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Pension plans and retirement incentives

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  • Disney, Richard
  • Whitehouse, Edward

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the impact of type of pension scheme on retirement behavior. Section 1 describes a simple, theoretical model of optimal retirement. Section 2 introduces an empirical model of a simple retirement savings plan, or defined contribution pension scheme. Section 3 compares this with a defined benefit scheme. Sections4 and 5 examine the effect of these pension plans on work incentives. The following three sections extend the basic model to introduce'real world'features of pension plans. Section 9 examines the policy implications of the results and sets out anagenda for future research in this area. The results show a powerful incentive to leave work at the earliest possible age in defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans, in contrast, encourage people to remain in work longer.

Suggested Citation

  • Disney, Richard & Whitehouse, Edward, 1999. "Pension plans and retirement incentives," Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes 20851, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:hdnspu:20851
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    Cited by:

    1. Whitehouse, Edward, 2000. "Administrative charges for funded pensions: An international comparison and assessment," MPRA Paper 14172, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Whitehouse, Edward, 2000. "Paying for pensions: An international comparison of administrative charges in funded retirement-income systems," MPRA Paper 14171, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Queisser, Monika & Whitehouse, Edward, 2005. "Pensions at a glance: public policies across OECD countries," MPRA Paper 10907, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Даниелян, Владимир, 2016. "Детерминанты Пенсионного Возраста: Обзор Исследований [Determinants of Retirement Age: A Review of Research]," MPRA Paper 73865, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Ondøej Schneider, 2009. "Reforming Pensions in Europe: Economic Fundamentals and Political Factors," Czech Journal of Economics and Finance (Finance a uver), Charles University Prague, Faculty of Social Sciences, vol. 59(4), pages 292-308, Oktober.
    6. Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson, 2001. "Shrinking Labour Forces and Early Retirement," CESifo Forum, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 2(4), pages 31-37, October.
    7. Whitehouse, Edward, 2001. "Pension systems in 15 countries compared: the value of entitlements," MPRA Paper 14751, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson, 2001. "Shrinking Labour Forces and Early Retirement," CESifo Forum, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 2(04), pages 31-37, October.
    9. Freudenberg, Christoph & Laub, Natalie & Sutor, Tim, 2018. "Pension decrement rates across Europe – Are they too low?," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 12(C), pages 35-45.
    10. Castel, Paulette & Fox, Louise, 2001. "Gender dimensions of pension reform in the Former Soviet Union," Policy Research Working Paper Series 2546, The World Bank.
    11. Whitehouse, Edward, 2000. "How Poor are the Old? A Survey of Evidence from 44 Countries," MPRA Paper 14177, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    12. Disney, Richard & Whitehouse, Edward, 2001. "Cross-country comparisons of pensioners’ incomes," MPRA Paper 16345, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wages; Compensation&Benefits; Youth and Governance; Economic Theory&Research; Environmental Economics&Policies; Pensions&Retirement Systems;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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