The Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) is a nationally representative longitudinal survey that provides comprehensive information on the dynamics of income, employment, household composition, and government program participation. SIPP is also a leading source of data on economic well-being, family dynamics, education, wealth, health insurance, child care, and food security. SIPP interviews individuals for several years and provides monthly data about changes in household and family composition and economic circumstances over time.

SIPP is a household-based survey designed as a continuous series of national panels. Each panel generally features a large sample of households that are interviewed multiple times over a four-year period. Since its inception in 1983, SIPP data provide the most comprehensive information available on how the nation’s economic well-being changes over time.

SIPP’s wide range of topics allows for the examination of the interaction between tax, transfer, and other government and private policies with multiple social and demographic characteristics. Government policy makers also depend on SIPP for information on the distribution of income and the success of government assistance programs. SIPP collects information for assistance received either directly as money or indirectly as in-kind benefits.

Sponsoring Agency and Legal Authority

The U.S. Census Bureau sponsors SIPP under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 182. This law protects all survey participants and their privacy.