An Analysis of Unemployment Insurance Non-Filers: 2005 CPS Supplement Results

Abstract

This report represents a first analysis of data from the CPS supplement of 2005, and provides updated information on how often and why individuals choose not to apply for unemployment benefits. The findings are presented both in tabular format and as a series of multiple regression results. Policy implications of the findings, which confirm past survey findings, are that, despite nearly universal coverage of the U.S. workforce, a substantial number of people do not file a claim for UI when they lose their job. Virtually all employees, with few exceptions, such as self-employed workers, are covered by the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. Despite this broad coverage, individuals do not always apply for UI benefits when they become unemployed. During the past 30 years, four Current Population Survey (CPS) supplements (1976, 1989, 1993, and 2005) have been undertaken to learn more about how often and why individuals do not apply for unemployment benefits.