Description: This paper reviews and compares the Canadian and U.S. Social Security systems as to their adequacy, actuarial equity and progressiveness. It concludes that the Canadian system[s] provide larger minimum benefits and, thus, greater adequacy than the U. S. On the other hand, the analysis indicates more emphasis on actuarial equity in the U.S. system [in total] than in Canada. Finally, both systems are shown to be highly progressive in that lower-wage earners get larger benefits per dollar of contribution than do higher wage earners. The paper concludes by noting that while the systems in these two countries have remarkably different actuarial formulae for determining benefits, and remarkably different structures, that the benefits that result from the two systems are surprisingly similar. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1999, Vol. 1.

Description: This presentation, session number 80PD, took place at the 1999 Spring Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held June 16-18 in Seattle. The panelists discuss the far-reaching, and not fully understood, proposals for fundamentally changing Social Security, including proposals from Congress, private individuals and groups, and by members of the recent Advisory Council on Social Security. They include “privatizing” Social Security, partially or fully, and changing the investment policy to allow trust fund investments in private securities. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 25, No. 2.

Description: This panel discussion session focuses on the financial security of retirees including examining the role of personal savings in meeting the financial security needs of retirees. From Record of Society of Actuaries 1980, Vol. 6, No. 4.