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A Role for Universal Pension? Simulating Universal Pensions in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa

Author

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  • Maria Jouste

    (University of Turku, Department of Economics, Turku, Finland. UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland.)

  • Pia Rattenhuber

    (UNU-WIDER, Helsinki, Finland.)

Abstract

We use four novel, cross-country comparable tax-benefit microsimulation models for Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa to analyse ex ante the expansion of a universal old-age pension in a static setting. Universal pensions would significantly reduce poverty and inequality in settings where no means-tested old-age pensions exist (such as in Ghana and Tanzania). If means-tested old-age pensions exist and shall be maintained, universal pensions as a top up scheme only make a difference for the income distribution if the existing schemes do not reach the entire vulnerable population such as in Ecuador. Costs for the proposed schemes are substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Jouste & Pia Rattenhuber, 2019. "A Role for Universal Pension? Simulating Universal Pensions in Ecuador, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 12(1), pages 13-51.
    • Handle: RePEc:ijm:journl:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:13-51
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    Cited by:

    1. H. Xavier Jara & Lourdes Montesdeoca & Iva Tasseva, 2022. "The Role of Automatic Stabilizers and Emergency Tax–Benefit Policies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Ecuador," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(6), pages 2787-2809, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    TAX-BENEFIT MICROSIMULATION; SOUTHMOD; POVERTY; PENSION SYSTEMS;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C15 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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