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The growth in noncitizen SSI caseloads 1979-1996: aging versus new immigrant effects
1The Urban Institute, Washington, D.C., USA. jhook@ui.urban.org
Summary
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usage among elderly immigrants has grown, primarily due to long-term residents becoming eligible, not a magnet effect for recent arrivals. This indicates aging in place drives increased SSI enrollment.
Area of Science:
- Social Gerontology
- Immigration Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
Background:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides crucial financial support to low-income elderly and disabled individuals.
- Recent trends show an increase in SSI usage among elderly noncitizens, prompting investigation into contributing factors.
- Understanding the drivers of SSI caseload growth is vital for effective social welfare policy and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine whether increased SSI usage among elderly immigrants is driven by recent arrivals or by long-term residents who have aged into eligibility.
- To analyze the demographic and temporal factors contributing to the growth of the noncitizen elderly SSI caseload during the 1980s and 1990s.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 1980 and 1990 Census data and 1997 Current Population Survey (CPS) data for comprehensive analysis.
- Examined changes in SSI receipt rates among newly arrived versus long-term elderly immigrants.
- Differentiated between increases in eligibility rates and increases in the number of individuals within each group.
Main Results:
- The primary driver of SSI caseload growth among elderly noncitizens is a significant increase in benefit receipt rates among immigrants residing in the U.S. for over 10 years.
- This increase in long-term residents' SSI usage accounts for approximately half of the total caseload growth.
- A smaller increase in SSI receipt was observed among recent immigrant arrivals, but it was not the main contributor to overall growth.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that SSI availability acts as a 'magnet' attracting poor elderly immigrants.
- The growth in elderly immigrant SSI caseloads is more accurately explained by long-term residents aging into eligibility and increased utilization of benefits.
- Policy discussions regarding SSI and immigration should consider the role of "aging in place" and established residency in benefit uptake.