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Social Security and Retirement of Older Blacks and Hispanics

Author

Listed:
  • Emma Aguila
  • Zeewan Lee

Abstract

Little research has examined how income inequalities by race/ethnic origin shape retirement decisions. Using Health and Retirement Study data from 2000–2020 linked to restricted Social Security Administration records, we calculate Social Security wealth accounting for differences in earnings histories, employment gaps, and survival probabilities. We find that Social Security wealth encourages retirement for Blacks and Whites but not for Hispanics. The limited responsiveness of Black and Hispanic individuals to other well-documented retirement determinants may point to labor market barriers and discrimination that diminish differences within groups and highlight the need to conduct analyses separately by race/ethnic origin.

Suggested Citation

  • Emma Aguila & Zeewan Lee, 2026. "Social Security and Retirement of Older Blacks and Hispanics," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 116, pages 630-634, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:116:y:2026:p:630-634
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261126
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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