1976-1977: No topcode
1995-2010: $450 (code 450)
2011-2012: $700 (code 700)
2013: Given top code of $700, but the data have top code of $666 (code 670)
2014: Given top code of $700, but the data have top code of $685 (code 690)
2015: Given top code of $700, but the data have top code of $684 (code 680)
2016-2017: $700 (code 700)
2018: $675 (code 680)
2019: Given top code of $650, but the data have top code of $648 (code 650)
2020: Given top code of $640, but the data have top code of $648 (code 650)
2021: $900 (code 900)

Description

FSSTMPVALC records the monthly value of SNAP or Food Stamp benefits received by the household. This question is comparable to the ASEC (or March) supplement (STAMPVAL). Only household that report receiving SNAP benefits are asked to report their benefit levels (see FSFDSTMP).

FSSTMPVALC is a categorical recode of the continuous FSSTMPVAL. In 2015, the continuous variable was discontinued from the public release data and a categorical variable was introduced. FSSTMPVALC recodes all previous years to the 2015 coding scheme. FSSTMPVAL will no longer be updated for new samples.

This variable is part of the Food Security Supplement.

Comparability

In 1976 households reported the value of benefits received between January and March of 1976. There is no documented top code for this sample. This sample contains 6 responses that are some combination of numbers and dashes. This sample contained 6 responses that are some combination of numbers and dashes. These responses do not appear to be valid and have been recoded NIU (code 999).

In 1976 empty households were not included in the data. In other samples they appear as NIU (code 999).

In 1977 households reported the value of benefits received between January and July of 1977. There is no documented top code for this sample. This sample contained 15 responses that are some combination of numbers and dashes. These responses do not appear to be valid and have been recoded NIU (code 999).

In 1995 and 1996, households are only asked about receipt of benefits in the past month. Thus, households that received benefits in the past year, but not in the past month are not to report their benefit levels. In subsequent years, households who received SNAP or food stamps at any point during the past year report the monthly value of SNAP benefits.

In 2019, several categories were collapsed. The codebook states, "410 and 420 were collapsed into 420. 470 and 480 were collapsed into 480. 490 and 500 were collapsed into 500. 530 and 540 were collapsed into 540. 570, 580, and 590 were collapsed into 590. 610 and 620 were collapsed into 620. 630 and 640 were collapsed into 640."

The top code for this variable changes over time.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables