The Methodology of the Multi-Site Study of the Termination of Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Drug Addicts and Alcoholics

Abstract

This paper describes the quantitative and qualitative methodologies used in a nine-site, two-year study of the effects of terminating Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for drug addiction and alcoholism (DA&A). The quantitative component of the study involved a longitudinal survey that collected data on 1,744 former DA&A recipients, representing about one-fourth of the national population, and achieved an aggregate follow-up rate of 82%. Despite limitations in questionnaire design and implementation, the survey provided reasonably valid data in the following areas: demographics, employment/income, medical/psychiatric status, drug and alcohol use, legal involvement, family/social functioning, food and hunger, housing, and victimization. The qualitative component examined the lives of a subsample to help clarify important issues that could not be addressed within the more structured protocol and format of the longitudinal survey. The paper also presents details on the survey instrument design, the results of validation studies of selected survey items, and data collection protocols across study sites.