The research of the IAB also focuses on examining the dynamics and structures of low income households that are receiving transfers in accordance with the Social Code Book and other public transfers. The research analyses the impact of household composition, its income resources, and the labour market participation of its members on the amount and duration of benefit reception. The analysis of the employment and benefit history of needy households forms part of the analysis of individuals within the system and their capacity to earn their own living. The IAB is building a large database on benefit and employment histories of households in need stemming from administrative data available through the Federal Employment Agency. The study also makes use of national micro data on population characteristics and income like the Labour Force Survey, Social Assistance Survey and the Income and Consumption Sample to explore the social background of low-income households and their labour market participation.