CPS Supplement: Annual Social and Economic

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Summary

The Current Population Survey (CPS) is a monthly survey that provides current estimates and trends in employment, unemployment, earnings, and other characteristics of the general labor force, the population as a whole, and various population subgroups. The Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS-ASEC) is conducted annually in the months of February, March, and April. In addition to the usual monthly labor force data, this supplement provides information on work experience, income, noncash benefits, and migration of persons ages 15 years and older.

Agency DOC, CENSUS
Related Agency DOL, BLS
Data Checkup

Historical Data Availability

No Known Issue

Future Data Availability

No Known Issue

Data Quality

No Known Issue

Statutory Context

Moderate Risk
Authorized under general Census/BLS survey statutes (13 U.S.C. §§141, 182; 29 U.S.C. §§2, 8), which don't name ASEC or income/poverty measurement specifically. However, ASEC-derived poverty statistics are the direct input to HHS's annual poverty guidelines, which drive eligibility determinations across Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, Head Start, and ACA subsidies nationwide, with no substitute data source.

Staffing and Funding

Moderate Risk
A new BLS Commissioner has been confirmed but many leadership roles remain vacant, and reductions in staffing have affected the ability to maintain core data collections. Prior to the shutdown, hiring had resumed to augment CPI data collection. From FY2024 to FY2026, the Census Bureau has lost more than 2,500 staff (approximately 20%).

Policy

No Known Issue
Last updated: 2026-08-27

Details

OMB Control Number 0607-0354
Authorizing Statutes 13 USC 182, 29 USC 1-9, 13 USC 141
Related ICRs
Reference Number Title Agency Status Request Type
202410-0607-009 2025 Annual Social and Economic Supplement to the Current Population Survey DOC/CENSUS Active
Revision of a currently approved collection
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