Hello Martha,
There is a benefits module in the main Study, which has the variable “Frwc” related to the “period covered by the last amount received” which might be of help. For further information please refer to mainstage questionnaire wave 12 at https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/documentation/mainstage/questionnaire/wave-12/W12-questionnaire-consultation.pdf
You’ll need to search for benefits, the module started with “Benefits_w12.Intbenefit. Benefit module intro”.
There is also the variable “benefitsamt65” at COVID-19 waves 6, 8 and 9 asking “How much in total are you currently receiving per month for the following benefits?” which might be of help as well. For further information please refer to Covid 19 Wave 6/8/9 – questionnaire at
https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/documentation/covid-19/questionnaires
You may merge mainstage and COVID-19 studies to have more information. If you opt to do this, I suggest using the Calendar Year 2020 dataset. For further information on the Calendar year dataset, please refer to User Guide - Calendar Year Dataset 2020 at https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/documentation/user-guides/calendar_year_dataset_2020_user_guide.pdf
We're currently working on creating the Calendar Year 2021, meanwhile, you'll need to combine waves 11, 12, and 13 as they collectively provide information for the year 2021. To examine deeper into this process, refer to “Running analysis on a calendar year or month” at https://www.understandingsociety.ac.uk/documentation/mainstage/user-guides/main-survey-user-guide/how-to-use-weights-analysis-guidance-for-weights-psu-strata
I hope this information is helpful.
Best wishes,
Roberto Cavazos
Understanding Society User Support Team
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