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Estimating the Impact of a Policy Reform on Benefit Take‐up: The 2001 extension to the Minimum Income Guarantee for UK Pensioners

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  • FRANCESCA ZANTOMIO
  • STEPHEN PUDNEY
  • RUTH HANCOCK

Abstract

In 2001 the Minimum Income Guarantee for UK pensioners was reformed, changing the structure and level of benefits. We evaluate the behavioural response to this reform, using nonparametric analysis comparing a sample of pensioners interviewed before and another interviewed after the reform, matching their simulated pre‐ and post‐reform entitlements and other characteristics. We compare the results with conventional parametric methods and also ex ante matching, and we consider the effect of measurement error in simulated entitlements. The response of take‐up to the reform is found to be significant and positive, with evidence of larger impacts from the nonparametric analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Zantomio & Stephen Pudney & Ruth Hancock, 2010. "Estimating the Impact of a Policy Reform on Benefit Take‐up: The 2001 extension to the Minimum Income Guarantee for UK Pensioners," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 77(306), pages 234-254, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:econom:v:77:y:2010:i:306:p:234-254
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0335.2008.00755.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Stephen Pudney & Ruth Hancock & Holly Sutherland, 2006. "Simulating the Reform of Means‐tested Benefits with Endogenous Take‐up and Claim Costs," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 68(2), pages 135-166, April.
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    1. Kerstin Bruckmeier & Jürgen Wiemers, 2010. "A New Targeting - A New Take-Up?: Non-take-up of Social Assistance in Germany after Social Policy Reforms," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 294, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
    2. Hu, Liang & Chen, Shishuo, 2025. "Ownership types and corporate environmental investment: Contingent effects of institutional and corporate factors," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    3. Zantomio, Francesca, 2008. "The route to take-up: raising incentives or lowering barriers?," ISER Working Paper Series 2008-35, Institute for Social and Economic Research.

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