An Assessment of the Representativeness of the SSI DA&A Study Panels

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the representativeness of the longitudinal surveys of Drug Addicts and Alcoholic (DA&A) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients collected by various grantees commissioned by the Center on Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). CSAT commissioned grantees in seven catchment areas (in five states) to survey representative samples of DA&A "SSI-only" recipients (i.e., DA&A SSI recipients who did not receive additional disability benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance).

The purpose of this paper is to assess the representativeness of the longitudinal surveys of Drug Addicts and Alcoholic (DA&A) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients collected by various grantees commissioned by the Center on Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). CSAT commissioned grantees in seven catchment areas (in five states) to survey representative samples of DA&A "SSI-only" recipients (i.e., DA&A SSI recipients who did not receive additional disability benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance).

Our findings indicate that the CSAT grantees across all sites were generally very successful in selecting and interviewing a representative sample of DA&A SSI-only recipients from their catchment areas. With perhaps surprisingly few exceptions, the characteristics of those in the CSAT respondents are closely matched to the characteristics of the target populations of DA&A recipients in the catchment areas and CSAT sample members. We do find that certain sites selected samples that were more representative of their catchment area than others. It is important to note, however, that the CSAT data are not representative of National DA&A SSI-only recipients. These differences largely reflect the characteristics of the populations of the catchment areas relative to the national population.

The paper is available in Contemporary Drug Problems.

For findings related to the policy evaluation of the effect of legislation prohibiting the payment of disability benefits to individuals whose disability is based on drug addiction and alcoholism, see: http://www.ssa.gov/policy/policyareas/evaluation/daa/report.pdf

Usage and reprints: Most publications may be downloaded free of charge from the web site and may be used and copies made for research, academic, policy or other non-commercial purposes. Proper attribution is required. Posting UI research papers on other websites is permitted subject to prior approval from the Urban Institute—contact [email protected].

If you are unable to access or print the PDF document please contact us or call the Publications Office at (202) 261-5687.

Disclaimer: The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Copyright of the written materials contained within the Urban Institute website is owned or controlled by the Urban Institute.