Estimating the Size and Characteristics of the SSI Child Population A Comparison Between the NSCF and Three National Surveys

To monitor and evaluate programs for children receiving Supplemental Security Income, policymakers need reliable information on the children’s health and health care. This study compared the quality of data from the National Survey of SSI Children and Families with data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, the Survey of Income and Program Participation, and the National Health Interview Survey. Overall, results indicate that the NSCF provides more comprehensive and accurate data for examining policy issues affecting SSI children compared with other available surveys.