Effective February 28, 2009, the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF) public use data files will no longer be available from the Urban Institute web site. However, the files are now permanently archived at the University of Michigan's Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) and are available free of charge at: NSAF PUBLIC USE FILES AT THE ICPSR
The National Survey of America's Families provides a comprehensive look at the well-being of children and non-elderly adults, and reveals sometimes striking differences among the 13 states studied in depth. The survey provides quantitative measures of child, adult and family well-being in America, with an emphasis on persons in low-income families.
Conducted in three rounds - 1997, 1999, and 2002 - to gather information on more than 100,000 people and more than 40,000 families across the country, the NSAF gives researchers the tools to track national trends during that period, drawing on unusually detailed and comprehensive information about low-income parents and their children.
ANF Data
Although there is no charge to use ANF data, we do require users to register to use the data.
NSAF Public Use Data
NSAF public use data are provided in self-extracting (.exe) files that can be downloaded from the data download page.
NSAF Online Statistical Analysis
The NSAF online statistical analysis system is a set of programs that allow researchers to perform Web-based analysis of NSAF data.
Welfare Rules Database
The Welfare Rules Database provides a comprehensive, sophisticated resource for anyone comparing cash assistance programs between states, researching changes in cash assistance rules within a single state, or simply looking for the most up-to-date information on the rules governing cash assistance in one state.
Data Dictionary
Questionnaire
Methodology Reports
National Survey of America's Families Policy Briefs
Fast Facts on Welfare Policy
Short Takes on Welfare Policy
Snapshots of America's Families