41. Gross income (Nearest T.T. Dollar)

The census is a major source of collecting income data for all persons and their families and households in Trinidad and Tobago. This section seeks to obtain information on the amount of and distribution of income earned by households. Income can also be related to other characteristics of persons in households for example occupation, industry and level of educational attainment.

Census income data are widely used by government to develop support programmes, public social assistance, welfare payments and social services. Income data are also used to identify specific geographic communities in need of assistance. Business enterprises also use income data to help market their products and target consumers to sell other goods and services produced.

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Remember income is defined as sources of benefits in both cash and kind accruing to the members of the household regardless of whether the members are economically active or not.

It is important to keep in mind that many persons are hesitant to tell others how much money they earn. You must therefore be tactful if you are to get the question answered correctly or willingly. You may need to emphasize or explain that the information is required to work out average income per individual for the entire country. If members of the household are still uncomfortable giving the exact amount of their income, use the income flash card provided by the Census Office as a last resort. Record the code that represent the income group to which the individual belongs.

In other cases, the head of the household may genuinely not be aware of the income of the other members. In cases like these, an effort must be made to obtain the information directly from the relevant member of the household. Perhaps an appointment can be made to meet the individual.

This Section is applicable to all persons 15 years and over whether working or not and is intended to reflect the situation at the time of enumeration. You are to obtain income data to complete items (1), (2), (3) and (7). Multiple entries are possible for any one individual.

Question 41 (1) - Paid employment

Income from paid employment include wages, salaries and other benefits in cash or in kind earned by individuals before deductions for social security schemes and income taxes. It also covers payments as commissions, tips and bonuses, cost of living allowances, vacation allowances, director's fees and the cost to employees of food, lodging, clothing which is provided free of charge or at a reduced cost. In other words, the total compensation package of the individual is recorded.

Question 41 (2) - Self-employment

For the self-employed, income reported should be net income i.e. total income less business operating expenses such as wages, rent, electricity and fuel. These persons may be those who operate agricultural operations, in addition to those who own and operate unincorporated business and persons in professional practice.

Question 41 (3) - Pension and annuities

Private and government pensions and annuities can be described as retirement benefits that individuals receive upon retirement to replace their earnings.

Many employers have established pension programmes for their employees so that upon retirement the employees will still receive some source of income. Included in pensions is the government's old age pension granted to senior citizens.

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An annuity is a pension policy that the individual takes out or purchases on his or her own. These payments are usually made in a lump sum and then at a reduced monthly payment over a certain number of years.

Question 41 (7) - Other income

Is described as monies, which an individual receives from sources other than his/her wages, salaries, pensions and annuities. Other Income includes rent received, dividends, interest (investment income) and royalties. Periodic payments received regularly from an inheritance or trust fund are also regarded as Income, as well as alimony, unemployed benefits, sick pay, scholarships and remittances from abroad.

The following items should not be regarded as income:

For item, 1,2,3,7 income is recorded to the nearest dollar For example, $5000 is entered as _5000. Obtain from the respondent for each or any item indicated, whether the income relates to a daily (01), weekly (02), fortnightly (03), monthly (04), quarterly (05) or annually (06) period. These codes are inserted against each type of income recorded. If income is given monthly enter 04.