A Global Perspective on Social Security Programs for the Aged

Abstract

The social security programs that have become widely established in countries around the globe vary greatly in their design features. The difference among the programs invites questions regarding the relative strength of their designs. One hundred and sixty-four programs are assessed on three design dimensions: benefit eligibility, qualifying eligibility criteria, and benefit provision. The analysis shows that the best-designed old-age programs can be found in Western Europe and Australasia.

Key Words:

• Social security
• retirement income protection
• the aged
• evaluation
• global rankings