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Are Sufficient Statistics Necessary? Nonparametric Measurement of Deadweight Loss from Unemployment Insurance

Author

Listed:
  • David S. Lee
  • Pauline Leung
  • Christopher J. O’Leary
  • Zhuan Pei
  • Simon Quach

Abstract

Central to the welfare analysis of income transfer programs is the deadweight loss associated with possible reforms. To aid analytical tractability, its measurement typically requires specifying a simplified model of behavior. We employ a complementary “decomposition” approach that compares the behavioral and mechanical components of a policy’s total impact on the government budget to study the deadweight loss of two unemployment insurance policies. Experimental and quasi-experimental estimates using state administrative data show that increasing the weekly benefit is more efficient (with a fiscal externality of 53 cents per dollar of mechanical transferred income) than reducing the program’s implicit earnings tax.

Suggested Citation

  • David S. Lee & Pauline Leung & Christopher J. O’Leary & Zhuan Pei & Simon Quach, 2021. "Are Sufficient Statistics Necessary? Nonparametric Measurement of Deadweight Loss from Unemployment Insurance," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39(S2), pages 455-506.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/711594
    DOI: 10.1086/711594
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    Cited by:

    1. Andreas Haller & Stefan Staubli & Josef Zweimüller, 2024. "Designing Disability Insurance Reforms: Tightening Eligibility Rules or Reducing Benefits?," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 92(1), pages 79-110, January.
    2. Thomas Le Barbanchon & Johannes F. Schmieder & Andrea Weber, 2024. "Job Search, Unemployment Insurance, and Active Labor Market Policies," NBER Working Papers 32720, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Jonathan Cohen & Geoffrey C. Schnorr, 2024. "Efficiency Costs of Unemployment Insurance Denial: Evidence from Randomly Assigned Examiners," Upjohn Working Papers 24-404, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
    4. Le Barbanchon, Thomas, 2025. "Taxes Today, Benefits Tomorrow," IZA Discussion Papers 17600, IZA Network @ LISER.
    5. Kalin, Salla & Kyyrä, Tomi & Matikka, Tuomas, 2023. "Combining Part-time Work and Social Benefits: Empirical Evidence from Finland," Working Papers 159, VATT Institute for Economic Research.
    6. Martín González-Rozada & Hernán Ruffo, 2026. "The Welfare Effects of Unemployment Insurance in Argentina: New Estimates Using Changes in the Schedule of Transfers," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 61(1), pages 240-273.
    7. Tomi Kyyrä & Hanna Pesola, 2020. "The Effects of UI Benefits on Unemployment and Subsequent Outcomes: Evidence from a Kinked Benefit Rule," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 82(5), pages 1135-1160, October.
    8. Cahuc, Pierre & Benghalem, Hélène & Villedieu, Pierre, 2021. "The Lock-in Effects of Part-time Unemployment Benefits," CEPR Discussion Papers 15921, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    9. Tito Boeri & Pierre Cahuc, 2022. "Labor Market Insurance Policies in the XXI Century," Sciences Po Economics Publications (main) hal-03878719, HAL.
    10. Pauline Leung & Zhuan Pei,, 2020. "Further Education During Unemployment," Working Papers 642, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
    11. Susanne Ek Spector, 2022. "Should unemployment insurance cover partial unemployment?," World of Labour, LISER, pages 199-199, June.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C20 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - General
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • H2 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • J65 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment Insurance; Severance Pay; Plant Closings
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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