The ETA uses the covered workers and pay data to measure the extent of coverage of the UI and UCFE programs, relative to the size of the labor force. The number of covered workers is used to calculate insured employment and the insured unemployment rate. The insured unemployment rate is a factor used in determining UI benefit extensions to eligible unemployed persons. The pay and contributions data is used as an input for studies that determine experience ratings, maximum benefit levels and other UI revenue issues. Besides personal income, the BEA uses the covered workers earnings data to determine the wage and salary component of national income and gross domestic product.
Personal income is used by the federal government to allocate funds to state and local governments.
Personal income estimates are also used by the Social Security Administration and by state governments to forecast tax revenues and plan budgets. Other federal government agencies use covered workers and pay data as well. They also develop HUD median family income estimates. These estimates are not only used by HUD, but also by the Farmers Home Administration and the Federal banking regulatory agencies. The covered workers and pay data is also used by other Bureau of Labor Statistics programs.