SPMCAPXPNS is a 22-digit floating point variable.
999999999999999.000000 = NIU (Not in universe)

Description

SPMCAPXPNS measures the family's work and childcare expenditures and is used to calculate the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). Childcare expenditures are reported by CPS respondents. Work expenditures are estimated based on number of weeks worked. Work and child care expenditures are aggregated across all members of the SPM-defined family unit. The amount included in SPM resources calculations is capped at the earnings of the lowest earner in the family.

The uncapped values of work and child care expenditures are available in SPMWKXPNS and SPMCHXPNS.

SPM variables prior to 2010 are created by Columbia University's Center on Poverty and Social Research. Details about the methodology used by CPSP to construct the Historical SPM are described in the Historical SPM user note.

For more information on the estimation of work and childcare expenditures for the SPM, see the Census Bureau's "The Research Supplemental Poverty Measure" report.

SPMCAPXPNS is expressed in current dollars; users can adjust for inflation with Consumer Price Index adjustment factors.

Comparability

Prior to 2010, SPM variables are constructed by CPSP using data from the CPS ASEC and other sources to calculate household resources and poverty thresholds. These variables are created using the best possible data available, but some must be imputed due to incomplete data coverage (particularly in the earliest years of the Historical SPM). Users are encouraged to read the Historical SPM documentation for information about CPSP's methodology and use caution when comparing pre- and post-2010 values.

Aside from the effects of inflation, SPMCAPXPNS is comparable across years from 2010 to 2018.

In 2019, the Census Bureau implemented a new processing system to accommodate survey changes. These changes affect income and relationship variables, making poverty measurements before and after 2019 incomparable. For more information on this overhaul, see our guide to the 2019 ASEC updates.

Universe

Flags

Unharmonized Variables