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Spousal Death, Mental Health and Survivor Benefits

Author

Listed:
  • Barschkett, Mara

    (University of Bonn)

  • Tréguier, Julie

    (DIW Berlin)

Abstract

In this paper, we estimate the causal effect of social security income on mental health. We focus on widowhood, a life event associated with large and persistent mental health declines, and exploit a reform of the Dutch survivor benefits system that introduced cohort-based restrictions in benefit eligibility. Using administrative data, we find that reduced access to survivor benefits increases antidepressant use by 9%, accounting for 35% of the overall rise in antidepressant use following spousal death. A mechanism analysis shows that survivor benefits stabilize mental health by smoothing living standards, highlighting the potential welfare gains from well-targeted income support policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Barschkett, Mara & Tréguier, Julie, 2026. "Spousal Death, Mental Health and Survivor Benefits," IZA Discussion Papers 18385, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18385
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions

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