Description: The book review states 'This monograph provides an independent overview of the assumptions and methodology behind the OASDI estimates made by the Social Security Administration. Such information has heretofore been available only in the annual reports of the Board of Trustees of the OASDI Trust Funds, in the Actuarial Studies issued by the SSA and in writings by individuals closely associated with the system.'

Description: Response to Robert Myers review of an actuarialaudit of the Social Security system performed by Professors Kaplan and Weil.

Description: This 1977 article discusses demographic trends and the projected downward trend in mortality for the next 25 years in the United States, and its implications for social insurance programs. In particular the author identifies potential problems with the current structure of Social Security, and offers alternative suggestions for improving its financial soundness.

Description: Article describing two actuarial notes released by the Social Security Administration in 1967 clarifying changes to primary insurance amounts and family benefits.

Description: This article discusses key excerpts from testimony in June and July 1981 by James R.Swenson, Chairman of the Academy’s Committee on Social Insurance, to the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and to the Senate Subcommittee on Social Security. The testimony recommended that the long term problems of Social Security be addressed at the same time as the short term imbalances, that benefits be adjusted to affordable levels e.g. gradual increase in retirement age, that more attention be paid to pessimistic actuarial projections, that the actuaries be given more latitude in selecting assumptions, and that the law be amended to require actuarial certifications for Social Security.

Description: Mr. Myers tells about his recently ended position as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security for Programs and also his new position as Executive Director of the bi-partisan National Commission on Social Security Reform under President Reagan.

Description: The Advisory Council to Social Security will soon be replaced by a board to manage a new independent system. This article discusses recent recommendations made by the Council and the role actuaries have played on it.

Description: In this article, the author suggests that Social Security funds could earn better returns if some of the assets were invested in index funds weighted by the market capitalization. Index funds retain the risk and reward of the diversified market as a whole and eliminate the greater risk/reward of investing in a single issue or market segment. They offer a simple way to focus on asset mix where so much of the risk can be managed.

Description: This reporter spoke with Robert J. Myers ahout his role as Executive Director of the National Commission on Social Security Reform.

Description: A review of a pamphlet which described the amendments to the Social Security Act in 1977.