Many large policy questions remain about the SSI program for children and the role SSI plays in the lives of low-income children with disabilities. Yet, there is very little national data available on children with disabilities and their families, and in particular children receiving SSI. In addition to evaluating the effects of PRWORA on SSI children, the NCSF data will be useful for a wide array of research questions. The survey includes extensive information in a variety of areas including: disability status and functional limitations, health care utilization, health insurance, education and training, programs and services, quality of life issues, SSI experience, employment and child care, income, housing and transportation. These data can be used in many ways. For example, detailed measures of disability status allow connections to be made between the nature and severity of a child's condition and other family indicators. Information on health care utilization and unmet needs can help address questions about the accessibility of medical services. Income source data and out-of-pocket health expenditures will help us to better answer questions about low-income families' reliance on child SSI income in combination with other public programs (in particular TANF), and how that income effects the labor market participation of parents. In addition to the specific content of the survey, the ability to answer these and many other questions is bolstered by the inclusion of three groups of children--those on SSI, formerly on SSI, and those who applied for SSI.
Learning Objectives: To learn about the potential research uses of data from the National Survey of SSI Children and Families
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Disability Studies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Social Security Administration, Mathematica Policy Research, Urban Institute
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: research contractor to SSA