2021 – Publication Years

Underfunded Public Sector Pension Plans, Social Security Participation, and the Retirement Decisions of Public Employees

August 12, 2021
Susan Barnes
benefit claiming, OASDI trust funds, pensions, Retirement

I analyze the effects of public pension parameters, Social Security coverage, and state pension fund sustainability on the retirement of public employees. I use data from the Health and Retirement Study, including personal early and normal retirement eligibility and state…

The Causes and Consequences of Opioid Use among Older Americans: A Panel Survey Approach

July 21, 2021
Susan Barnes
Disability insurance, Health and Retirement Study, Labor force participation, Mortality trends, Opioids

This study examines the effects of prescription opioid analgesic use for older Americans, specifically with regard to work disability and disability program participation. We draw on the long-panel structure of the Health and Retirement Study and a newly available 2009…

Public Pension Design and Household Retirement Decisions: A Comparison of the United States and Germany

June 17, 2021
Susan Barnes
benefit claiming, Financial well-being, International, Retirement, Social Security, Social Security spousal benefits

Public Pension Design and Household Retirement Decisions: A Comparison of the United States and Germany

May 28, 2021
Susan Barnes
benefit claiming, International, Labor Supply, OASDI trust funds, Older workers, pensions, Retirement

Social Security provides retirement benefits to age-eligible workers and their spouses. Benefits are permanently increased if initial receipt is delayed. For benefits paid to spouses, these incentives reflect a complex interaction of the worker’s and spouse’s earnings histories, benefit claiming…