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: 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: Panelists and audience engage in a discussion about how to address – and how not to address – the basic financial-income needs of people in the U.S. after they have retired from a productive work life. Considers the current Social Security system in the U.S. and the systems in other countries. From the 1997 Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 23, No. 3.

Description: Diverse Risks 2016 Call for Essays

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

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

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