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: This article is a review of the 1981 book ‘The Coming Revolution in Social Security,’ by A. Haeworth Robinson. The reviewer notes that the author believes there is ‘dangerous lack of information about the current program,’ but that understanding will bring demand for radical changes. An important question asked by the book is whether, due to the changes in our society and economy since the original program was instituted, and probable future changes, the system needs to be fundamentally different and more flexible.

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: 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: This paper reviews proposals from the IPSAS- B, the IMF and Eurostat in relation to the reporting of pension liabilities in national accounts.

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

Description: Every October, the U.S. Social Security Administration announces certain changes in programamounts that occur automatically—that is, without any new legislation being necessary.

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: June 2013 issue of the Social Insurance & Public Finance Section newsletter, In The Public Interest.