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Effects of welfare receipt on well-being: Evidence from older people in Japan

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  • Matsumoto, Kodai

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to verify whether receiving public assistance affects the well-being of the older people. When socially nondependency norms have formed, receiving public assistance may reduce well-being. The study focuses on older people in Japan, where public assistance is minimal. Based on the findings, for individuals aged 65 years and older, the negative impact is weak and often not statistically significant. However, welfare benefits have a positive effect on elderly men while exerting a negative effect on elderly women. Moreover, regional differences are found among the working-age population, but not among the elderly.

Suggested Citation

  • Matsumoto, Kodai, 2025. "Effects of welfare receipt on well-being: Evidence from older people in Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:japwor:v:75:y:2025:i:c:s0922142525000258
    DOI: 10.1016/j.japwor.2025.101321
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination

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