El Salvador's Central Bank launches $100 incentive household survey

The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) has launched the 2026 National Survey of Household Income and Expenditure (ENIGH). The year‑long study will visit roughly 20,000 homes across all 14 departments, with a focused two‑week data‑collection period from 26 June to 9 July. Participants who complete the interview will receive a $100 incentive, transferred through the BCR's digital PAY platform, which does not require a bank account.

The survey gathers detailed information on household characteristics, income sources, daily to annual spending, and use of time. Results will be used to refresh key economic indicators such as the Consumer Price Index and the Basic Food Basket. The operation involves about 350 trained enumerators, a fleet of 70 vehicles, and digital devices for real‑time data validation. Technical support comes from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). All data are protected by statistical secrecy law and will be published only in aggregate form.