Reinventing SSI statistics: SSA's new longitudinal file

Area of Science:

• Social policy research
• Public administration
• Gerontology

Background:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) statistics have historically been presented as current caseload snapshots.
• The Social Security Bulletin has published SSI data since the program's inception in 1974.
• Previous data limitations hindered in-depth historical analysis of SSI program dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and utilize a new SSI longitudinal file for retrospective data analysis.
• To redefine key program indicators and generate novel data distributions.
• To examine historical trends in SSI applications, caseloads, and award data.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging a newly created SSI longitudinal file for historical data retrieval.
• Extracting and processing SSI administrative computer files for analysis.
• Redefining program indicators based on longitudinal data capabilities.

Main Results:

• The new longitudinal file enables a retrospective examination of SSI program data.
• It allows for the redefinition of key performance indicators and the creation of new data distributions.
• Historical trends in SSI applications, caseloads, and awards can now be analyzed in detail.

Conclusions:

• The SSI longitudinal file provides unprecedented opportunities for historical program analysis.
• This enhanced data resource facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the SSI program's evolution.
• Future research can benefit from these redefined indicators and new data distributions for deeper insights.