National estimates of disability prevalence produced using 2019 SIPP data are significantly higher than corresponding estimates from other federal surveys that use the same disability measure. Moreover, SIPP data suggest that disability prevalence has increased in the U.S. over time since 2008, particularly among adults aged 40 and over, a pattern that is not observed in other federal surveys. Disability estimates from the American Community Survey, for example, suggest that disability prevalence rose only very slightly among adults aged 40 and older between 2008 and 2014 and then declined between 2014 and 2018. 

It is difficult to determine the exact cause of rising disability rates in SIPP. The Census Bureau has investigated several possible explanations for rising disability rates in SIPP. More information can be found here:  https://www.census.gov/library/working-papers/2018/demo/SEHSD-WP2018-04.html

Overall, the higher disability estimates in SIPP do not appear to result from errors in data collection or data processing. There is some evidence that differences in SIPP sample composition between panels have contributed to changes in disability prevalence estimates. Members of the 2014 SIPP Panel, for example, reported poorer self-rated health, on average, than members of the 2008 SIPP Panel. Another potential explanation for the jump in disability prevalence is change in the SIPP survey instrument over time, although it should be noted that the question items used to measure disability have remained consistent since 2008. 

Data users should be aware of these concerns regarding 2019 SIPP disability estimates. SIPP 2019 disability data can be used to examine associations between disability and other variables over time, as well as to examine group differences in disability. However, we encourage caution if using these data for population estimates of disability, given that they do not align with estimates from other federal surveys.