The Income Survey Development Program: design features and initial findings

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Survey Methodology

Background:

• Existing surveys and administrative records had limitations in capturing comprehensive income and asset data.
• There was a need for improved data on cash and in-kind income, assets, debts, tax liabilities, and participation in income security programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the design features of the Income Survey Development Program (ISDP).
• To present initial findings from the 1979 ISDP Research Panel.
• To address technical and operational challenges in data collection for income and program participation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized more frequent interviews compared to traditional survey methods.
• Employed a longitudinal sample, following participants for over a year.
• Implemented a flexible questionnaire structure for policy-relevant questions.
• Developed procedures for linking survey data with administrative records.

Main Results:

• Experimental features of the ISDP, including frequent interviews and data linking, were found to be successful.
• Initial findings identified individuals receiving benefits from multiple transfer programs.
• A comparison was made between the assets of food stamp recipients and non-participants.

Conclusions:

• The ISDP demonstrated successful innovative approaches to survey methodology for income and program participation data.
• The program's design features are valuable for future research on economic well-being and social welfare programs.
• Initial findings provide insights into benefit stacking and asset levels among program participants.