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CSAMREC is a 6-digit numeric code reporting the total amount of child support the respondent received. CSAMREC specific variable codes for missing, blank, or observations not in universe (NIU) are provided below.

CSAMDUE Specific Variable Codes
99997 = Missing
99998 = Blank
99999 = N.I.U. (Not in Universe)

Description

CSAMREC is a Census recode that determines the total amount of child support the respondent actually received. The amount the respondent was supposed to receive is found in CSAMDUE. This variable is found on the parent record.

Users should note that there are occurrences of NIU values for CSAMREC when CSAMDUE is a positive value. These values exist in the original data, and appear to mean that no child support was received. However, there are still observations where CSAMREC is NIU and CSRECV indicates that some child support was received.

Blank values for this variable represent individuals who were not interviewed in April of the sample year.

This variable is part of the Child Support Supplement.

Comparability

In samples from 1979-1986 only female respondents with children under 20 years old in the household were asked about child support agreements with the father of their children if that person lived outside the household.

The maximum value in 1986 is substantially lower than surrounding samples. This is present in the original CPS data, and no explanation is given for this change.

In 1992 there are true zero values. In other years, it appears that respondents who should have received child support, but did not receive any support were given an NIU value for CSAMREC.

Also in the 1992 sample, there are 3,444 respondents who are NIU for all Child Support Supplement variables despite meeting known supplement universe requirements.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables