This paper by the Urban Institute explores the impact of the RET on individual behavior. The RET may affect two personal decisions: (1) how many hours to work (including leaving the workforce); and (2) at what age to start claiming Social Security benefits. The RET may discourage a certain group...

Various policy developments and long-term economic, social, and demographic trends raise worrisome questions about the financial security of future retirees. An erosion in employer-sponsored defined benefit pension coverage and the increase in Social Security's full retirement age could shrink...

An important concern for pension policy is the unequal distribution of retirement benefits. Differences in employer-sponsored pension wealth are especially pronounced between men and women. This report examines gender differences in pension benefits among the elderly and differences in coverage...

The conversion of traditional defined benefit plans to cash balance plans is among the most controversial aspects of pension policy today. Because the controversy has focused on the treatment of older workers, however, the debate has generally ignored the long-term implications for retirement...