We propose to use the HRS, including restricted data, to ask how various approaches to means testing, based on different criteria, might affect benefits and taxes at the household level. We will analyze the likely distributional effects of various possible approaches to means testing. We also will explore effects of means testing on incentives to claim Social Security benefits, strategies for claiming pension benefits, retirement age, work after leaving full time work on a long term job, and saving and investment.
Distributional Effects of Means Testing Social Security: An Exploratory Analysis
Thomas L. Steinmeier, Alan Gustman, Nahid Tabatabai,2014