Why are estimates in the CES Survey benchmarked?
To control potential survey error, the estimates are benchmarked annually to universe counts derived from administrative files of employees covered by unemployment insurance (UI). Original sample-based estimates are replaced with benchmark data from the previous year through at least March of the benchmark year. In the current 2008 benchmark, the estimates from April 2007 to March 2008 were replaced with UI-based universe counts. [Note: Some states replace past March to June or September. For more info, see our Benchmark article at www.bls.gov/sae/benchmark08.pdf. Once the new March 2008 level was determined, and any additional quarters are replaced with UI data, the subsequent estimates were recalculated by applying the appropriate sample links to the new levels. These links may differ slightly from those used to derive the original estimates, because they account for late reporters. The entire period from April 2008 forward is referred to as the post-benchmark projection period. This
To control potential survey error, the estimates are benchmarked annually to universe counts derived from administrative files of employees covered by unemployment insurance (UI). Original sample-based estimates are replaced with benchmark data from the previous year through at least March of the benchmark year. In the current 2009 benchmark, the estimates from April 2008 to March 2009 were replaced with UI-based universe counts. [Note: Some states replace past March to June or September.] For more info, see our Benchmark article at www.bls.gov/sae/benchmark10.pdf. Once the new March 2009 level was determined, and any additional quarters are replaced with UI data, the subsequent estimates were recalculated by applying the appropriate sample links to the new levels. These links may differ slightly from those used to derive the original estimates, because they account for late reporters. The entire period from April 2009 forward is referred to as the post-benchmark projection period. Thi
