Aircraft

520901 Docking/Landing Fees

520904 Rental Non-Camper Trailer

520907 Boat/Trailer Rent Out Of Town

600110 Outboard Motor

600121 Boat W/O Motor/Boat Trailers

600122 Trail/Oth Attachable Campers

600132 Purchase Of Boat With Motor

600141 Purchase Of Motor Home

600142 Purchase Of Other Vehicle

620906 Rental Of Boat

620909 Rental Camper On Trips

620919 Rental Other Vehicles On Trips

620921 Rental Of Motor Home

620922 Rental Of Other Rvs

85. Amount recreational vehicle 

sold or reimbursed

860301 Amt Motor Home Sold/Reimb

860302 Amt Oth Vehicle Sold/Reimb

860600 Amt Boat With Motor Sold/Reim

860800 Amt Plane Sold/Reim

86. Photography 610210 Film

610220 Other Photographic Supplies
26

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

86. Photography – cont. 610230 Photographic Equipment

620320 Photographer Fees

620330 Film Processing

620905 Rent/Rep Photo Equip

87. Other recreational goods 610110 Toys Games Arts Crafts Tricycles

610130 Music Instruments/Accessories

610140 Stamp And Coin Collecting

610901 Fireworks

610902 Souvenirs

610903 Visual Goods

620904 Rent/Rep Music Instruments

88. Sewing 280230 Sewing Materials

320512 Sewing Machines

420110 Material For Making Clothes

420120 Sewing Notions, Patterns

89. Recreation services 610900 Recreation Expenses Out-Of-Town

620111 Social/Recre/Civic Club Membrshp

620115 Shopping Club Memb Fees

620121 Fees For Participant Sports

620122 Partic. Sports Out-Of-Town Tri

620310 Fees For Recreational Lessons

620710 Camp Fees

620903 Oth Ent Serv, Out-Of-Town Trip

680904 Dating Services

680905 Vacation Clubs

90. Movie, theater, sporting event, 

and other admissions

620211 Movie, Theater, Opera, Ballet

620212 Movie, Oth Adm. Out-Of-Town

620221 Admission To Sporting Events

620222 Adm To Sprts Events Out-Of-Tow

620913 Pinball/Electronic Video Games

620510 Admissions Misc

620610 Misc. Entertainment Services

91. Recreational reading materials 590220 Books Thru Book Clubs

590230 Books Not Thru Book Clubs

590310 Magazine/Newspaper Subscription

590410 Magazine/Newspaper Single Copy

590900 Newsletters

92. New cars and trucks 450110 New Cars

450210 New Trucks
27

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

93. Used cars and trucks 460110 Used Cars

460901 Used Trucks

94. Motorcycles 450220 New Motorcycles

460902 Used Motorcycles

95. Leased and rented vehicles 450310 Car Lease Payments

450313 Cash Downpayment/Car Lease

450314 Termination Fee/Car Lease

450410 Truck Lease Payments

450413 Cash Downpayment/Truck Lease

450414 Termination Fee/Truck Lease

520511 Auto Rental

520512 Auto Rental, Out-Of-Town Trips

520521 Truck Rental

520522 Truck Rental, Out-Of-Town Trip

520902 Motorcycle Rental

520903 Aircraft Rental

520905 Motorcycle Rental Out-Of-Town

520906 Aircraft Rental/Out-Of-Town Tr

96. Trade-in allowance, new cars 

and trucks

450116 Trade-In Allowance/New Cars

450216 Trade-In Allow/New Trucks

97. Trade-in allowance, new 

motorcycles

 450226 Trade-In Allow/New Motorcycles

98. Trade-in allowance, leased 

vehicles

450312 Trade-In Allowance/Car Lease

450412 Trade-In Allowance/Truck Lease

99. Amount car/truck sold or 

reimbursed

860100 Amt Auto Sold Or Reimbursed

860200 Amt Truck Sold Or Reimbursed

100. Amount motorcycle sold or 

reimbursed

 860500 Amt Motorcycle Sold/Reim

101. Motor fuel 470111 Gasoline

470112 Diesel Fuel

470113 Gasoline On Out Of Town Trips
28

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

102. Motor vehicle parts and 

equipment11

470211 Motor Oil

470212 Motor Oil On Out Of Town Trips

470220 Coolant/Additives/Brk/Trns Fld

480110 Tires Purchased/Replaced/Install

480212 Vehicle Products & Services

480213 Parts/Equip/Accessories

103. Motor vehicle maintenance 

and repair11

490000 Misc Auto Repair/Servicing

490110 Body Work And Painting

490211 Clutch, Transmission Repair

490212 Drive Shaft And Rear-End Repair

490221 Brake Work

490231 Repair To Steering Or Front End

490232 Repair To Engine Cooling System

490311 Motor Tune-Up

490312 Lube, Oil Change And Oil Filters

490313 Frnt End Align, Wheel Bal/Rotat

490314 Shock Absorber Replacement

490316 Gas Tank Repair/Replacement

490318 Tire Repair And Oth Repair Work

490319 Vehicle Air Condition Repair

490411 Exhaust System Repair

490412 Electrical System Repair

490413 Motor Repair/Replacement

490501 Vehicle Accessories Incl. Labor

490900 Auto Repair Service Policy

104. Motor vehicle insurance 500110 Vehicle Insurance

105. Motor vehicle fees 520111 Vehicle Registration State

520112 Vehicle Registration Local

520310 Drivers License

520410 Vehicle Inspection

520531 Prkng Fee In Hme City Excl Rsdnc

520532 Parking Fees, Out-Of-Town Trip

520541 Tolls Or Electronic Toll Passes

520542 Tolls On Out-Of-Town Trips

 

11 The Requirements Team recommends that "Motor vehicle parts and equipment" and "Motor vehicle 

maintenance and repair" be consolidated into one category. 
29

Appendix A. Expenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC

Data Requirements

105. Motor vehicle fees – cont. 520550 Towing Charges

520560 Global Positioning Services

620113 Automobile Service Clubs

106. Personal property taxes 950022 Personal Property Taxes

107. Airline fares 530110 Airline Fares

108. Other public transportation 530210 Intercity Bus Fares

530311 Intracity Mass Transit Fares

530312 Local Trans. Out Of Town Trips

530411 Taxi Fares On Trips

530412 Taxi Fares And Limousine Service

530510 Intercity Train Fares

530901 Ship Fares

530902 School Bus

530903 Car/Van Pool & Non-Motor Trans

109. Mortgage interest and 

charges*

220311 Mortgage Interest Ownd

220312 Mortgage Interest Ownv

220313 Interest, Lmp Sum Hm Eq Ln, Ownd

220314 Interest, Lmp Sum Hm Eq Ln, Ownv

880110 Interest, Hm Eq Ln (Crdt), Ownd

880210 Interst,Hm Eq Ln(Crdt), Oth Prop

880310 Interest, Hm Eq Ln (Crdt), Ownv

110. Property taxes* 220211 Property Taxes Ownd

220212 Property Taxes Ownv

111. Other housing expenses* 210901 Ground Rent Ownd

210902 Ground Rent Ownv

220901 Parking Ownd

220902 Parking Ownv

112. Miscellaneous 620925 Miscellaneous Fees

620926 Lotteries And Parimutuel Losses 

790600 Maint/Rep/Util Oth Prop

113. Occupational expenses 900002 Occupational Expenses (Quarterly)

114. All other gifts12

 

12 This category should be comprised of all other gifts, excluding clothing and food categories. 
30

115. Miscellaneous maintenance 

and repair supplies, renters*

790690 Constr Mat Job Not Strtd Rntr

990920 Mat For Add/Remod/Etc Rntr

990930 Mat Remod Etc Maint/Rep Ownd

990940 Mat Remod Etc Maint/Rep Ownv

116. Life and other personal 

insurance

002120 Other Non-Health Insurance

700110 Life/Endow/Annuit/Oth Pers Ins

117. Vehicle finance charges 510110 Automobile Finance Charges

510901 Truck Finance Charges

510902 Motorcycle & Plane Finance Chg

850300 Int Paid On Oth Veh

118. Finance charges excl. mortgage 

& vehicle

 710110 Finance Charges Excl Mort/Veh

119. Deductions for Social Security 800940 Deductions For Social Security

120. Payroll deductions to 

retirement plans

800910 Deductions For Government Retire

800920 Deductions For Railroad Retire

800931 Deductions For Private Pensions

121. Non-payroll deposit to 

retirement plans

 800932 Non-Payroll Deposit To Retire Plans

122. Alimony13

 800111 Alimony Expenditures

123. Child Support ..800121 Child Support Expenditures

124. Support for college students 800804 Support For College Students

125. Cash contrib. to charities, educ. 

& other organizations

800821 Cash Contrib. To Charities, Oth. Orgs.

800831 Cash Contrib. To Churches, Relig. Orgs.

800841 Cash Contrib. To Educational Orgs.

126. Other cash and non-cash gifts 800811 Gifts To Non-Cu - Stock, Bonds, Etc.

800851 Cash Contrib. To Political Orgs.

800861 Other Cash Gifts

 

13 Needed for tax simulation program 
31

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

Variable Categories Division Rationale

1. Relationship to 

reference person

Spouse, child, other related 

person, unmarried partner/ 

member

Spouse CPI CPI elderly index

Spouse, own child, other CE Publication tables

Spouse, child, other related 

person, unmarried 

partner/member

CE Tax simulation model

2. Age of member Continuous

Age of reference person: 62 or 

over (yes/no)

CPI CPI elderly index

Age of reference person: 

Continuous

CE Publication tables

Age of spouse: 62 or over 

(yes/no)

CPI CPI elderly index

Age of spouse: Continuous PINR Economic analysis

Age of member: 14-24, 25-34, 35-

44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75 and 

over

SMD Calibration weighting

Age of member: Under 18 

(yes/no); 65 and over (yes/no)

CE Publication tables

Age of member: Under 24 

(yes/no); under 18 (yes/no)

CE Tax simulation program

Age of member: Under 1 

(yes/no); under 5 (yes/no)

PINR Supplemental poverty 

measure – eligibility for WIC

Age of own child: Under 6 

(yes/no), 6 to 17 (yes/no), 18 and 

over (yes/no)

CE Publication tables – used in 

conjunction with 

relationship variable that 

identifies own child

3.Occupation of 

member

Administrator, manager, teacher 

& professionals; technicians, 

sales – business goods and 

services & Armed Forces; sales –

retail & administrative support 

(incl. clerical); private household 

Combined with Work 

status of member will 

satisfy OPLC occupation 

requirements
32

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

3. Occupation of 

member – cont.

service; protective & other 

services14; machine operator, 

assembler, inspector, 

transportation operator, 

handler, helper, laborer; 

farming, forestry, fishing, & 

groundskeeping; mechanics, 

repairers, precision production, 

construction, & mining; retired; 

all other (unemployed, working 

without pay, ill, disabled, unable 

to work, taking care of 

home/family, going to school, 

doing something else)

4. Work status of 

member

Salaried – private industry, 

salaried – government , selfemployed, working without pay

Combined with Occupation 

of member will satisfy 

OPLC occupation 

requirements

Occupation of member: Selfemployed workers; the following 

set of occupations: sales-retail; 

administrative support (incl. 

clerical); protective service; other 

service; machine operator, 

assembler, inspector; handler, 

helper, laborer; transportation 

operator; forestry, fishing, 

groundskeeping; mechanics, 

repairers, precision production;

construction, mining;

Armed Forces

CPI CPI-W – To qualify, 50% or 

more of total income must 

be from a specific set of 

occupations defined as 

clerical or wage earning.

Not eligible for any CPI 

population if 50% or more 

of total income is from 

Armed Forces

Occupation of member: Selfemployed workers; managers & 

professionals; technical sales & 

clerical workers; service workers;

construction workers and 

mechanics; operators, fabricators 

CE Publication tables

 

14 Examples of “other service” occupations are: child care worker, cook, food counter/fountain worker, 

food preparer, hairstylist, janitor, maid/houseman, orderly, waiter/waitress.
33

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

4. Work status of 

member – cont.

and laborers ;retired; all other CE Publication tables

Type of employment: Private 

enterprise wage earner, 

government employee, selfemployed in own enterprise, 

working without pay

CE Economic analysis

5. CBSA status Urban (yes/no) Not collected in instrument

Urban (yes/no) CPI CPI-U

6. MSA status Central city (inside MSA), other 

inside MSA, outside MSA

Not collected in 

instrument; Combined with 

Urban/rural will satisfy 

OPLC type of area 

requirements

7. Urban/rural Urban, rural Not collected in 

instrument; Combined with 

MSA status will satisfy 

OPLC type of area 

requirements

Type of area: Central city, other 

urban, rural

CE Publication tables

Type of area: Urban (yes/no) SMD Calibration weighting – use 

in conjunction with region

8. Type of building Single family/townhouse/ 

duplex, mobile home, other 

(apartment, college dormitory, 

etc.)

Single family/townhouse/duplex, 

other (apartment, mobile home, 

etc.)

CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustments

Mobile home (yes/no) CE Special table for BEA – used 

in conjunction with farm 

variable

9. Appliances 

included in home 

(renters)

Stove/range/oven, refrigerator/ 

freezer, dishwasher, washer, 

dryer
34

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

9. Appliances 

included in home 

(renters) – cont.

Stove/range/oven, refrigerator/ 

freezer, dishwasher, washer, 

dryer

CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustment of owner’s 

appliances – appliances in 

home when renter moved 

in

10. Number of 

bedrooms

Continuous

0-1, 2-3, 4 or more CPI

CE

Rental equivalence 

adjustments

11. Farm Based on $1,000 in farm sales15–

Yes, no

Based on $1,000 in farm sales –

Yes, no

CPI CPI-U

12. CU size Continuous

1 person, 2 persons, 3-4 persons, 

5+ persons

SMD Calibration weighting and 

nonresponse adjustment

1 person, 2 persons, 3 persons, 4 

persons, 5+ persons

CE Publication tables

Continuous CE Tax simulation program

13. Housing tenure Owner with mortgage, owner 

without mortgage, renter

Owner, renter SMD Calibration weighting and 

nonresponse adjustment

Owner with mortgage, owner 

without mortgage, renter

CE

PINR

Publication tables

Economic research

Owner, renter CPI Weights for selected items 

are adjusted by tenure 

status

14. Race of member Black, Asian, white and all other Mandated by OMB

Race of reference person: Black, 

Asian, white and all other

CE Publication tables

Race of reference person: Black, SMD Calibration weighting and 

 

15 The Requirements Team agrees that this definition should be researched since it seems to be out of 

date. 
35

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

14. Race of member

– cont.

nonblack SMD nonresponse adjustment

Race of member: Black, nonblack SMD Calibration weighting

15. Region New Census subregions Not collected in instrument

Northeast, Midwest, South, West SMD

CE

Calibration weighting and 

nonresponse adjustment

Publication tables

16. Weeks worked Continuous Combined with Age of 

member and Work status 

of member will satisfy 

OPLC earner requirements

Earner: 1) Member is 14 or over

2) Number of weeks worked > 0

3) Worked for pay (yes/no)

CE Publication tables

0-52 CE Economic analysis

Full-time worker: Worked 40 or 

more hours per week, worked 

less than 40 hours per week

CE Economic analysis

17. Reason for not 

working

Retired, taking care of 

home/family, going to school, ill/ 

disabled/unable to work, unable 

to find work, doing something 

else

Retired, taking care of 

home/family, going to school, ill/ 

disabled/unable to work, unable 

to find work, doing something 

else

CE Economic analysis

18. Sex of reference 

person

Male, female

Male, female CE Publication tables

19. Origin of 

reference person

Hispanic, non-Hispanic Mandated by OMB

Hispanic, non-Hispanic CE Publication tables
36

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

20. Education of

member

Elementary, less than high school 

graduate, high school graduate, 

some college, no degree, 

associate’s degree, bachelor’s 

degree, master’s/professional/

doctorate, never attended/other

Stub percent distribution (based 

on grade completed): Elementary 

(1-8), high school (9-12), college 

(13 and over), never 

attended/other (0)

CE Publication tables

Column header definition: Less 

than high school graduate, high 

school graduate, high school 

graduate with some college, 

associate’s degree, bachelor’s 

degree, master’s/professional/ 

doctoral degree

CE Publication tables

21. Population size Based on Census designation of 

Urbanized Area: Outside urban 

area, less than 100,000, 100,000 

to 249,999, 250,000 to 999,999, 

1,000,000 to 2,499,999, 

2,500,000 to 4,999,999, 

5,000,000 & over

Not collected in instrument

Outside urban area, less than 

100,000, 100,000 to 249,999, 

250,000 to 999,999, 1,000,000 to 

2,499,999, 2,500,000 to 

4,999,999, 5,000,000 & over

CE Publication tables

22. State FIPS state code Not collected in instrument

FIPS state code CE Tax simulation program

23. County FIPS county code Not collected in instrument

FIPS county code PINR Supplemental poverty 

measure

24. Zip Code 5-digit zip code Not collected in instrument
37

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

24. Zip Code – cont. 5-digit zip code CE

SMD

PINR

Nonresponse weighting 

adjustment – obtained via 

agreement with Census for 

info

25. Marital status of 

member

Married, not married

Married, not married CE Publication tables

Tax simulation program

26. Public housing Yes, no

Yes, no PINR Supplemental poverty 

measure

27. Rent subsidized Yes, no

Yes, no PINR Supplemental poverty 

measure

28. Property type Primary home, secondary home 

available for rent, secondary 

home unavailable for rent, 

timeshare, other

Primary home, secondary home 

available for rent, secondary 

home unavailable for rent, 

timeshare, other

CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustment

Vacation/second home: Yes, no CE Special table for BEA 

Timeshare: Yes, no CE Special table for BEA 

29. Percentage of 

property owned

Continuous

Continuous CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustment

30. Number of weeks 

per year owner can 

occupy timeshare

Continuous

Continuous CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustment
38

Appendix B. Nonexpenditure Item Categories Reconciling OPLC Data 

Requirements

31. Percent of time 

property rented/ 

available for rent to 

outside members

Continuous

Continuous CPI Rental equivalence 

adjustment

32. (Paradata 

variables - TBD)

Dependent on survey method

33. Wages and 

salaries – member 

level 

Continuous

Wages and salaries – CU level:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model

Wages and salaries – member

level: Continuous

CPI CPI-W 

34. Self-employment 

income – member 

level

Continuous

Self-employment income – CU 

level: Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model16

35. Social Security/ 

Railroad Retirement 

income – member 

level

Continuous

Social Security/ Railroad 

Retirement income – CU level:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

36. Supplemental 

Security income –

member level

Continuous

 

16 The tax simulation model uses earned income which consists of wages and salaries, and selfemployment income from nonfarm and farm businesses. Ideally income from each listed category would 

be attributable to specific members to allow assignment to each tax unit. 
39

36. Supplemental 

Security income –

member level – cont.

Supplemental Security income –

CU level: Continuous

CE

CE

CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

37. Interest/dividend 

income – member 

level

Continuous

Interest/dividend income – CU 

level: Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

38. Net rental 

income or loss – CU 

level

Continuous

Net rental income or loss – tax 

unit: Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

39. Royalty income 

and income from 

estates and trusts–

CU level

Continuous

Royalty income and income from 

estates and trusts – tax unit:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

40. Retirement, 

survivor or disability 

pension income – CU 

level

Continuous

Retirement, survivor or disability 

pension income – tax unit:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

41. Welfare 

payments or cash 

assistance from state 

or local welfare 

office - CU level

Continuous

Welfare payments or cash 

assistance from state or local 

welfare office – tax unit:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15
40

42. Cash value of 

Food Stamps or 

Electronic Benefit 

Transfers (EBT) 

received – CU level

Continuous

Cash value of Food Stamps or 

Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT) 

received – tax unit: Continuous

CE

CE

CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

43. Regular income 

from other sources, 

such as veterans’ 

(VA) payments, 

unemployment 

compensation, child 

support, or alimony 

– CU level

Continuous

Regular income from other 

sources, such as veterans’ (VA) 

payments, unemployment

compensation, child support, or 

alimony – tax unit: Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

44. Lump-sum 

payments from 

insurance, estates, 

trusts, royalties, 

child support, 

alimony, prize or 

games of chance, or 

from persons outside 

the CU – CU level

Continuous

Lump-sum payments from 

insurance, estates, trusts, 

royalties, child support, alimony, 

prize or games of chance, or from 

persons outside the CU – tax unit:

Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15
41

45. Other money 

income, including 

from cash scholarships and fellowships, stipends not 

based on working 

and the care of 

foster children – CU 

level

Continuous

Other money income, including 

from cash scholarships and 

fellowships, stipends not based

on working and the care of foster 

children – tax unit: Continuous

CE CE publication tables

Tax simulation model15

46. Assets and 

liabilities - total

Continuous

Continuous CE CE publication tables

47. Assets and 

liabilities – net 

change from 

previous year

Continuous

Continuous CE CE publication tables

48. Inventory of 

household durables

Cooking range, stove or oven; 

refrigerator; home freezer; builtin dishwasher; portable 

dishwasher; clothes washer; 

clothes dryer

Household durables listed above 

to be collected in 2013 Interview 

Survey questionnaire

CE

PINR

Economic analyses

49. Inventory of 

vehicles

All owned/leased vehicles

All owned/leased vehicles CE CE publication tables
42

Appendix C. Future CE Publications Stub

Expenditure category

Average annual expenditures

Food

Food at home

Cereals, grains, and bakery products

Beef, pork & other meats

Poultry, fish and seafood, and eggs

Dairy products

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Processed fruits and vegetables

Prepared foods, chips, nuts and other snacks, condiments &

 seasonings

Sugar and other sweets

Fats and oils

Nonalcoholic beverages

Food away from home

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast, brunch, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages

Other food away from home

Alcoholic beverages

At home

Away from home

Housing

Shelter

Owned dwellings

Mortgage interest and charges

Property taxes

Homeowners insurance

Maintenance and repair

Other owner's expenses
43

Appendix C. Future CE Publications Stub

Expenditure category

Rented dwellings

Rent

Other renter's expenses

Owned vacation homes and other properties

Lodging on out-of-town trips

Utilities, fuels, and public services

Natural gas

Electricity

Fuel oil and other fuels

Telephone services

Water and other public services

Household operations

Personal services

Child care

Adult care

Other household operations

Computer information services

Other household expenses

Housekeeping supplies

Household furnishings and equipment

Household textiles

Furniture, floor & window coverings

Appliances

Miscellaneous household equipment

Housewares & household decorative items

Information processing and communication equipment

Other household equipment

Apparel and services

Men’s apparel

Women’s apparel
44

Appendix C. Future CE Publications Stub

Expenditure category

Apparel for children, 2 to 15

Footwear

Children under 2

Other apparel products and services

Transportation

Vehicle purchases (net outlay)

Cars and trucks, new

Cars and trucks, used

Motorcycles (alternatively incl. with rec. vehic.)

Gasoline and motor oil

Other vehicle expenses

Vehicle finance charges

Maintenance and repairs

Vehicle insurance

Vehicle rental, leases, licenses, and other charges 

Leased and rented vehicles

Miscellaneous vehicle expenses

Public transportation

Airline fares

Other public transportation expenses

Healthcare

Health insurance

Medicare payments

Medicare prescription drug, Medicare supplements, long term

 care, and other health insurance

Medical services

Professional medical services

Hospital and related services

Drugs

Medical supplies
45

Appendix C. Future CE Publications Stub

Expenditure category

Entertainment

Movie, theater, sporting event and other admissions

Audio and visual equipment and services

Pets, toys, hobbies, and playground equipment

Pets

Toys, games, hobbies, incl. photography

Other entertainment supplies, equipment, and services 

Boats, RV's, and other recreational vehicles

Sports, recreation and exercise equipment

Recreation services 

Personal care products and services

Personal care products

Personal care services

Reading

Education

College tuition

Other school tuition, tutoring and test preparation

School books, supplies, and other expenses

Tobacco products and smoking supplies

Miscellaneous

Finance charges excluding mortgage and vehicle

Legal fees and financial expenses

Funeral expenses

Other miscellaneous expenses

Cash contributions

Alimony, child support and support for college students

Cash contributions to churches, charities, educational and

 other organizations 

Other cash and non-cash gifts

Personal insurance and pensions
46

Appendix C. Future CE Publications Stub

Expenditure category

Life and other personal insurance

Pensions and Social Security

Deductions for Social Security

Payroll deductions to retirement plans

Non-payroll deposit to retirement plans

Addenda 

Gifts of goods and services

Estimated monthly rental value of owned home

Estimated monthly rental value of vacation home

Sale/reimbursement of cars and trucks

Sale/reimbursement of other vehicles

Personal property taxes
47

Appendix D. Summary of the requirements 

Category Requirement

1. Expenditures A minimum set of 126 expenditure item categories has been 

assembled that will satisfy the current needs of the three 

divisions. The new survey should collect data that can 

produce estimates for these categories.

2. Non-expenditure items A minimum set of 49 demographic and socioeconomic 

variables that function as classification variables for 

publication tables, qualifying variables for eligibility in CPI 

indexes, explanatory variables common in economic analysis, 

and processing variables for weighting and nonresponse 

adjustment. They include geographic detail, income, assets

and liabilities, and inventories of vehicles and household 

durables.

3. Population Sufficient coverage data for the national, civilian, noninstitutional population including data for urban and rural 

areas is required. No change to current requirements

4. Collection unit An individual or group of persons that behave as an organized 

unit in making expenditure decisions. It is embodied by the 

current survey entity, “consumer unit” or “CU”.

5. Sample size The sample size should be sufficient: 1) to produce reliable 

monthly expenditure estimates as needed for the C-CPI-U, 2) 

to allow the CPI to replace its cost weights every two years for 

national and subnational indexes, 3) to allow the CE to 

produce reliable annual estimates for the required level of 

expenditure detail both nationally and for standard one-way 

tables currently produced, and 4) to allow the CE to produce 

microdata that meets Census’s confidentiality requirements.

6. Time period and periodicity The production of annual, quarterly, and monthly data is 

necessary to satisfy CE and CPI needs.

7. Panel component The ability to measure the change in spending over a 12-

month period for a CU is required. If monthly data are not 

collected, the 12-month change must be based on estimates 

over a minimum 3-month reference period that are one year 

apart. Supporting data (demographics, income, assets/ 

liabilities) must cover same 12 month period as expenditures. 

Income and assets/liabilities should be collected at endpoints 

of survey. (12-month period for spending and supporting data 

need not match calendar year.) Information on CU members 

should be updated at each visit.

8. Full profile of spending in 

microdata

Capability of producing microdata files where a full profile of 

expenditures is available for each sampled unit
48

Appendix E. Enhancements for the Redesigned CE Survey 

This report describes the minimum set of requirements that the redesigned CE survey 

should incorporate to satisfy the needs of the CE, CPI and PINR Divisions. Were 

resources available, these are a number of additional features that could be added to 

the survey that would enhance its utility in meeting the mission of the survey. Following 

is a brief description of some of these potential enhancements. 

Additional variables for the production of the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM): 

There are a number of variables in the current CE design that are used in the production 

of the SPM, some of which are carried over into the requirements for the redesigned CE 

survey. However, there are other variables not currently collected that would enhance 

the production of the SPM. They have not been made part of the requirements, due to 

the uncertainty of future funding for the SPM.

Following is an exhaustive list of additional variables: total value of SNAP benefits, 

SNAP benefits used to purchase food (yes/no), value of SNAP benefits actually used; 

number of children in school lunch (breakfast) (milk) program, school lunch (breakfast) 

(milk) purchased at full price, reduced price or free, how often is school lunch (breakfast) 

(milk) purchased; who receives WIC benefits, how often are benefits received, value of 

the benefit, received via check or debit card; for CU’s receiving rent subsidies: public 

housing or voucher housing, rent for a similar non-subsidized unit; for CU’s receiving 

owner subsidies: owner purchased unit at lower price due to participation in government 

housing program (yes/no), price of subsidized unit, price of non-subsidized unit; 

participation in energy assistance program (yes/no), how often did CU participate, 

amount of subsidy; participation in any other subsidy program (particularly, food, 

clothing, shelter, and utilities) (yes/no), how often did CU participate; value of subsidy; 

non-work related travel expenses; value of home-produced food, clothing, shelter and 

utilities. 

Ideally, expenditures would be collected for a 12-month period. Longitudinal weights 

would also be needed to correct for attrition. 
49

Addition of TPOPS outlet information:

The CPI requires a contemporaneous, representative sampling frame of outlets for all 

priced CPI market basket items in each CPI sampling area, once every four years. 

Given the expenditure item categories in Appendix A, approximately 71 of the categories 

would require outlet information. The frame requirement would be to collect the name of 

at least one outlet associated with each expenditure reported. In practice, collection 

could be governed by matrix sampling as the CPI rotation requirement only requires 

outlet information for each category once over a four-year period in each PSU, and be 

administered to a sub-sample of respondents, where possible, to obtain sufficient outlet 

frame sizes. 

Collecting this outlet information is not a requirement for the redesigned CE survey. 

However, CPI would use any outlet information that becomes available in the process of 

collecting expenditure data in the current proposed Diary/Recall/Records design. The 

Design Team will consider incorporating outlet questions in the redesign where feasible. 

Expanded sample size to support annual replacement of cost weights for CPI:

This was noted earlier in the report in the section on sample size. Resource constraints 

would have to be relaxed considerably to permit this. This is highly unlikely to occur in 

the foreseeable future.