Beginning in February, U.S. Census Bureau field representatives will visit 45,000 randomly selected households nationwide to conduct the Survey of Income and Program Participation, a continuous survey launched more than 20 years ago.

     The survey typically tracks changes in the type of work people perform, the level of their education and whether they are actively looking for employment. Periodically, respondents also are asked questions on other topics such as: the cost of utilities, retirement and pension plan coverage, automobile ownership, work-related expenses and informal caregiving. One specific question included on this survey will be: Do you provide regular unpaid care or assistance to a family member or friend who has a long-term illness or a disability?

     Since the survey is designed to measure change over time, the households chosen will remain in the survey through January 2008.

     “Findings from the Survey of Income and Program Participation are invaluable because they help policymakers reach informed decisions affecting many of us, such as family caregivers,” said George Grandy Jr., director of the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office.

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