Level of Living Study for Social Benefits Recipients, 1990

The survey was carried out by Statistics Norway on behalf of the Norwegian Council for Applied Social Research (NORAS). At NORAS' request, a separate working group was set up to prepare issues and a questionnaire. Originally, the term "social assistance recipients" was used. This created strong reactions, because many who receive help from social welfare offices do not see themselves as recipients of social assistance. The response rate was so strongly affected that the name had to be changed to "benefit recipients". The purpose was to obtain an overview of the living conditions of recipients of various forms of public benefits (financial social assistance) throughout Norway. At the beginning of 1991, Statistics Norway carried out a living conditions survey for the entire population. By carrying out a survey among benefit recipients, it was possible to see how this group differs from the general population.