This section describes income from Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and disability programs such as Workers' Compensation. Refer to the "Pension Benefits & Pension Plans" section of this guide for information on income from pension plans.
Social Security/Railroad Retirement Payments: The 1983 and 1988-2003 surveys collected information on whether income from Social Security/Railroad Retirement benefits had been received during the past 12 months. If income was received, the survey asked about the amounts received by either the respondent or her spouse. During other years, receipt of such income was incorporated within a residual "all other" income question. The 1991 and 1993 surveys included a question for respondents reporting a current or last job on whether she was covered by Social Security/Railroad Retirement on that job.
Social Security Disability/Other Disability Payments: In 1978, 1983, and 1988-2003, the survey included questions on whether disability income had been received during the past 12 months. If the respondent or her spouse received income, the specific amount received from each of the following sources was collected: Social Security Disability, Veterans Compensation or pension, Workers' (previously Workman's) Compensation, or another disability program. In 1991, each respondent was asked whether she had ever received or applied for a pension or compensation for any existing disability; this series was updated in 1993-2003. Questions asked during the 1968-82 surveys did not differentiate disability income from other income such as rental income, dividends, etc.
Attitudes Towards Possible Future Social Security Program Reforms: In 2003, the survey introduced a series of questions about the respondents' feelings towards possible changes in the Social Security program, including hypothetical investment and payment options. These questions are found in the "Attitudes" section of the 2003 questionnaire and can be found by searching question titles for the phrase "Attitude Toward Social Security."
Survey Instruments: Users can find questions on income from and eligibility for Social Security and disability payments in the "Assets and Income" sections of the 1968-91 and 1997-2003 questionnaires and the "Current Labor Force Status and Work History" sections of the 1991-95 questionnaires.
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