Description: Discussion of the need to understand the implications of demographic and family diversity for the design of retirement programs. The design of retirement programs is a design of programs for the elderly, who are more often women, because women live longer and because their work histories often lead to reduced levels of pension and social security benefits.

Description: Industry briefings and SOA news

Description: This article reviews studies find that the mortality gap has significantly reduced – though not eliminated – the overall progressivity of Social Security.

Description: This article is the second in a two part series that summarizes a longer paper that can be downloaded from the website of the Social Insurance and Public Finance Section. Both articles take the form of a point-counterpoint dialogue addressing important aspects of social insurance programs. The first part discussed their nature, desirability and advantages, as well as whether they can form a framework to achieve sustainable inter-generational equity. This article focuses on whether pre-funding of a social insurance program can occur and can contribute to the financial security of the participants. Fundamental differences of opinion exist regarding these programs, not only due to different personal and political values, but also as a result of the viewpoint taken (for example, assessment of the program in isolation, consideration of the sponsoring government's financial situation, or the overall national economy).

Description: A discussion of the future of the Social Security system, including a summary of the report from the Social Security Administration Advisory Council issued in January 1997. The document also sets forth some philosophical issues pertaining to Social Security purposes and its funding.

Description: A discussion of pension reform in China at the time of the July 1997 introduction of a new unified pension system.

Description: Part Two of a 3 part discussion of: Social Security System for the 21st Century. This part outlines some of the key characteristics of the viable social security system of the 21st century.

Description: A comparison of Social Security benefits, for a hypothetical new entrant to the program, between the 1972 Social Security Act and the 1977 Social Security Act.

Description: A view of Social Security disability experience for 1970 through 1978, and future projected trends based on observed application, approval, and recovery rates.

Description: An over view of recent revisions to Social Security, and their implications to the private sector of the insurance industry.