The application of scientific methods for selection of households dates from 1951. Regular surveys are conducted since 1953. The random (stochastic) selection of households is used. Up to 1961, the selection of households has been done based on the economic branch principle and it did not cover all household categories. Since 1962, the selection is done on a territorial principle and all household categories are represented in the sample.
During the past 90 years the Household Budget Survey has been the main source of data on households’ income, expenditure and consumption.
The main users of the Household Budget Survey data are: National Assembly and President of the Republic of Bulgaria, public administrations on national and regional level, Bulgarian National Bank, European institutions and international organization, scientific organization, students and citizens. Eurostat periodically uses the survey data in order to produce comparisons between EU members.
From April 2015 to March 2016 the National Statistical Institute will carry out the next regular Household Budget Survey covering 3 060 new country households.
The selected households will participate in the survey for a 12-month period. The households are divided in three sub-samples each containing 1 020 households. Each sub-sample will be surveyed one month per quarter following the method of rotation sample. Each household participates in the survey four out of the twelve-month period.
The survey is realized by interview with the household members and by writing down a diary of income and expenditure.
Data on socio-demographic characteristics of the household and its members is gathered by an interview, as well as on the dwelling amenities and availability of durables.
Detailed income and expenditure data is recorded in a diary for the whole period of observation. Also a record is done on some irregular income and non-food expenditure data during the last two months.
The main variables of income, expenditure and consumption are estimated quarterly and yearly and are presented as average values and relative shares.
Total and group estimates are produced distributed by: place of residence, household size, number of employed persons in the household, number of children below 18 years, annual total income per household member, presence of retired persons in the household, professional and socio-economic status of the head of household and decile groups.
We express our gratitude to all households that have participated in the Household Budget Survey till present days. Thank you in advance for the future collaboration.
More information on the Household Budget Survey methodology, tools and results could be found on the NSI website under the heading ‘Households Income and Expenditure’.
