Scrounging on the Welfare, 1972

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>The aim of the survey was to investigate the social and financial consequences for Supplementary Benefit claimants of the various control procedures in operation from 1968-74, and to study the employment and medical histories of claimants to whom the control procedures have been applied.<br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions<br> Length of unemployment, whether unemployed at any time during last 4 years, whether receiving/received supplementary benefits at present/in the past, whether applied for supplementary benefit during first week of unemployment (if not, reasons). Labour Exchange/Social Security Office attended, whether respondent was visited at home, method of notification of eligibility for supplementary benefit, what respondent understood by the 4 week ruling, whether supplementary benefit was continued after the time limit. Length of extension, reasons given for cuts (where applicable). Whether respondent appealed against benefit stoppage (if not, reasons; if so, result of appeal).<br> Thoughts and feelings when supplementary benefit was cut, financial problems, methods of coping, boredom, advice or help sought, whether ill/depressed or sleepless during unemployment, disabilities, whether doctor consulted and Social Security Officer informed.<br> Present occupation and previous employment: type, qualifications required, reasons for leaving/accepting posts. Comparison of present with previous employment. Income. Future plans, close friends in area.<br> Background Variables<br> Age, sex, marital status (includes 'living with'), children, age finished full-time education.<br> Residence: type, tenure, method and amount of payments, housing problems, whether living arrangements were changed following cut in supplementary benefit.<br> Members of household: relationship to respondent, income, employment status, whether dependent on respondent (or other).<br> Interviewer's assessment of respondent: degree of understanding, whether articulate, manner, style of dress, length of hair.