OMB Control Number: 2577-XXXX
Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX
Information Collection Requirements
The information collection requirements contained in this proposed rule have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB Control Number 2577-XXXX. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number.
New Admissions Household Survey
(revised: 7/23/08)
For non-disabled, non-elderly households who started receiving public housing or housing choice voucher within the past year. Survey is for households at PHAs in 25-PHA sample.
Contents of Survey Instrument
Consent Form for Rent Study Household Survey
Survey Section I: Questions to Confirm Household is Newly Admitted
Survey Section II: Questions on Waiting List Experience
Survey Section III: Questions on Household Characteristics
Survey Section IV: Questions on Former Housing
Survey Section V: Current Hardship Questions
Survey Section VI: Current Work Questions
Survey Section VII: Questions on Current Income and Income Verification
Survey Section VIII: Questions about Current Rent and Rent Rules (Public Housing)
Survey Section IX: Questions about Current Subsidy Rules and Shopping Behavior (Vouchers)
Survey Section X: Questions on Preferences for Rent Systems
Survey Section XI: Contact Information Sheet
Notes
We will record some information prior to interview to trigger appropriate skip patterns and fill-ins: (i) Housing Agency Name; (ii) Type of assistance (HCV/PH); (iii) date of move-in/start of HAP contract (iv) Local TANF name and name of TANF agency; (v) whether the agency has flat public housing rents, flat voucher subsidies, or stepped voucher rents; and (v) Name of sample member to ensure we are interviewing the correct person.
Capital letter responses on the survey are not read to respondent.
Information in brackets indicate that language needs to be chosen based on pre-survey information or based on responses to earlier comments (these wording choices will be automated).
Consent Form for Household Survey
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is conducting a study of their housing assistance programs. They are conducting a survey to learn about the experiences of people who have recently been on a waiting list for housing assistance. The survey is being done by researchers from Abt Associates, a private research company with extensive survey experience.
You were selected for the survey because you and your family recently [moved into public housing/began to use a Housing Choice Voucher] at [housing agency name]. We would like to find out about the reasons that people like you apply for housing assistance and about how housing assistance can best help you. Your answers will not be reported to the [housing agency name] and will not in any way affect your qualifying for housing assistance or your position on the waiting list. We hope that you will participate in our survey. Your experiences and opinions are very important to the study.
Your participation in our survey will consist of an interview that lasts about 40 minutes.
We are conducting interviews with about 1,500 people. We will also follow-up with approximately 300 people a year from now. You will never be named in any reports about the study. Only results from groups of people will be reported. We are committed to protecting the privacy, to the extent permitted by law, of every individual who takes part in our survey.
Your participation in our survey is voluntary. You can refuse to answer any questions if you like. You may stop the survey at any time or skip specific questions. You will not lose any services or benefits if you decide not to participate in the survey, skip specific questions, or stop the interview.
At this time, we would like your permission to interview you. If you agree to be interviewed, please check the box below and sign and date the form.
YES. I have read this form and want to participate in this study. I understand that this information will be kept private, and that neither my name nor the names of my family members will ever be used in any study report.
___________________________ ___________________________ ____________
Name (Print) Signature Date
Please feel free to contact Brenda Rodriquez, Abt Associates Survey Director, at 617-349-2544 (a toll call) if you have questions about this study. You may also contact Marianne Beauregard with Abt at 617-349-2852 (a toll call) if you have any questions or concerns about your rights as a study participant.
Please keep a copy of this form for your own records.
I: Questions to Confirm Household is Newly Admitted (CONFIRM)
CONFIRM1: Our records show that you (moved into your public housing unit/started to use a housing voucher) in (month/year). Is that correct?
YES……………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO……………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………………..8
CONFIRM1a (If no to CONFIRM1): What month and year did you (move into your public housing unit/start to use your voucher)?
RECORD MONTH/YEAR______________________________
(NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: IF EARLIER THAN 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW OR RESPONDENT IS UNABLE TO GIVE DATE, THANK THE RESPONDENT AND END THE INTERVIEW)
II. Questions on Waiting List Experience (WL)
I am going to start out the survey with questions about your decision to apply for housing assistance and your experience on the waiting lists.
WL1: Before (MONTH/YEAR), how many years were you on the waiting list for (a housing choice voucher/public housing) at [housing agency name)?
NUMBER OF YEARS __________ 1-96 SKIP TO WL2
LESS THAN ONE YEAR 00
DON’T KNOW -1 SKIP TO WL2
REFUSED -2 SKIP TO WL2
WL1a . RECORD THE NUMBER OF MONTHS.
NUMBER OF MONTHS __________ 01-11
LESS THAN ONE MONTH 00
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
WL2: Think back to the time you applied to be on the waiting list for (a public housing unit/a housing choice voucher). Which of the following factors led you to apply for assistance at the time that you did? Did you apply for housing assistance at that time because…
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
a |
You had recently lost your job? |
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b |
You had difficulties paying for housing for awhile? |
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c |
Your family size increased? |
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d |
You reached or were getting near the time limit on (TANF/Local name)? |
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e |
Your rent had increased a great deal? |
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f |
You were asked to leave house by someone else in the house? |
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g |
You were evicted from your house by your landlord? |
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h |
You were homeless and living in a shelter or on the streets? |
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i |
You had become widowed, divorced, or partner left? |
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j |
(HCV only) You wanted to move to a better neighborhood? |
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k |
(HCV only) You wanted to move to a better quality house or apartment? |
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l |
Were there any other reasons you applied for housing assistance at that time? (If YES, specify ___________________ |
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WL3: Did any of the following people encourage you to apply for housing assistance?
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
a |
A friend or relative? |
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b |
Case manager or other worker at the (TANF/local name) agency? |
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c |
Case manager or other worker at the Social Security office? |
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d |
An emergency shelter or transitional housing provider or someone else who helps people who are homeless? |
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e |
Someone at your church or house of worship? |
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WL4: When you applied to be on the waiting list for the [public housing unit you live in now/the housing voucher you are using now), did [housing agency name] ask you about any of the following items about your household? Did the [housing agency name] ask you…
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
A |
Whether you or someone in your household is working for pay? |
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B |
Whether you or someone in your household is in a work training program? |
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C |
Whether you or someone in your households has a disability? |
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D |
Whether you are homeless or about to become homeless? |
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E |
Whether you or someone in your household is a veteran? |
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F |
Your current address? |
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WL5 (If yes to any WL4 items): Did [housing agency name) tell you that the answer to any of those questions meant that you would receive housing assistance sooner? (PROMPT IF NEEDED: DID THEY TELL YOU THAT YOU WOULD be higher up on the waiting list IF ANY OF THOSE THINGS APPLIED TO YOU?)
YES………………………………………………………………………………………...1
NO……………………………………………………………………………….2 Skip to WL7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………….7 Skip to WL7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………….8 Skip to WL7
WL6: Which of the items about your household meant that you would receive housing assistance sooner, according to the information [housing agency name] gave you when you applied to be on the waiting list?
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Preference (=1) |
No preference (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
A |
Someone is working for pay |
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B |
Someone is in a work training program |
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C |
Someone has a disability |
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D |
I am (my household is) homeless |
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E |
Someone is a veteran |
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F |
My current address |
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WL7: Were you also on the waiting list for [a housing choice voucher/ public housing –whichever one person doesn’t currently have] at [housing agency name]?
YES ………………1
NO ………………2
REFUSED ………………7
DON’T KNOW ………………8
WL8: Were you on the waiting list for either a housing choice voucher or public housing at any other housing agency?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
III. Questions on Demographic Characteristics (DEM)
Now, I’d like to ask you a few questions about yourself and the people you live with in your (public housing unit/apartment or house in which you are using your voucher).
DEM1: Are you Male or Female?
Male 1
Female 2
DEM2: Are you Hispanic or Latino?
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino 0
Hispanic/Latino 1
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
DEM3: What is your race? Please select one or more.
American Indian or Alaska Native 1
Asian 2
Black or African-American 3
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 4
White 5
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
DEM4: What year were you born?
RECORD [year]____________________ (acceptable range 1900 to 1990)
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………….. 7
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………………………...8
DEM5: Which of the following best describes your current marital status?
Single, not living with a partner 1
Single, living with a partner 2
Married
Divorced or separated 4
Widowed 5
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
DEM6: What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed?
Nursery School to 8th grade or no schooling 1
9th to 12th grade, but no diploma 2
High School Graduate or Equivalent (for example, GED) 3
Some College 4
Associates Degree 5
Bachelors Degree 6
Masters Degree, Doctorate Degree, or other Professional Degree
(for example, MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD) 7
REFUSED 97
DON’T KNOW 98
Now we would like to know something about the people who live with you.
DEM7: How many adults age 18 or older do you live with?
NUMBER OF PEOPLE __________ 0-19
TWENTY OR MORE 20
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED 2
DEM8: How many children age 17 or younger do you live with?
NUMBER OF PEOPLE __________ 0-19
TWENTY OR MORE 20
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
DEM9: (If DEM7>0) Are any of the children age 6 or younger?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 3
DON’T KNOW 4
Questions on Former Housing (FORMER)
Now, I’d like to ask you to think back to where you were living just before (month/year FROM PRE-PROGRAMMED INFORMATION OR CONFIRM1a).
FORMER1: Before (month/year), did you…
Rent your own room, apartment, or home, 1 (Skip to FORMER2)
Own your own home, 2 (Skip to FORMER4)
Live with friends and pay part of the rent or mortgage, 3 (Skip to FORMER3)
Live with friends and do not pay rent, 4 (Skip to FORMER 6)
Live with family and pay part of the rent or mortgage 5
Live with family and do not pay rent, 6
Or live in a group shelter? 7 (Skip to Section V)
HOMELESS 8 (Skip to Section V)
INCARCERATED 9 (Skip to Section V)
DORM OR BARRACKS 10 (Skip to Section V)
HOSPITAL/NURSING HOME/SPECIAL SCHOOL 11 (Skip to Section V)
OTHER (Specify ____)…………………………………………………………..95 (Skip to FORMER2)
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………..97 (Skip to FORMER2)
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………...98 (Skip to FORMER2)
FORMER1a (If lived with family): What is your relationship to the family member that you lived with before (month/year)? Is the family member you used to live with …
Your own or your partner’s parent 1
Your own or your partner’s brother or sister 2
Your own or your partner’s grandparent 3
Your own or your partner’s uncle or aunt 4
Your own or your partner’s cousin 5
REFUSED 97
DON’T KNOW 98
FORMER2 (If FORMER1=rent own room, apartment, or home ): In the place you lived right before (month/year), did you pay lower rent because the federal, state, or local government was paying for part of your rent? For example, did you live in a Section 8 development or another place where you had to qualify to be able to live there on the basis of your income?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………….……..1
NO…………………………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………………………8
FORMER 3 (If FORMER1=rent own room, apartment, or home and answer to FORMER2 is no): Altogether in the place you lived right before (month/year), what did you and the family you headed pay as rent to the landlord each month? We are only interested in the amount of rent that you or the family you headed pay, not any amount that may have been paid by other people or a government agency.
PER MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
FORMER 3a: I have entered (amount from FORMER 3) as the amount you paid for your rent each month in the place you lived right before (month/year). Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO FORMER3) 2
PER MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
FORMER4a: I have entered (amount from FORMER4) as the amount you paid for year mortgage each right before (month/year). Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO FORMER 4) 2
FORMER 5: In the house or apartment you lived in right before [month/year], what was the total amount of all utility payments you and the family you headed paid in a typical month—that is not a month with unusually high or low heat or air conditioning bills?
UTILITIES TYPICAL MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00
(FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
FORMER 5 Confirm: I have entered (amount from FORMER 5) as the amount you and the family you headed paid in a typical month for utilities in the place you lived right before [month/year]. Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO FORMER 5) 2
FORMER 6: Not including bathrooms and hallways, how many rooms were there in the apartment or house you lived in right before (month/year)?
READ LIST.
NUMBER OF ROOMS ____________ (1 to 9)
TEN OR MORE 10
REFUSED 97 (Skip to FORMER7)
DON’T KNOW 98 (Skip to FORMER7)
Former 6a: How many of the rooms were bedrooms?
NUMBER OF BEDROOMS ____________ (1 to 9)
TEN OR MORE 10
REFUSED 97
DON’T KNOW 98
FORMER 6b: Altogether, how many people—adults and children—were living in that apartment or house.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE __________ 0-19
TWENTY OR MORE 20
REFUSED -2
DON’T KNOW -1
FORMER 7: Overall, how would you describe the condition of the apartment or house you lived in right before (month/year)
Would
you say it was in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition?
Excellent 1
Good 2
Fair 3
Poor 4
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
FORMER 8: Did the apartment or house you lived in right before (month/year) have any of the following problems?
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YES |
NO |
REF |
DK |
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a. Was there mildew, mold, or water damage on any wall, floor, or ceiling? |
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b. Were there any floor problems such as boards, tiles, carpeting or linoleum that are missing, curled, or loose? |
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c. Were there any holes or large cracks where outdoor air or rain can come in? |
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d. In your home, did you smell bad odors such as sewer, natural gas, etc.? |
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e. In any three month period while you lived there, was any bathroom floor been covered by water because of a plumbing problem? |
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f. In any three month period while you lived there, was your toilet not working for 6 hours or more? |
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g. In any three month period while you lived there, was the electricity not working for 2 hours or more? |
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h. In cold weather, did you ever need to use your oven to heat your home? |
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i. Did all outside doors and windows have locks that worked? |
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FORMER 9: Now think back to the 12 month period before (month/year)—that is (month/year to month/year). Was there ever a time during that year when you did not have your own place to stay?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON’T KNOW 8
FORMER 9a (If yes to FORMER 9): Were you without a place to stay for less than a week, between one week and one month, between one and two months, more than two months?
LESS THAN A WEEK……………………………………………………………….1
BETWEEN A WEEK AND ONE MONTH………………………………………….2
BETWEEN ONE AND TWO MONTHS…………………………………………….3
MORE THAN TWO MONTHS……………………………………………………...4
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………….7
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………………………….8
FORMER 9b (If yes to FORMER 9): During the time between [month/year and month/year], when you did not have your own place to stay, we would like to know about any places where you stayed. Did you….
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YES |
NO |
REF |
DK |
a |
Stay with a relative |
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b |
Stay with a friend |
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c |
Stay in an emergency, domestic violence, or homeless shelter |
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d |
Stay on the street, in a car, or abandoned building |
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FORMER 9c (If more than one answer to FORMER9b): Which of those places did you stay for the longest period of time during the period when you did not have a place of your own?
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Longest stay |
Not longest stay |
REF |
DK |
a |
With a relative |
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b |
With a friend |
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c |
In an emergency, domestic violence, or homeless shelter |
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d |
On the street, in a car, or abandoned building |
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FORMER 10: Please continue to think back to the period between [month/year and month/year]? Were you working for pay 20 hours a week or more during any part of that year?
YES…………………………………………………………………………….………..1
No…………………………………………………………………………………….…2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………8
FORMER 11: Was anyone else you were living with --besides yourself--working for pay 20 hours a week or more?
YES……………………………………………………………………1
NO…………………………………………………………………….2 (Skip to Next Section)
REFUSED…………………………………………………………….7(Skip
to Next Section)
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………….8
(Skip to Next Section)
FORMER 11a: Was that person 18 or older?
YES…………………………………………………………………1
NO………………………………………………………………….2 (Skip to Next Section)
REFUSED………………………………………………………….7
(Skip to Next Section)
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………….8
(Skip to Next Section)
FORMER 11b: Is that person living with you now?
YES………………………………………………………………...1 (Skip to Next Section)
NO…………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………7(Skip to Next Section)
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………8(Skip to Next Section)
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YES (=1) |
NO (=2) |
A |
PERSON’S INCOME WOULD MAKE ME INELIGIBLE FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE |
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B |
PERSON’S INCOME WOULD MEAN I WOULD PAY MORE RENT |
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C |
I PREFER TO LIVE ON MY OWN/BE INDEPENDENT |
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D |
LIVING WITH THAT PERSON WAS A TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT |
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E |
PERSON PLANS TO MOVED TO ANOTHER CITY/AREA |
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F |
SPLIT UP/DIVORCED |
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G |
OTHER (specify)_______________ |
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H |
REFUSED |
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I |
DON’T KNOW |
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FORMER 11D: Would your decision about that person living with you now be different if his or her income would not make a difference in the amount of rent you (pay to live in your public housing unit/pay the landlord for the apartment or house in which you are using a voucher)?
YES………………………………………………………………………..……… 3
NO…………………………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………….8
CURRENT HARDSHIP QUESITONS (HARD)
Now I am going to ask you some questions that have to with the period of time since you (moved into your public housing unit/started to use your voucher). These questions are about problems that people sometimes have making ends meet.
HARD 1: In the past 30 days, did (you/you or other adults in your family) ever cut the size of your meals or skip meals because there wasn’t enough money for food?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 3
DON’T KNOW 4
HARD 2: People sometimes have trouble paying their utility bills on time. During the time since [month/year], were you ever more than 15 days late paying your electric, gas, or water bill?
YES…………………………………………………………………………………...1
NO………………………………………………………………………………….…2
NOT APPLICABLE………………………………………………………………….3
UTILITIES INCLUDED IN RENT/CONDO FEES…………………………………4
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………..8
HARD 3: During the time since [month/year], were you ever evicted because you had difficulty paying your rent?
YES ……1
NO……………………………………………………………………………………….2
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………....7
DON'T KNOW…………………………………………………………………….........8
HARD 4: During the time since [month/year], did you postpone getting medical care or surgery when you needed it because you couldn’t afford to pay for it?
YES…………………………………………………………………………………..1
NO……………………………………………………………………………………2
DID NOT NEED MEDICAL CARE…………………………………………………3
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………….7
DON’T KNOW ………………………………………………………………………8
CURRENT WORK QUESTIONS (WORK)
Now, I would like to ask some questions about your current work—that is, the work that you are doing right now and have been doing recently.
WORK1: Last week, did you do any work for pay?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW 8
WORK1a (If No to WORK1): What is the main reason that you did not work for pay last week?
DO NOT READ LIST. ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE ONLY.
RETIRED 1
DISABLED 2
UNABLE TO WORK 3
HAS JOB BUT TEMPORARILY ABSENT 4
COULDN’T FIND ANY WORK 5
CHILD CARE PROBLEMS 6
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES 7
IN SCHOOL OR OTHER TRAINING 8
WAITING FOR A NEW JOB TO BEGIN 9
OTHER (SPECIFY): _______________________ 10
REFUSED 97
DON’T KNOW 98
WORK2 (If yes to Work1): Last week, did you have more than one job, including part-time and weekend work)
YES……………………………………………………………………………..1
NO………………………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………8
WORK2a (If yes to WORK2): How many hours each week do you usually work at your main job? By main job, we mean the one at which you usually work the most hours.
NUMBER OF HOURS__________________.............................................................1-49
FIFTY OR MORE………………………………………………………………………50
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………..-1
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………-2
WORK2b (If yes to WORK2): Is your main employer a….
Private company…………………………………………………………………….....1
Non-profit organization...……………………………………………………………...2
Government agency……………………………………………………………………3
Relative…………………..…………………………………………………………….4
Neighbor………………….……………………………………………………………5
Or are you self-employed…………………………………………………………..….6
Other (specify)…………………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………97
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………98
WORK3: (If yes to WORK1): What is the easiest way for you to describe your total earnings before taxes or other deductions at your main job: hourly weekly, annually, or on some other basis?
Hourly……………………………………………………………………………….....1
Daily……………………………………………………………………………………2
Weekly………………………………………………………………………………….3
Biweekly (every two weeks)…………………………………………………………...4
Twice monthly………………………………………………………………………….5
Annually………………………………………………………………………………...6
Other: (specify)…………………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………97
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………98
PER (HOUR/DAY/WEEK/TWO WEEKS/YEAR) $__________.___
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………..-1
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………..-2
WORK3b I have entered your [hourly/daily/weekly/biweekly/monthly/annual] wage as $ [amount from WORK1c]. Is this correct?
YES……………………………………………………………………………………...1
NO (Go back to WORK3b)……………………………………………………………2
WORK 3c: During the past year, have you been out of work for any period of time?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………..1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………....2
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………………8
WORK3d (If yes to WORK 3c): How many weeks or months were you out of work?
[DO NOT RECORD BOTH WEEKS AND MONTHS]
3d1. Number of Weeks________(1-52)
REFUSED………………………………………………………………...-1
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………..….-2
Not APPlicable (answer in MOnths)…………………………-3
3d2. NUMBER months_______(1-12)
REFUSED………………………………………………………………...-1
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………..….-2
Not APPlicable (answer in WEEKS)……………………………-3
WORK 4: During the past month, have you received any advice on getting a job or getting a better job from the [housing agency name]?
YES…………………………………………………………………………………………..1
NO …………………………………………………………………………………………...2
RESUSED……………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………………8
Questions on Current Income and Income Verification (INCOME)
Now I am going to ask you some questions about your income and the income of the people you live with.
INCOME1. In addition to working, people often have other sources of cash income. I am going to read you a list of sources of income and for each source, tell me whether your or any of the people you live with receive this type of income.
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YES (=1) |
NO (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
A |
Public assistance or welfare from [name of TANF agency]? |
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B |
Child support or alimony? |
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C |
Payments to you for providing foster care? |
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D |
Unemployment compensation? |
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E |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or another disability payment? |
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F |
Social Security retirement benefits? |
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G |
Another type of government pension? |
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H |
A pension from private work ? |
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INCOME2: Please try to estimate the cash total income that you and the people you live with get each month from work and also from the sources of income we’ve just talked about. Include income from small jobs like babysitting and also include help from your family or friends that you get on a regular basis. You may want to take a minute think about this and add up the amounts.
I’m going to read out different income ranges. Please tell me within which range your household’s cash income falls. You may want to take minute to think about this and add things up.
Between 0 and $200 per month …………………………………….1
Between $201 and $500……………………………………………..2
Between $501 and $1000.,…………………………………………..3
Between $1001 and $1500………………………………………….4
Between $1501 and $2000…………………………………………..5
Between $2001 and $2500…………………………………………..6
More than $2500 per month…………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………97
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………98
(Interviewer check: If answer is between 0 and $500, go back over the types of income to be included and ask then ask if you recorded the correct information. Record that you went back and asked here and correct respondent’s answer as necessary
YES, RE-CHECKED INCOME BECAUSE ORIGINAL ANSWER WAS <=500 PER MONTH…1
NO, DIDN’T RECHECK INCOME BECAUSE IT WAS ABOVE $500 PER MONTH ………….2
INCOME3: Does your household participate in the Food Stamps program?
YES……………………………………………………………………………………………..1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………8
INCOME4: Did you receive a check from the Internal Revenue Service in the last year because you qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO…………………………………………………………….………………………………….2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………..8
INCOME4a (If no to INCOME 4): Has anyone told you that you might be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?
YES…………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………………………………..8
INCOME4b (IF Yes to INCOME 4a): Who told you about the Earned Income Tax Credit?
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[housing agency name] or another housing authority |
Yes |
NO |
REF |
DK |
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[name of the TANF agency] or another social welfare agency |
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an agency that helps people prepare for work or find jobs |
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a church or worship group |
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a relative |
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a neighbor or friend |
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other |
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INCOME 5: At the time [housing agency name] was admitting you to the (voucher/PH) program, did they ask you about the rent you paid in the previous year?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………..8
INCOME 5A: When the [housing agency name] asked you about your income, did they also ask you questions about the things you spend money on other than rent?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………..8
INCOME 5B: When the [housing agency name] most recently asked you about income, did it do it by letter, by telephone, or in an in-person interview?
Letter………………………………………………………………………………………1
Telephone…………………………………………………………………………………..2
In-person interview………………………………………………………………………..3
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………..8
INCOME 6: After the [housing agency name] checked on the income you told them about, did they tell you about any mistakes they found?
YES……………………………………………………………………………………….1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………...2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………...7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………...8
INCOME 6a (If yes to Income 6): Did [housing agency name]….
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YES |
NO |
REF |
DK |
A |
ask you for more paperwork about your income? |
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B |
ask you to pay additional rent to (name of housing agency/the landlord from whom you rent your voucher unit)? |
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C |
ask you to pay back money that you owe to [housing agency name] because of the mistake? |
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D |
do something else? (specify)____________________________ |
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INCOME 7: In a typical recent month recently, how would you describe your total cash household expenses: Have your expenses been more than, about the same as, or less than your total income from all sources?
EXPENSES
MORE THAN INCOME………………………….1
EXPENSES
ABOUT THE SAME AS INCOME………………2
EXPENSES
LESS THAN INCOME…………..……………….3
REFUSED……………………………………………………….7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………….8
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
TOOK LOAN FROM A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION |
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B |
TOOK LOAN FROM A PAWN SHOP |
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C |
TOOK LOAN FROM A RELATIVE OR FRIEND |
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D |
RELATIVE HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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E |
FRIEND HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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F |
CHURCH HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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G |
DIDN’T PAY ALL MY BILLS THAT MONTH |
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H |
OTHER (specify):________________________ |
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I |
REFUSED |
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J |
DON’T KNOW |
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
TOOK LOAN FROM A FIANCIAL INSTITUTION |
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B |
TOOK LOAN FROM A PAWN SHOP |
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C |
TOOK LOAN FROM A RELATIVE OR FRIEND |
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D |
RELATIVE HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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E |
FRIEND HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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F |
CHURCH HELPED ME OUT WITH A GIFT |
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G |
DIDN’T PAY ALL MY BILLS THAT MONTH |
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H |
OTHER (specify):________________________ |
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I |
REFUSED |
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J |
DON’T KNOW |
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INCOME 8: Do you think your income over the next year will ….
Go up……………………………………………………………………………………………...1
Go down…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Stay about the same…………………………………………………………………………….…3
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………...7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………...8
INCOME 9: Do you think your income over the next five years will …..
Go up…………………………………………………………………………………….………..1
Go down…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Stay about the same…………………………………………………………………………….....3
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………….………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………….……..8
VIII. Questions about Current Rent and Rent Rules (Only for Respondents Living in Public Housing) (PHRENT)
Now I’m going to ask you some questions about the rent you pay to live in your public housing unit.
PHRENT1: What size public housing unit do you live in—that is, how many bedrooms does it have?
RECORD NUMBER OF BEDROOMS (FOR EFFICIENCY, USE ZERO)___________
PHRENT2: In the month just past, what did you pay as rent to [housing agency name]?
PER MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
[NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: ZERO OR “I DON’T PAY ANYTHING” IS AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER.]
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
PHRENT2a: I have entered (amount from PHRENT2) as the amount you paid last month for your rent to [housing agency name]. Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO PHRENT2) 2
PHRENT3: Do you pay for any utilities that are not included as part of the rent that you pay to [housing agency name]? By all utilities, I mean electricity, heat, gas, and water, and not including telephone and cable services.
YES……………………………………………………………………………1
NO……………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………..8
PHRENT3a (If yes to PHRENT3): What was the total amount of utilities that you paid out of your pocket for a typical month since (month/year)—that is not a month with unusually high or low heat or air conditioning bills?
UTILITIES TYPICAL MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00
(FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
RENT3b: I have entered (amount from PHRENT3a) as the amount you and the people who live with you pay in a typical month for utilities. Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO PHRENT3a) 2
PHRENT 4: How did [housing agency name] decide how much per month you should pay them to rent your public housing unit? (PROBE: Anything else?) (DO NOT READ LIST: RECORD ALL THAT ARE MENTIONED)
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
THEY CHARGE ME 30 PERCENT OF MY INCOME/A PERCENTAGE OF MY INCOME |
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B |
I GET SOME DEDUCTIONS (THEY DON’T COUNT ALL OF MY INCOME) BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF MY (DEPENDENTS/CHILDCARE/MEDICAL EXPENSES) |
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C |
THEY CHARGE ME THE MINIMUM AMOUNT EVERYONE HAS TO PAY |
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D |
THEY CHARGE ME THE RENT THAT HAS BEEN SET FOR THE SIZE HOUSING UNIT I LIVE IN |
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E |
THEY CHARGE ME A FLAT RENT THAT I CHOSE OVER AN INCOME-BASED RENT |
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F |
THEY DON’T COUNT ALL OF MY INCOME BECAUSE PART OF MY INCOME COMES FROM EARNING MORE MONEY FROM A JOB |
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G |
THEY DEDUCT SOMETHING FROM THE AMOUNT I PAY BECAUSE OF THE UTILITIES I PAY FOR MYSELF |
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H |
THEY SEND ME A CHECK BECAUSE THE ULTILITIES I PAY FOR ARE SO HIGH |
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I |
IT’S RELATED TO MY INCOME SOME HOW, BUT I DON’T REALLY KNOW HOW IT WORKS |
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J |
I DON’T KNOW HOW IT WORKS |
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K |
OTHER (Specify):________________________ |
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L |
REFUSED |
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PHRENT 5 : Can you tell me if your rent next year will be higher, about the same, or lower than it is now?
RENT WILL BE HIGHER…………………………………………..…..1
ABOUT THE SAME………………………………………………….….2 (skip to PHRENT6)
RENT WILL BE LOWER…………………………………………….….3
REFUSED……………………………………………………………….7 (skip to PHRENT6)
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………….8 (skip to PHRENT6)
PHRENT 5a: How much [more/less] do you expect to pay each month for your public housing unit next year, compared to the (amount from PHRENT 2 plus PHRENT 3a) you are paying now?
PER MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
DON’T KNOW (OR CAN’T GIVE A DOLLAR AMOUNT) -1
REFUSED -2
PHRENT 6: What did [housing agency name] tell you about how much your rent would be next year? [DO NOT READ LIST: RECORD ALL THAT ARE MENTIONED]
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
IT WILL DEPEND ON HOW MUCH INCOME MY HOUSEHOLD HAS NEXT YEAR |
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B |
IT WILL DEPEND ON DEDUCTIONS FROM INCOME THAT I MAY HAVE NEXT YEAR |
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C |
THEY WILL INCREASE MY RENT IF THEY DECIDE TO CHARGE MORE FOR THE SIZE PUBLIC HOUSING UNIT I LIVE IN |
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D |
THEY WILL CHARGE MY RENT ACCORDING TO A FLAT RENT SCHEDULE |
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E |
THEY WILL INCREASE MY RENT IF I MOVE TO A DIFFERENT PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT |
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F |
THEY WILL INCREASE MY RENT IF I MOVE TO A LARGER PUBLIC HOUSING UNIT. |
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G |
THEY WILL INCREASE MY RENT BECAUSE I AM EXPECTED TO BE MORE SELF-SUFFICIENT EACH YEAR |
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H |
THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ME HOW IT WORKS |
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I |
OTHER (Specify):________________________ |
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J |
REFUSED |
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PHRENT 7: Has [housing agency name] given you a rent schedule for its public housing developments or other written materials showing how the rents work?
Yes, rent schedule……………………………………………………………1
Yes, other written materials……………………………………………….….2
NO…………………………………………………………………………. .3
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………8
PHRENT 8: Thinking back to when you went on the waiting list for public housing, at that time were you aware of the optional [drop word “optional if mandatory flat rent site] flat rents that were based on the type of unit and not the income you reported?
YES……………..……………………………………………………………1
NO………………………….…………………………………………….….2
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………8
PHRENT 9: (skip if mandatory flat rent sites) When you decided to live in Public Housing, did you choose a flat rent that was based on the type of unit and not on the income you reported?
YES………..……………………………………………………………1
NO…………………….…………………………………………….….2 (GO to PHRENT12)
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………7 (Go to PHRENT12 )
REFUSED………………………………………………………………8 (Go to PHRENT12)
PHREN10: Would you have moved into your public housing unit even if you did not have the option to choose a flat rent?
YES……………..……………………………………………………………1
NO………………………….…………………………………………….….2
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………8
PHREN11: Would you say that paying a flat rent rather than an income-based rent has greatly increased, increased, not made a difference, decreased, or greatly decreased the….
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Greatly Increased |
Increased |
Not made a difference |
Decreased |
Greatly Decreased |
Hours you spend working for pay |
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Hours you spend looking for work |
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The complete reporting of all sources of income |
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The amount of work tips from HA staff |
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The addition of adult members to the lease |
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PHREN12: Do you expect to ask for a flat rent rather than an income-base rent next year?
YES……………..…………………………………………………1 (GO TO PHREN14)
NO………………………….………………………………………2
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………7 (GO TO PHREN14)
REFUSED…………………………………………………………8 (GO TO PHREN14)
PHREN 13: Why do you plan to choose an income-based rent rather than a flat rent next year?
Earnings situation likely to worsen ……………………………….........................1
Some household members might no longer contribute money to the household….2
Income from sources other than work likely to decrease ………………………….3
Expected big increase in out-of-pocket medical expenses. …………………………4
Other (specify ______________)……………………………………………………5
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………7
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………8
PHRENT 14: Since moving into public housing in [month/year], have you applied for a reduction in rent because a hardship such as an illness or the loss of a job made it difficult for you to pay the rent?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
PHRENT 14a (If yes to PHRENT 14): Did you get rent reduction?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
PHRENT 14b (If yes to PHRENT 14a): How much was the reduction?
RECORD AMOUNT $_______________________
PHRENT 14c (If yes to PHRENT 14a): How many months did the reduction last?
RECORD NUMBER OF MONTHS__________ [IF NUMBER OF MONTHS EXCEEDS (MONTHS BETWEEN MOVE-IN DATE FROM CONFIRM 1 OR 1a AND CURRENT MONTH) ASK AGAIN.]
PHRENT 14d (If yes to PHRENT 14a) Are you still paying the reduced rent now, so that the (amount from PHRENT 2) you are paying [housing agency name] reflects that reduction?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
IX. Questions about Current Subsidy Rules and Shopping Behavior (Only for Respondents using Vouchers) (SHOP)
Now, I would like to ask you about your housing voucher and about the process of finding and renting housing with your voucher.
NUMBER OF UNITS____________.......................................................................................1-10
11 OR MORE…………………………………………………………………………………..11
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………………...-7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………………..-.8
SHOP2: When you looked for housing units in which to use your voucher, did you have in mind the highest rent you were willing to pay a landlord?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP2a (If yes to SHOP 2): What was that rent amount in dollars per month?
RECORD AMOUNT $_____________.00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’T KNOW/DON’T REMEMBER………………………….……………………………..8
SHOP 2b (If yes to SHOP 2): How did you decide on that amount? [DO NOT READ LIST. RECORD THE ANSWER THAT IS THE CLOSEST FIT]
[HOUSING AGENCY NAME] TOLD ME THAT WAS THE PAYMENT STANDARD (OR FAIR MARKET RENT)…………………………………………………………………..1
THAT WAS THE AMOUNT WRITTEN ON THE PAPERWORK [HOUSING AGENCY NAME] GAVE ME………………………………………………………………………….2
[HOUSING AGENCY NAME] TOLD ME I COULDN’T RENT A UNIT THAT COST MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT………………………………………………………………3
[HOUSING AGENCY NAME] TOLD ME I COULDN’T RENT A UNIT THAT COST MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT, INCLUDING ANY UTILITIES I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MYSELF………………………………………………………………………………….4
[HOUSING AGENCY NAME] TOLD ME I COULD PAY MORE THAN THAT AMOUNT, BUT IF I DID I MIGHT HAVE TROUBLE AFFORDING THE RENT…………5
[HOUSING AGENCY NAME] TOLD ME IF I PAID MORE THAN THAT I WOULD BE PAYING MORE THAN 40 PERCENT OF MY INCOME FOR HOUSING…………………..6
I KNOW FROM MY FRIENDS/RELATIVES THAT THAT’S WHAT RENTS ARE GOING FOR………………………………………………………………………………………………7
I KNOW FROM MY OWN RENTING EXPERIENCE THAT THAT’S WHAT RENTS ARE GOING FOR……………………………………………………………………………………...8
I KNOW FROM LOOKING AT ADS IN NEWSPAPERS/ASKING LANDLORDS THAT THAT’S WHAT RENTS ARE GOING FOR……………………………………………………9
OTHER (SPECIFY):_________________________________________...............................................10
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………97
DON’TKNOW…………………………………………………………………………………98
SHOP 2c (If answer to SHOP 2b is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6): Would you have been willing to pay more than (from SHOP 2a) to get the housing unit you wanted?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
NO…………………………………………………………………………………………………2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………………………7
DON’TKNOW…………………………………………………………………………………….8
SHOP 3: When you were looking for your current housing unit, did you turn down any housing unit because of the rent?
YES……………………………………………………………………………………….1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP3a (If YES to SHOP 4): How many units did you turn down because of the rent?
RECORD NUMBER___________..................................................................................1-5
SIX OR MORE …………………………………………………………………………..6
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP3b: Thinking about the most recent unit that you turned down because of the rent, what was it you didn’t like about the rent? (Interviewer: Listen to answer and record one or more responses):
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
RENT WAS Too much for the size of the unit |
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C |
RENT WAS Too much for the condition of the unit |
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D |
RENT WAS Too much for the location of the unit |
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E |
RENT WAS More than the rent of a unit I looked at that was just as good. |
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F |
RENT WAS More than the rent of a unit a friend or relative is paying for a unit just as good. |
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G |
RENT WAS More than I was permitted to pay with my housing voucher |
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H |
[housing agency name] told me the rent was too high |
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I |
If I stopped using a voucher, the rent would be too high |
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J |
Other (specify): ________________ unit. |
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K |
REFUSED |
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L |
DON’T KNOW/DON’T REMEMBER |
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SHOP 4: In the month just past, what did you pay as rent to your landlord or the rental agent for the building you live in)?
PER MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00 (FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR)
[NOTE TO INTERVIEWER: ZERO OR “I DON’T PAY ANYTHING” IS AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER.]
DON’T KNOW -1
REFUSED -2
SHOP4a: I have entered (amount from SHOP 4) as the amount you paid last month for your rent to your landlord or rental agent. Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO SHOP 4) 2
SHOP 5: Do you pay for any utilities that are not included as part of the rent that you pay to [housing agency name]? By all utilities, I mean electricity, heat, gas, and water, and not including telephone and cable services.
YES……………………………………………………………………………1
NO……………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP5a): What was the total amount of utilities that you pay for a typical month since (month/year)—that is not a month with unusually high or low heat or air conditioning bills?
UTILITIES TYPICAL MONTH: $__ __ __ __ .00
(FOUR DIGITS, ROUNDED TO DOLLAR.)
SHOP 5b: I have entered (amount from SHOP 5a) as the amount you and the people who live with you pay in a typical month for utilities. Is this correct?
YES 1
NO (GO BACK TO SHOP 5a) 2
SHOP 6: How did [housing agency name] decide how much per month you should pay the landlord or rental agent for the apartment or house in which you are using your voucher? [DO NOT READ LIST: RECORD ALL THAT ARE MENTIONED]
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
I HAVE TO PAY 30 PERCENT OF MY INCOME/A PERCENTAGE OF MY INCOME |
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B |
I GET SOME DEDUCTIONS (THEY DON’T COUNT ALL OF MY INCOME) BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF MY (DEPENDENTS/CHILDCARE/MEDICAL EXPENSES) |
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C |
I PAY 30 PERCENT OF MY INCOME (OR 30 PERCENT AFTER DEDUCTIONS) PLUS AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT BECAUSE I RENT A MORE EXPENSIVE UNIT |
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D |
THEY DEDUCT SOMETHING FROM THE AMOUNT I PAY BECAUSE OF THE UTILITIES I PAY FOR MYSELF |
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E |
THEY SEND ME A CHECK BECAUSE THE ULTILITIES I PAY FOR ARE SO HIGH |
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F |
IT’S RELATED TO MY INCOME SOMEHOW, BUT I DON’T REALLY KNOW HOW IT WORKS |
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G |
I GET A FLAT DOLLAR AMOUNT (BASED ON THE SIZE UNIT I NEED/THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN MY HOUSEHOLD) AND PAY THE REST OF THE RENT MYSELF |
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H |
I DON’T KNOW HOW IT WORKS |
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I |
OTHER (Specify):________________________ |
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J |
REFUSED |
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SHOP 7: What did [housing agency name] tell you about how much your rent would increase next year? [DO NOT READ LIST: RECORD ALL THAT ARE MENTIONED]
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Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
IT WILL DEPEND ON HOW MUCH INCOME MY HOUSEHOLD HAS NEXT YEAR |
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B |
IT WILL DEPEND ON DEDUCTIONS FROM INCOME THAT I MAY HAVE NEXT YEAR |
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C |
IF MY LANDLORD DECIDES TO INCREASE THE RENT NEXT YEAR, I MAY HAVE TO PAY MORE (E.G., IF THE RENT INCREASE IS MORE THAN A CERTAIN AMOUNT) |
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D |
IF MY LANDLORD DECIDES TO INCREASE THE RENT NEXT YEAR, I WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE |
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E |
I WILL HAVE TO PAY A LARGER SHARE OF THE RENT NEXT YEAR NO MATTER WHAT MY LANDLORD DOES AND NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS TO MY INCOME |
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I |
THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ME HOW IT WORKS |
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J |
OTHER (Specify):________________________ |
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K |
REFUSED |
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SHOP 8: Has [housing agency name] told you that you can only keep your voucher for a certain number of years?
YES………………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED………………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP 9 (If yes to SHOP 8) : How many years did they tell you that you could keep your voucher?
RECORD NUMBER OF YEARS_____________________
SHOP 10: Since starting to use your voucher in [month/year], have you applied for a reduction in the amount you pay the landlord or rental agent because a hardship such as an illness or the loss of a job made it difficult for you to pay the rent?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
SHOP 10a (If yes to SHOP 10): Did you get rent reduction?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
SHOP 10b (If yes to SHOP 10a): How much was the reduction? $_______________________
SHOP 10c (If yes to SHOP 10a): How many months did the reduction last?
RECORD NUMBER OF MONTHS__________ (IF NUMBER OF MONTHS EXCEEDS MONTHS BETWEEN DATE FROM CONFIRM 1 OR CONFIRM 1a AND CURRENT MONTH, ASK AGAIN.)
SHOP 10d (If yes to SHOP 10a) Are you still paying the reduced rent now, so that the (amount from SHOP 9) you are paying the landlord or rental agent reflects that reduction?
YES 1
NO 2
REFUSED 7
DON'T KNOW 8
SHOP 11: Would you be willing to pay more than the amount that you are currently paying to rent a housing unit you want?
YES…………………………………………………………………………………………1
NO…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
REFUSED…………………………………………………………………………………..7
DON’T KNOW……………………………………………………………………………..8
SHOP11a (If answer to shop 11 is yes): Why would you be willing to pay more?
|
(Interviewer: Listent to Response and record one or more responses) |
Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
A |
Larger UNIT (MORE space/more rooms) |
|
|
B |
single family house/house with a yard |
|
|
C |
better quality unit/better features |
|
|
D |
better quality unit/better condition |
|
|
E |
more convenient location (closer to work/school/transportation/services). |
|
|
F |
Safer neighborhood/better neighborhood |
|
|
G |
i could afford to pay more because my income is going to go up |
|
|
H |
i could afford to pay more because someone else could help pay the rent |
|
|
I |
Other (specify): ________________ |
|
|
J |
REFUSED |
|
|
K |
DON’T KNOW |
|
|
QUESTIONS ON PREFERENCES FOR RENT SYSTEMS (PREF)
We are interested in your expectations and your opinions about the voucher and public housing programs. We want to remind you that your answers will not affect your housing assistance, but the information is very important to HUD.
PREF1: How many years do you expect to receive housing assistance?
One year ………….….1
Two or three years ………….….2
Four or five years ………….….4
Five years or more ……………..5
REFUSED ………………7
DON’T KNOW…………………………………………………………………………………….8
PREF2: For the next few questions, I am going to ask you about different systems that can be used to determine the (level of rent families pay to live in public housing/the share of the rent families pay when they use vouchers.
[FOR HAS WITH FLAT PH RENTS (Name of housing agency) requires many households to pay a flat rent for public housing that does not depend upon the income that household members report. [FOR HAS WITH FLAT VOUCHER SUBSIDIES: [housing agency name] has a flat voucher subsidy system, under which you will receive help with the rent that does not depend on the income household members report. You will get a flat dollar amount and then pay the rest of the rent.] [FOR HAS WITH STEPPED VOUCHER SUBISIDIES: [housing agency name] has a voucher subsidy system under which the share of the rent you pay each year will go up no mater what happens to your income.] Most housing agencies follow a different system from the system at [housing agency name]. At those other housing agencies, the (rent public housing families pay/share of rent voucher families pay) each month is about 30 percent of their monthly income. Under that system if a family has more income, the family pays more rent. If the family has less income, the family pays less rent, and that is always true, year after year.
Do you have any questions about how the system works at [housing agency name] or the way it works at most other housing agencies? (INTERVIEWER: ANSWER QUESTIONS, AS NEEDED).
I’m going to ask you about different systems for determining how much rent people pay for a public housing unit or a voucher unit. I will read two choices for each question. There are no right or wrong answers. Please tell me which of the two choices you would prefer for yourself.
|
Option A |
Option B |
Preference |
PREF2a |
The current assisted housing income-base rent—30 cents for each dollar of net income—and the same amount of time you spend waiting now for housing assistance |
An extra $100 in monthly rent, but one year less time waiting for housing assistance |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF2b |
The current assisted housing income-based rent—30 cents for each dollar of income—and the same amount of time you spend waiting for housing assistance |
An extra $100 in monthly rent, but two years less time waiting for housing assistance |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF2c |
A rent of $150 adjusted only for inflation that does not change when your income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would not check on your income every year. |
Rent that is 30 cents for each dollar of net income and changes when your net income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would check on your income every year. |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF2d |
A rent of $250 adjusted only for inflation that does not change when your income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would not check on your income every year. |
Rent that is 30 cents for each dollar of net income and changes when your net income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would check on your income every year. |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF2e |
A rent of $350 adjusted only for inflation that does not change when your income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would not check on your income every year. |
Rent that is 30 cents for each dollar of income and changes when your net income goes up or down. The [housing agency name] would check on your income every year. |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF2f |
Rent that starts at $200 and increases by $50 each year. For example, it would be $250 in the second year and $300 in the third year. |
Rent that is 30 cents for each dollar of net income and changes when your net income goes up or down. You would only be allowed to (stay in your public housing unit/use your voucher) for 6 years. |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF3 I’m going to ask you a few more questions about your opinion on a rent. These questions are more general and don’t have any specific dollar amounts. Would you prefer…
|
Option A |
Option B |
Preference |
PREF3a |
Lower rent, but a longer time waiting for assistance |
Higher rent, but a shorter time waiting for assistance |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF3b |
Rent that does not change when your income goes up or down |
Rent that goes up when your net income goes up and down when your net income goes down |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
PREF3c |
Rent that increases each year you receive assistance |
Rent that stays the same, but has a time limit on the number of years you can receive assistance |
OPTION A=1 OPTION B=2 REF=7 DK=8 |
For the next few questions, I would like you to think about how the rules should work for people in general who (live in public housing/use a housing voucher), not about your own situation.
PREF4 In the system used by most housing agencies, an increase of $100 in net income is usually treated the same whether the increase is from increased earnings or another income source. In both cases, the rent would usually go up by $30. I’m interested in knowing what you think about this. I am going to read some statements. Tell me which statement you most agree with. There are no right or wrong answers. (INTERVIEWER: READ ALL THREE STATEMENTS. ACCEPT ONLY ONE ANSWER).
Income for all sources should be treated the same. ………………………………………...1
An increase in income from earnings should raise rent less than
an increase in income from welfare………………………………........................................2
An
increase in income from welfare should raise rent less than
an
increase in income from earnings…………………………………………………….….3
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………..…….7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………..…….8
PREF5(If answer to PREF4is 2): Why should rent go up less when a household has additional income from earnings than when a household has additional income from sources other than work? [PROBE; ANY OTHER REASONS. MARK ALL THAT APPLY.]
EARNINGS ARE TAXED 1
TRANSPORTATION COSTS WHEN WORKING 2
CHILDCARE COSTS WHEN WORKING 3
CLOTHING COSTS WHEN WORKING 4
OTHER COSTS WHEN WORKING 5
EARNINGS ARE HARDER TO HIDE THAN OTHER SOURCES
OF INCOME 6
WORKING IS THE WAY TO GET AHEAD/SELF SUFFICIENT 7
OTHER (specify)_________________________________________
REFUSED 97
DON’T KNOW 98
PREF6 This is another question for which I’d like you to tell me how you think the rules should work for people in general, not for your own situation. Many households in assisted housing currently pay $50 or less per month for rent and utilities. Some people pay nothing. I am going to read some statements. Tell me if which statement you most agree with. [INTERVIEWER: READ ALL FOUR STATEMENTS. ACCEPT ONLY ONE ANSWER].
It’s OK for some people to pay nothing for rent. |
=1 |
Everyone should pay at least $50 per month regardless of their income level, so that more people can be helped. |
=2 |
Everyone should pay at least $75 per month regardless of their income level, so that more people can be helped. |
=3 |
Everyone should pay at least $150 per month regardless of their income level, so that more people can be helped. |
=4 |
REFUSED |
=7 |
DON’T KNOW |
=8 |
PREF 7(If answer to PREF6is pay >$0 min rent): If the rule was that everyone had to pay at least a minimum amount, should there be exceptions for:
|
|
Yes (=1) |
No (=2) |
REF (=7) |
DK (=8) |
A |
People age 62 and above? |
|
|
|
|
B |
People with disabilities? |
|
|
|
|
C |
Anyone who has a hard time paying the minimum rent and asks for a delay in paying it? |
|
|
|
|
PREF 8(If answer to PREF7 is yes): How many months should people who claim hardship be permitted to delay paying a minimum rent?
1-2 months ……………………………………………………………………………..1
3-6 months………………………………………………………………………………2
7-12 months……………………………………………………………………………..3
More than 12 months……………………………………………………………………4
REFUSED……………………………………………………………………………….7
DON’T KNOW………………………………………………………………………….8
XI. CONTACT INFORMATION SHEET
Part of this study involves returning to conduct another survey in the future. That survey will ask similar questions. Like this survey, the next one is completely voluntary. Therefore, before we begin, I would like to get some contact information to help us contact you in about 12 months. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of our research staff.
a. What is your first name?_______________________________________
b. What is your last name? _______________________________________
c. What is your street address? _______________________________________
d. City __________________________
e. State _________________________
f. Zip code ______________________
g. What is your telephone number? ( ) ______________
h. Is this number listed under your name?
Yes 1
No (SPECIFY NAME) 2
Do you have a cell or beeper number? ( ) ______________
Yes 1
No (SPECIFY NAME) 2
What is your Social Security Number? ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___
Can you provide us with the name of a relative who does not live with you, whom we could contact in order to get in touch with you if your address and phone number change?
a. Relative’s first name
b. Relative’s last name
c. Relative’s street address______________________________________________
ADDRESS
d. City
e. State
f. Zip code
g. Relative’s telephone number ( ) ______________
h. Relative’s cell or beeper number ( ) ______________
Can you provide us with the name of a friend who does not live with you, whom we could contact in order to get in touch with you if your address and phone number change?
Friend’s first name
Friend’s last name
Friend’s street address_____________________________________________
ADDRESS
City
State
Zip code
Friend’s telephone number ( ) ______________
Friend’s cell or beeper number ( ) ______________
Thank you very much for your help in answering all these questions. Your participation is important to this study.
INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED IN...
ENGLISH 1
SPANISH 2
BOTH 3
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | Draft Wait List/New Admissions Household Survey |
| Author | BuronL |
| Last Modified By | Preferred User |
| File Modified | 2008-07-23 |
| File Created | 2008-07-21 |