"J. Samuel Valenzuela","Families, Welfare Institutions and Economic Development; Chile and Sweden in Comparative Perspective","University of Notre Dame","http://nd.edu/~kellogg/publications/workingpapers/WPS/374.pdf","By comparing Chile and Sweden, the paper seeks to understand the origins of this 
different, and ultimately less successful, developmental trajectory. Both of these 
countries were similar socially, politically, and economically at the beginning of the 
twentieth century. The key difference between their subsequent development trajectories 
is that properly designed welfare institutions, in particular a universal old-age pension 
system, were set in place in Sweden early on. Such institutions had a transformative 
impact on poor families, reducing their fertility levels, and allowing them to invest in the 
education of their children. This did not occur in Chile. In sum, old-age pensions and 
other welfare institutions are not a “luxury” that only rich countries can afford to adopt, 
but are key contributing elements to creating the most successful form of development in our time.","0000-00",
"S. Szreter","The right of registration: development, identity registration and social security","","http://www.historyandpolicy.org/papers/policy-paper-53.html","Identity registration at birth is a UN proclaimed human right. However, it is not
available in many of the world’s poorer countries today. A national system of identity registration
dates from 1538 in England and was used by individual citizens to verify their property and inheritance
rights and by local communities to verify social security claims. This facilitated the effective
functioning of a nationwide social security system and a mobile market in both labor and capital,
contributing to Britain’s pioneering process of economic development. Today identity and vital registration
systems should also be a high priority for development policy as a democratic institution
vital for turning the liberal rhetoric of rights into a reality of empowered individuals.","0000-00",
"The New Times","Online news report: Social pension essential for Rwanda&#039;s older people","The New Times","http://allafrica.com/stories/201201230217.html","This article discusses the need for social pensions in Rwanda.","0000-00",
"Government of Bermuda","Bermuda: Contributory pensions act","","http://www.bermudalaws.bm/Laws/Consolidated%20Laws/Contributory%20Pensions%20Act%201970.pdf","The 1970 Contributory pensions act outlines entitlement to Bermuda&#039;s non-contributory pension.","0000-00",
"Government of Bermuda","Bermuda Department of Social Insurance: Old age pension (webpage)","","http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=258&&PageID=226797&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true","This Government website provides information on Bermuda&#039;s non-contributory pension","0000-00",
"ASEAN","Country report of the ASEAN assessement on the social impact of the global financial crisis: Brunei Darussalam","","http://www.aseansec.org/publications/ARCR/Brunei.pdf","This paper includes an overview of current social protection programmes in Brunei Darussalam.","0000-00",
"ISSA","ISSA: Brunei Darussalam (webpage)","","http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Brunei-Darussalam/Scheme-Description/(id)/108656","Webpage providing information on Brunei Darussalam&#039;s non contributory pension","0000-00",
"ILO SECSOC","ILO SECSOC: Canada (Webpage)","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/ilossi/ssimain.viewScheme?p_lang=en&p_scheme_id=2295&p_geoaid=124","Webpage providing an overview of Canada&#039;s social pension","0000-00",
"European Commission","European Commission - Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion: Denmark - Old Age ","","http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/soc-prot/missoc99/english/06/dk.htm","This EC resource provides information on the Danish social pension.","0000-00",
"Department of Work and Pensions","Review of Residency Based Pension Schemes","","http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/rev-res-based-pen-schemes.pdf","This UK Government paper provides an overview of residency based pension schemes.","0000-00",
"Government of India","Government of India: Frequently Asked Questions on NSAP","","http://nsap.nic.in/nsap/FAQ_ON_NSAP_NEW.pdf","This Government resources answers frequently asked questions on the National Social Assistance Programme, which includes the IGNOAPS - India&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"","Government of India: Constitution","","http://www.legalserviceindia.com/constitution/const_india.htm","India&#039;s constitution provides the legislative base for the IGNOAPS - India&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"ILO","Overview of Major Social Security Legislation: Indonesia","","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-jakarta/documents/publication/wcms_170622.pdf","This paper provides an overview of major social security legislation in Indonesia - including the legislative base for Indonesia&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"Government of Jamaica","Government of Jamaica: PATH (Webpage)","","http://www.mlss.gov.jm/pub/index.php?artid=23","This Government website provides information on Jamaica&#039;s PATH scheme, which includes the social pension.","0000-00",
"S. I. Rajan ","Old Age Allowance Program in Nepal","","http://www.dfid.gov.uk/R4D/PDF/Outputs/chronicpoverty_rc/rajan.pdf","This paper provides information on the Old Age Allowance in Nepal","0000-00",
"MISSOC","MISSOC: Norway - Old Age (Webpage)","","http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/missoc/2000/no_part6_en.htm","This webpage provides information on the social pension in Norway.","0000-00",
"Government of Slovenia","Government of Slovenia: Pension and Invalidity Insurance Act ","","http://www.mddsz.gov.si/fileadmin/mddsz.gov.si/pageuploads/dokumenti__pdf/zpiz1_en.pdf","This act provides the legislative base for Slovenia&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"Government of Trinidad and Tobago","Government of Trinidad and Tobago: Senior Citizen&#039;s Grant Act Chapter 32:02","","http://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/Laws2/Alphabetical_List/lawspdfs/32.02.pdf","This act, now partly amended, outlines the eligibility requirements for Trinidad and Tobago&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"Government of Guyana","Government of Guyana: Old Age Pensions Act","","javascript:oPenImag1('docs/ELECTRONIC/72126/73090/F1084001090/GUY72126.pdf')","This 1944 act provides the legislative base for Guyana&#039;s social pension. Act has subsequently been amended.","0000-00",
"Government of Malta","Malta: Old age pensions regulations","","/download/4fb260050a806","Subsequently amended, these regulations provide the legislative base for Malta&#039;s social pension.","0000-00",
"P. Nauth","Online news report - Guyana: Old Age Pension Increased to $10,000","Guyana Chronicle","http://www.guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42312:old-age-pension-increased-to-10000&catid=4:top-story&Itemid=8","This online news report documents an increase in the transfer amount of the social pension in Guyana","0000-00",
"L. Willmore","Larry Willmore: Universal pensions in Chiapas","","http://larrywillmore.net/blog/2012/01/16/universal-pensions-in-chiapas","This blog post by Larry Willmore provides information on the universal social pension in Chiapas state, Mexico.","0000-00",
"Juan Jose Diaz, Joachim De Weerdt, Ingo Outes","Pension-65 and More - The economic and social impact of a non-contributory pension scheme in rural Peru and its interactions (forthcoming)","3ie","http://www.3ieimpact.org/en/evidence/impact-evaluations/details/679/","In Peru, where pension schemes only cover 5% of the rural elderly, a new non-contributory pension scheme (called Pension-65) targets the rural poor. 

In addition to direct benefits to those covered, pension schemes have been shown to reduce dependency and increase transfers, which benefits members of the participants’ families and social networks.


This study delves into the following questions: What is the economic impact of Pension-65 on beneficiaries and their households? How is the programme impact affected by social networks? And how does Pension-65 interact with Juntos, the largest social protection programme in Peru?


In poor economies, family networks are often the only source of old-age insurance; it seems therefore essential to consider the role of such networks when assessing pension schemes for the poor. Also, complementarities between different social protection programmes are of tremendous importance. Though often recognized, complementarities between social protection programmes and interactions between networks and social protection programmes have rarely been explored in the evaluation literature.


The Pension-65 programme is currently in its pilot stage and is slated to expand geographically in 2012/13. This study is therefore quite timely if it can help to inform this expansion.  The research team is carrying out this experiment in coordination with the implementing ministry.
","0000-00",
"Government of the Cook Islands","Cook Islands: Welfare Amendment Act 1991-92","","http://www.paclii.org/ck/legis/num_act/waa19911992164//","Act amending the 1989 Welfare act and providing the legislative base for the Cook Islands&#039; social pension.","1992-01",
"Government of Ireland","Irish Statute Book: 1993 Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act","","http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1993/en/act/pub/0027/print.html#sec133","This 1993 act provides a legislative base for Ireland&#039;s social pension.","1993-01",
"Government of Antigua and Barbuda","Antigua and Barbuda: Social security (amendment) act, 1993","","http://www.laws.gov.ag/acts/1993/a1993-22.pdf","The social security (amendment) act of 1993 provides a legislative base for the Old Age Assistance Programme","1993-01",
"Government of the Seychelles","Social Security Act 1987 (Second edition: 1996)","","http://196.1.120.228/catcoco2/images/Documents/Social%20Security%20Act.pdf","This act provides the legislative base for the social pension in the Seychelles.","1996-01",
"Government of Kazakhstan","Act no. 137-1 of 1997 on Pensions in the Republic of Kazakhstan","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/67331/72616/F1168996325/KAZ67331.pdf","This Government Act contributes towards the legislative base of Kazakhstan&#039;s social pension.","1997-01",
"Government of Latvia","Latvia: Law on Social Assistance","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/SERIAL/66768/63168/F2056095942/e97lva03.pdf","The 1997 Law on Social Assistance provides a legislative base for Latvia&#039;s social pension.","1997-01",
"Case, A. and Deaton, A.","Large cash transfers to the elderly in South Africa","","http://www.princeton.edu/~accase/downloads/Large_Cash_Transfers_to_the_Elderly_in_South_Africa.pdf","This paper examines the social pension in South Africa, where large cash sums - about twice the median per capita income of African households - are paid to people qualified by age but irrespective of previous contributions. It presents the history of the scheme and uses a 1993 nationally representative survey to investigate the redistributive consequences of the transfers, documenting who receives the pensions, their levels of living, and those of their families. It also looks at behavioural effects, particularly the effects of the cash receipts on the allocation of income to food, schooling, transfers, and savings.","1998-01",
"McLindon, M. et al.","Enhancing Egypt&#039;s social insurance system","TAPR/USAID","http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNACX989.pdf","This paper provides an overview of Egypt&#039;s social insurance system.","1999-01",
"M. A. Chen","Women in the informal sector: a global picture, the global movement","","http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/76309/dc2002/proceedings/pdfpaper/module6mc.pdf","Why should we be concerned about women who work in the informal sector? There is a
significant overlap between being a woman, working in the informal sector, and being
poor. There is also a significant overlap between being a woman, working in the informal
sector, and contributing to growth. This paper examines the evidence on the linkages
between gender, informality, poverty, and growth; postulates some possible explanations
of these linkages; and describes the global movement of women in the informal sector.","2000-01",
"L. Willmore","Three pillars of pensions: a proposal to end mandatory contributions","UN","http://www.un.org/esa/desa/papers/2000/esa00dp13.pdf","The three pillars of a pension system are defined in varied ways. The author
focuses on a definition provided by the World Bank in its 1994 Report. He
argues that with a universal Pillar 1 (a flat, subsistence pension), there is no need
for Pillar 2 (earnings-related pensions). Pillar 3 (voluntary retirement savings)
should not receive tax subsidies, which are regressive and also have not been
shown to have any significant effect on private saving. Such a pension scheme
may appear utopian, but it is in effect in New Zealand.","2000-01",
"E. Duflo","Grandmothers and granddaughters: old age pension and intra-household allocation in South Africa","MIT","http://www.nber.org/papers/w8061.pdf?new_window=1","This article evaluates the impact of a large cash transfer program in South Africa on
children’s nutritional status and investigates whether the gender of the recipient affects that
impact.","2000-01",
"S. St. John and L. Willmore ","Two legs are better than three: New Zealand as a model for old age pensions","ISSA","http://www.issa.int/pdf/helsinki2000/topic3/2willmore.PDF","In contrast to conventional social insurance, the New Zealand retirement income system
comprises a basic individual taxable flat-rate public pension supplemented by purely
voluntary saving. The New Zealand system has proved remarkably durable, acceptable,
and fiscally responsible. It does not conform to the World Bank’s ideal of three pillars,
but offers developing and mature countries a model that is worthy of careful examination.
Its primary success lies in ensuring a stable and adequate retirement income for all
citizens, moderating income inequality in retirement and protecting all older citizens from
uncertainty in times of rapid economic and social change.","2000-01",
"Government of Estonia","Government of Estonia: State Pension Insurance Act ","","http://www.legaltext.ee/text/en/X60008K8.htm","Estonia&#039;s State Pension Insurance Act outlines the legislative base of the National Pension.","2001-01",
"S. Devereux","Social Pensions in Namibia and South Africa","Institute of Development Studies","http://www.ntd.co.uk/idsbookshop/details.asp?id=603","Non-contributory state pensions were introduced in South Africa in 1928. Eligibility was extended to White Namibians in the 1940s but to African Namibians only in 1973. Initially motivated by a complex combination of welfarist and political objectives, including the control of African urbanisation and ‘winning hearts and minds’ during South Africa’s occupation of Namibia, the social pension has sustained millions of poor families for decades. This paper documents the history of the pension in both countries and presents evidence on its economic, demographic and social impacts in Namibia. Apart from providing non-covariate income against livelihood shocks such as drought, the social pension stimulates local trade, enhances the status of elderly family members, and contributes to the costs of primary and secondary education. While concerns have been raised about the fiscal sustainability of the social pension, its future as a social assistance programme depends mainly on political commitment.","2001-02",
"Schwarzer, H, & Querino A, C.","Non- contributory pensions in Brazil: The impact on poverty reduction","International Labour Organisation","http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/secsoc/downloads/publ/esspaper11.pdf","Despite informality, Brazil has reached a remarkable benefit coverage among the elderly over the last decades due to 2 basic pension programmes. Based in household survey data the paper finds that the impact of both programmes on poverty alleviation is large.
","2002-01",
"S. Valdes-Prieto ","Social security coverage in Chile: 1990-2001","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/11/12/000090341_20041112151220/Rendered/PDF/304950SValdes1CoverageChile.pdf","This empirical paper identifies the main forces that influenced the coverage of the new Chilean pension system during the 1990s. I find that government policy determined coverage to a large extent.","2002-01",
"W. van Oorschot","Targeting welfare: on the functions and dysfunctions of means testing in social policy","","http://arno.uvt.nl/show.cgi?fid=90379","The targeting of welfare has regained a central position in the social policy debate in Western Europe.","2002-01",
"F. Bertranou and C. O. Grushka","The non-contributory pension system in Argentina: assessing the impact on poverty reduction","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/secsoc/downloads/publ/esspaper5.pdf","This report describes and evaluates numerous aspects of the Non-Contributory
Pension (NCP) programme in Argentina.","2002-01",
"F. Lund","&#039;Crowding in&#039; care, security and micro-enterprise formation: revisiting the role of the state in poverty reduction and in development","","http://previous.wiego.org/program_areas/social_protect/Lund%20Crowding%20in%20Care%20Security%20and%20Microenterprise.pdf","A central issue for both economic and social policies aimed at addressing poverty is the appropriate role of the state, and the interaction between public and private measures of support. This paper examines the worry that publically provided cash transfers - in this case the social pension in South Africa - will &#039;crowd out&#039; private transfers. The paper finds that these worries are unfounded and that public transfers can increase intra-household support.","2002-01",
"F. M. Bertranou, C. Solorio, W. van Ginneken","Pensiones no contributivas y asistenciales: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica y Uruguay","ILO","http://www.oitchile.cl/pdf/publicaciones/pro/pro012.pdf","Spanish. This paper provides case studies on the social pensions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay. It includes information on costs, coverage and impact.","2002-01",
"A. Barrientos","Old age, poverty and social investments","","http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jid.955/abstract","The paper examines two commonly held views on the relationship existing between old age and poverty in developing countries: that poverty is less pronounced among the old; and that poverty reduction programmes focused on the old have lower social payoffs than programmes aimed at the young. The paper argues that standard measures underestimate old age poverty, and that the evaluation of poverty programmes needs to take account of the economic contribution of the old and of positive externalities in old age support. It concludes that the low priority given to old age support in developing countries needs to be reconsidered.","2002-01",
"Government of the UK","UK: State pension credit act, 2002 (webpage)","","http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/16/contents","This webpage provides information on the 2002 State pension credit act, which provides a legislative base for the UK&#039;s social pension.","2002-01",
"Government of the Bahamas","Bahamas: national insurance act (consolidated version)","","http://www.lexbahamas.com/NIA%20consolidated%20version.pdf","Part V of the consolidated national insurance act includes a description of non-contributory pension entitlement.","2002-01",
"A. Barrientos","Comparing pension schemes in Chile, Singapore, Brazil and South Africa","University of Manchester","http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/research/publications/wp/dp/documents/dp_wp67.pdf","The paper provides a comparative analysis of pension schemes in Chile, Singapore, Brazil and South Africa, in the context of their role in old age support in the developing world. The recent spread of pension reform in the developing world has drawn attention to the role of pension schemes in providing effective old age support in developing countries. There is a wide range of pension provision in developing countries, justifying a comparative analysis. Chile relies on individual retirement plans, managed by private providers. Singapore’s main pension scheme is the Central Provident Fund, which also collects payroll contributions and manages individual accounts for its members. In contrast to the Chilean pension scheme, it allows withdrawals for merit expenditures on tertiary education, housing, and health. Brazil and South Africa have attempted to universalise basic pension provision. In South Africa the ‘social pension’ provides a basic benefit targeted on the poor. In Brazil, the expansion of social insurance to workers in informal and rural employment has resulted in a large increase in coverage of the older population. The ‘previdencia social’ pays one minimum wage to men over 65 and women over 60. The pension scheme remains firmly rooted in social insurance principles but with a strong solidarity component. These pension schemes demonstrate the range of pension provision models in the developing world.","2002-05",
"L. Leisering, G. Sen, A. Hussain","People&#039;s Republic of China - Old-Age Pensions for the Rural Areas: From Land Reform to Globalization","Asian Development Bank","http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/soz/personen/Leisering/pdf/prc_old_age_pensions.pdf","ADB has financed several technical assistance projects to help the People&#039;s Republic of China (PRC) in reforming its social security system and strengthening institutional capabilities.The technical assistance studies conducted during March-July 2001 examined options and strategies for introducing unified pension and medical insurance schemes in rural areas.

This report provides an analysis of issues ranging from economic, demographic, and urbanization to experiences of pilot rural schemes and rural pension administration both at central and local government levels.

This report is being published at the request of the PRC Government to disseminate the findings of the study to a wider audience.","2002-09",
"Austrian Supreme Court","EU case C-160/02 ","","http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62002CC0160:EN:HTML","The conclusion to EU case C-160/02 outlines the legislative base of Austria&#039;s social pension","2003-01",
"Government of Bulgaria ","Bulgaria: Code of Social Insurance","","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTPENSIONS/Resources/BulgariaSICode.pdf","The Bulgarian code of social insurance outlines the legislative base of Bulgaria&#039;s social pension.","2003-01",
"M. Bertrand, S. Mullainathan, D. Miller","Public policy and extended families: evidence from pensions in South Africa","The World Bank","http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/marianne.bertrand/research/papers/pension_za_wber.pdf","This paper uses the social pension in South Africa to explore the question: how resources are allocated within extended families? It examines the social pension in terms of its impact on the labour supply of household members.","2003-01",
"Schwarz, A. M.","Old age security and social pensions","World Bank","http://info.worldbank.org/etools/docs/library/78330/3rd%20workshop/srmafrica/paristwo/pdf/readings/oldage.pdf","This paper explores coverage rates of contributory pensions throughout the world, both for working age and older people. It then goes on to ask whether older people are poor, making use of household survey data in Bulgaria, Nepal, Tajikistan, Panama, Nicaragua, and Peru.

Finally, the paper makes recommendations for public policy, including the expansion of contributory and non-contributory pensions. 
","2003-01",
"","Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board  (webpage)","","http://www.socialsecurity.gov.ag/absss/regulations/oldageassistance.html","Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board webpage on the Old Age Assistance benefit.","2003-01",
"L. Willmore","Universal Pensions in Mauritius: Lessons for the Rest of Us","International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)","http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=398280","That the Government of Mauritius provides nearly every resident over the age of 60 with a non-contributory, basic pension is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. The scheme dates from 1950 and became universal in 1958, following abolition of a means test. Remarkably, introduction of a compulsory, contributory scheme for workers in the private sector appears to have strengthened the non-contributory regime without affecting its universality. This paper examines the past and future of non-contributory, universal pensions in Mauritius, and draws lessons that might be useful for other countries, especially those in the developing world. ","2003-04",
"I. Woolard","Social Assistance Grants: Impact of Government Programmes Using Administrative Data Sets","South African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN)","http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000946/index.php","Despite being targeted at only the elderly, the very young and the disabled, social
assistance grants play a large role in redistribution and poverty reduction in South
Africa. Estimates by the HSRC suggest that the combined effect of the SOAP, DG
and CSG (when extended to all those that are eligible) reduces the number of
individuals in poverty from 40% to 24%. The grant system also strongly reduces
inequality – the Gini coefficient (on per capita household expenditure) falls from 0.67
before grants to 0.62 after grants.","2003-06",
"A. Barrientos","What is the impact of non-contributory pensions on poverty? Estimates from Brazil and South Africa","Chronic Poverty Research Centre","http://www.chronicpoverty.org/uploads/publication_files/WP33_Barrientos.pdf","This paper considers the impact of cash transfer programmes for the old in Brazil and South Africa on poverty among households with older people. Using datasets collected specifically for the purpose, the paper constructs conditional and unconditional estimates of the poverty reduction capacity of these programmes. The paper finds that non-contributory pensions have a measurable and significant impact upon poverty reduction and poverty prevention in the two countries studied.","2003-08",
"A. Barrientos, M. Ferreira, M. Gorman, A. Heslop, H Legido-Quigley, P Lloyd-Sherlock, V. Moller, J. "," Non-contributory pensions and poverty prevention: a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa","HelpAge International and IPDM","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c4a13e041161","The debate on how best to organise old age support in developing countries is growing. Old age poverty is widespread in developing countries, and informal old age support is coming under increasing pressure from adverse economic conditions, migration, HIV/AIDS, and changes in household composition. In the absence of policy interventions, older people and their households will continue to expand the ranks of the poor.
Pensions play a key role in old age support systems, but research and debate on pension policy has so far focused on contributory pension programmes. Non- contributory pension programmes can be found in only a handful of developing countries although these are more likely to have an impact upon poverty and vulnerability and facilitate economic development.
This research project analyses non-contributory pension programmes in Brazil and South Africa, the two developing countries with the largest programmes. The research aims to provide evidence of the impact of these programmes upon the wellbeing, participation and security of older people and their households; and to identify lessons for other developing countries, and low income countries in particular.","2003-09",
"A. Case","Does money protect health status? Evidence from South African pensions","Princeton","http://www.nber.org/chapters/c10346.pdf","A strong, positive association between income and health status has
been documented between countries, within countries at points in time,
and within countries over time with economic development. The channels
by which better health leads to higher income, and those by which higher
income protects health status, are of interest to both researchers and policy
makers. However, quantifying the impact of income on health and documenting
the mechanisms through which income leads to better health are
difficult, given the simultaneous determination of health and income.","2004-01",
"K. Flodman Becker","The informal economy","World Bank","http://rru.worldbank.org/Documents/PapersLinks/Sida.pdf","The informal economy can no longer be considered as a
temporary phenomenon. Furthermore, the informal economy has been
observed to have more of a fixed character in countries where incomes
and assets are not equitably distributed.","2004-01",
"A. O'Connell ","Citizen&#039;s pension: an introduction","PPI","http://www.pensionspolicyinstitute.org.uk/uploadeddocuments/PPI_CP_Introduction_Oct04.pdf","A Citizen’s Pension is a basic amount payable to all people over state
pension age that pass a residency or citizenship test.
This system would seem to be able to solve many of the problems of the
current UK system as it is simple, and it removes the need for extensive
means-testing.","2004-01",
"Government of Finland","Finland: National Pensions Act","","http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1956/en19560347.pdf","Finland&#039;s National Pensions Act outlines the legislative base for the social pension.","2004-01",
"WHO","Suriname: Country profile on the ageing population","","http://www.who.int/ageing/projects/intra/phase_two/alc_intra2_cp_suriname.pdf","As part of the World Health Organisation&#039;s Integrated Response of Health Care Systems to Rapid Populations Ageing project this paper provides an overview of issues relating to ageing in Suriname.","2004-01",
"Government of South Africa","Social Assistance Act, 2004","","http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=67950","This act, subsequently amended, provides a legislative base for the social pension in South Africa.","2004-01",
"Burns, J., Keswell, M. and Leibbrandt, M.","Social assistance, gender and the aged in South Africa","","http://www.commerce.uct.ac.za/economics/staff/jburns/2009/pensions_femecon%28final%29-copyedit.pdf","This paper reviews the history of the non-contributory social pension in South Africa, as well as recent work on the distributional and poverty alleviating effects of this program. It reports that the pension has a strong gender-dimension, reaching three times as many women as men, and has an impact on reducing household poverty, particularly among African households. The existing literature also suggests that the pension reaches unintended beneficiaries within households, and that strongly gender differentiated patterns emerge both in the sharing of pension incomes by pensioners, and in the behavioural responses of other household members to pension receipt in the household.","2004-01",
"Edmonds. E. F.","Does illiquidity alter child labour and schooling decisions? Evidence from household response to anticipated cash transfers in South Africa","NBER","http://www.nber.org/papers/w10265.pdf","This paper examines the impact of the social pension in South Africa on child labour and school enrollment. Interestingly, it finds that receipt of a pension by a man has a larger impact on child labour levels and school enrollment than receipt by a woman. This implies that in 1999, because of male receipt of social pensions, “23,000 children are attending school who would otherwise not and over 180 million fewer hours were worked by children”.","2004-01",
"Dorrit Posel, James A.Fairburn and Frances Lund","Labour Migration and Households: A Reconsideration of the Effects of the Social Pension on Labour Supply in South Africa","","http://www.tips.org.za/files/Labour_Migration_and_Householdsposel_fairburn_lund.pdf","This paper re-examines the effect of the South African social pension on the labour supply of working-age adults using data from 1993. It takes account of the fact that households may include non-resident members, and therefore that the pension may play a role in facilitating migration to work or look for work. It finds that rural African women are significantly more likely to be migrant workers when they are members of a household in receipt of a pension, and that it is female pension income that drives this result. It explores a number of possible reasons why pension income might have this effect.","2004-01",
"M. Samson et al.","The social and economic impact of South Africa&#039;s social security system","EPRI","http://www.sarpn.org/documents/d0001041/Full_Report.pdf","Social grants in South Africa play a critical role in reducing poverty and promoting social development. This study evaluates the social and economic impact of State Old Age Pensions (SOAP), Disability Grants (DG), Child Support Grants (CSG), Care Dependency Grants (CDG), Foster Care Grants (FCG) and Grants-in-Aid (GIA).  The analysis evaluates the role of social assistance in reducing poverty and promoting household development, examining effects on health, education, housing and vital services.  In addition, the study assesses the impact of social grants on labour market participation and labour productivity, providing an analysis of both the supply and demand sides of the labour market.  ","2004-01",
"HelpAge International","Age and security: how social pensions can deliver effective aid to poor people and their families","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/resources/publications/?ssearch=age+and+security%3A+how+social+pensions+can+deliver+effective+aid+to+poor+older+people+and+their+families&adv=0&topic=0&region=0&language=0&type=0","A proven means of reducing old-age poverty and supporting multi-generational
households is to introduce a basic social pension. Social pensions target development
aid to the poorest. They can regenerate local economies and re-distribute wealth.
They improve the nutritional status of the young, support school attendance and
improve the health of all household members. The social pension in South Africa
reduces the scale of older people’s poverty by 94 per cent and that of the population
as a whole by 12.5 per cent.
The introduction of social pensions by governments, with financial support from the
international community, would make a significant contribution to the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Social pensions would fulfil
government obligations to further the rights of older people, including the right to
social protection.","2004-01",
"A. Barrientos","Cash transfers for older people reduce poverty and inequality","World Bank","http://wdronline.worldbank.org//worldbank/a/nonwdrdownload/53","The paper discusses the poverty and inequality reduction properties of non-contributory pension in Brazil, South Africa and Bangladesh. It examines the development of non-contributory pension programmes in the countries involved, and the institutional factors behind their extension and current sustainability. It also examines the incidence of non-contributory pension programmes on poverty and inequality.","2004-01",
"F. Booysen","Social grants as safety nets for HIV/AIDS-affected households in South Africa","","http://www.ajol.info/index.php/saharaj/article/viewFile/30068/22721","South Africa has a well-developed system of social security and the reach of the social grant safety net has expanded rapidly over the past five years. Social grants are likely to play an important role in mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS, given that eligibility for these grants is driven largely by the increasing burden of chronic illness, the mounting orphan crisis and the impoverishment of households associated with the epidemic. This paper investigates the role of social grants in mitigating the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, using data from a panel designed to investigate the household impact of the epidemic. Data were collected from a total of 351 purposively sampled households interviewed four times over a period of two and a half years. Affected households were more dependent on income from social grants compared with households that had never experienced morbidity or mortality. A significantly larger proportion of affected households qualified for social assistance. Access to the old age pension remained relatively stable, highlighting the high take-up rate of this grant, while access to the child support and disability grant increased over time. Yet, take-up of these grants remains low and there is still much scope to improve take-up rates. Social grants also play an important role in poverty alleviation. The rate of poverty reduction continued to increase over time in affected households, but remained relatively stable in the case of households that had not experienced morbidity or mortality. This saw the gap in the incidence, depth and severity of poverty between affected households and households that had not experienced morbidity decline. Social grants also translated into a significant reduction in the severity of poverty in affected households.","2004-01",
"S. Martinez","Pensions, Poverty and Household Investments in Bolivia","University of California at Berkeley","http://emlab.berkeley.edu/users/webfac/bardhan/e271_f04/martinez.pdf","The BONOSOL pension to elderly Bolivians put a sizeable cash transfer in the hands of a large group of impoverished households. This study finds positive effects of the program on household consumption and children’s human capital, consistent with previous research on cash transfer programs in developing countries. However, the increase in food consumption for impoverished households in rural areas is equivalent to over one and a half times the value of the pension. A significant fraction of this increase is derived from consumption of home produced agricultural products such as meats and vegetables. These results suggest that cash transfers to poor and liquidity constrained households may facilitate productive investments which boost consumption through multipliers on the transfer. This proposition is supported by evidence that beneficiary households in rural Bolivia increase animal ownership, expenditures on farm inputs, and crop output, although the specific choice of investment differs according to the gender of the beneficiary. These results are consistent with the presence of credit constraints that limit poor households’ ability to invest, and suggest that cash transfers may be an effective way to reduce extreme poverty, as poor households with under-capitalized assets and opportunities put the transfer to work.","2004-10",
"E. Edmonds  K. Mammen  D. Miller","Rearranging the Family?  Income Support and Elderly Living Arrangements in a Low  Income Country","","http://www.dartmouth.edu/~eedmonds/emm.pdf","This study examines the link between income and living arrangements.  Our 
identification comes from exploiting a discontinuity in age in the benefit formula for the social 
pension in South Africa.  In contrast to previous literature, we find no association between 
pension income and elderly independence.  We do find that potential beneficiaries alter their 
household structure when they become pension eligible.  Prime working age women depart, and 
the presence of children under 5 and young women of child-bearing age increase.  These shifts in 
co-residence patterns are consistent with a setting where prime age women have comparative 
advantage in work away from extended family relative to younger women.  The additional 
income from old age support may induce a change in living arrangements to exploit this 
advantage.","2005-01",
"M. Boldrin, M. de Nardi, L. E. Jones","Fertility and social security","University of Minnesota","http://www.nber.org/~denardim/research/fertility_socsec_draft06.pdf","This paper examines the effects of changes in government provided old age pensions
on fertility choices in the context of two models of fertility, the one by Barro
and Becker (1989), and the one inspired by Caldwell and developed by Boldrin
and Jones (2002).","2005-01",
"DFID","Social transfers and chronic poverty: emerging evidence and the challenge ahead","","http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/2005/challenges.pdf","In very poor countries, social transfers may offer an important option to tackle
inequality and ensure that the benefits of growth reach those living in chronic
poverty.","2005-01",
"P. S. Heller","Understanding fiscal space","IMF","http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/pdp/2005/pdp04.pdf","This report aims to define fiscal space and fiscal sustainability as well as indicating approaches to expand fiscal space.","2005-01",
"ODI","Policy Brief: PATH Jamaica","ODI","http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/1694.pdf","This series of Policy Briefs summarises the experiences of recent government initiatives aimed at addressing inequality in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This policy brief focuses on the PATH programme in Jamaica.","2005-01",
"HelpAge International","Making cash count","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c4a0b2a1c47b","This study, produced alongside Save the Children and the Institute of Development Studies, was conducted as part of a UNICEF-commissioned review of social protection measures reaching increasing numbers of vulnerable children in east and southern Africa.","2005-01",
"HelpAge International","Age and Security: How social pensions can deliver effective aid to poor older people and their families","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c46213549d51","This report argues for providing universal non-contributory pensions or “social pensions” to older people in developing countries.","2005-01",
"Government of Lithuania","Lithuania: Law amending the law on social assistance pensions","","http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter2/dokpaieska.showdoc_e?p_id=256594","This consolidated legal document provides the legislative base for Lithuania&#039;s social pension.","2005-01",
"Government of Guatemala","Government of Guatemala: Ley del programa de aporte economico del adulto mayor (webpage)","","http://www.mintrabajo.gob.gt/index.php/leyes-y-convenios/leyes-ordinarias/71-ley-del-programa-de-aporte-economico-del-adulto-mayor.html","Spanish. This government webpage outlines the legislative base of Guatemala&#039;s social pension.","2005-01",
"Hamoudi, A and Thomas, D","Pension income and the well-being of children and grandchildren: new evidence from South Africa","California Center for Population Research","http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/0hv1t4xr.pdf","In the early 1990s, the South African Old Age Pension was expanded to cover most black South Africans above a gender-specific age cut-off. This expansion resulted in a substantial and arguably exogenous increase in the income of older South Africans. A series of very creative studies have exploited this source of variation in income to shed light on the ways in which familes and households allocate resources among their members. A key assumption underlying these studies is that pension income has no impact on unmeasured characteristics of those people who co-reside with pension recipients. This paper provides empirical evidence on the importance of this assumption. Pension eligible adults are more likely to co-reside with other adults who have lower levels of human capital as measured by height and education. Since height and education are fixed for adults, this cannot be an effect of the pension income but rather reflects the selection of adults who co-reside with older adults when they become eligible for the pension. The paper proceeds to explore the importance of treating living arrangements as endogenous for re- interpretation of results on the impact of the pension in the literature. The evidence highlights the potential value of moving beyond theory and data which are bound by the confines of a spatially determined definition of the household.","2005-01",
"N. Kakwani, K. Subbarao","Ageing and poverty in africa and the role of social pensions","International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)","http://ideas.repec.org/p/ipc/wpaper/8.html","In many low income African countries, three factors are placing an undue burden on the elderly. First, the burden on the elderly has enormously increased with the increase in mortality of prime age adults due to HIV AIDS pandemic and regional conflicts. Second, the traditional safety net of the extended family has become ineffective and unreliable for the elderly. Third, in a few countries, the elderly are called upon to shoulder the responsibility of the family as they became the principal breadwinners and caregivers for young children. While a number of studies have examined the welfare consequences of these developments on children, few studies have systematically analyzed the poverty situation among the elderly (relative to other groups) in low income countries Africa, and the role of social pensions. This study aims to fill this gap.","2005-08",
"N. Barr and P. Diamond","The economics of pensions","Oxford review of economic policy","http://oxrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/1/15.full.pdf+html","This paper sets out the economic analytics of pensions. After introductory discussion, successive sections
consider the effects of different pension arrangements on labour markets, on national savings and growth, and
on the distribution of burdens and benefits. These areas are controversial and politically highly salient. While
we are open about expressing our own views, the main purpose of the paper is to set out the analytical process
by which we reach them, to enable readers to form their own conclusions.","2006-01",
"M. Samson et al.","Social grants: South Africa","ODI","http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/1688.pdf","An overview of social grants in South Africa - including information about the social pension.","2006-01",
"ILO","Social protection for all men and women: Fiji","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-suva/documents/publication/wcms_155799.pdf","This publication is intended to serve as a reference book for planners to formulate the policy and strategy to extend social security coverage to the entire population of Fiji.","2006-01",
"ILO","Social protection for all men and women: Solomon Islands","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-suva/documents/publication/wcms_156319.pdf","This publication is intended to serve as a reference book for planners to formulate the policy and strategy to extend social security coverage to the entire population of the Solomon Islands.","2006-01",
"ILO","Social protection for all men and women: Vanuata","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-suva/documents/publication/wcms_156320.pdf","This publication is intended to serve as a reference book for planners to formulate the policy and strategy to extend social security coverage to the entire population of Vanuata.","2006-01",
"J. Seekings","Pa&#039;s pension: the origin of non-contributory old-age pensions in late colonial Barbados","Centre for social science research, University of Cape Town","http://www.sarpn.org/documents/d0002148/Old-age_pensions_Seekings_Aug2006.pdf","This paper analyses the origin of Barbados&#039; 1937 introduction of non-contributory pensions. It also provides information on the introduction of non-contributory pensions in other countries, most notably New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, the USA and Uruguay.","2006-01",
"HelpAge International","Aid for Africa and the case for cash transfers","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48d8375bb0c","This briefing discusses how thinking on social protection programmes was taken forward at a meeting of African governments in Zambia. It summarises points raised including barriers to social protection.","2006-01",
"HelpAge International","Why social pensions are needed now","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48d8bb4513c","This briefing outlines the role of social pensions in ensuring everyone can age in security and with dignity, and how different stakeholders can contribute to achieving this.","2006-01",
"HelpAge International","A transformative agenda for the 21st century: examining the case for basic social protection in Africa","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48d92288b86","This background briefing for an intergovernmental regional workshop in Livingstone, Zambia, examines new ways of tackling poverty and promoting human rights in Africa.","2006-01",
"N. Kildal and S. Khunle","Universal old age pensions: Arguments at time of introduction in Canada, Mauritius and Norway","","http://www.basicincome.org/bien/pdf/NannaKildalFullPaper.pdf","Studies indicate that universal old age pension programmes are conducive to 
poverty alleviation and less income inequality, but strikingly few countries have introduced 
universal pension programmes since New Zealand as the first country in the world introduced 
such a scheme in 1938.  This paper wonders what arguments were expressed and were decisive for the introduction of the universal schemes that after all exist, and a first analysis of the basic 
arguments for establishing universal old age pensions in three selected countries is made. The three countries are Canada, Mauritius and Norway which all introduced universal pensions in 
the 1950s, and belong to the group of pioneering countries in this respect. Even if an idea of a “one-size-fits-all” policy is not necessarily subscribed to, it is of interest to do a comparison 
of arguments for one specific policy solution, universal pensions, in countries belonging to different continents, existing in different international contexts, having different cultures and 
traditions, being at different levels of economic development, having different political 
history, and which are different in territorial and population size. An overview of pension 
systems in all countries of the world is given, and the historical arguments for universal pension systems in the three selected countries are presented and compared. One finding is 
that the ambition to reduce poverty was an important motivation in two of the countries, but the main consideration cutting across all three countries was the moral aversion to means 
testing and the desire to respect human dignity. Another argument found in all three countries 
was the pragmatic one that a universal scheme would lead to a reduction of administrative  
cost of old age provision.","2006-01",
"Chowdhury, O. H. and Ali, Z.","Affordability to finance poverty reduction programmes","Bangladesh Institute of Development Studues","http://ssrn.com/abstract=1757927","This paper, focusing broadly on cash transfers in Bangladesh with some discussion of the Old Age Allowance, provides and overview of fiscal space and challenges for the financing of social protection programmes. It also provides basic evaluation of cash transfers in Bangladesh with relation to coverage levels, errors of inclusion and the socio-economic situation of recipients. ","2006-01",
"Case, A and Ardington, C","The impact of parental death on school outcomes: longitudinal evidence from South Africa","The Population Association of America","https://www.princeton.edu/rpds/papers/Case_Ardington_The_Impact_of_Parental_Death_on_School_Enrollment_Demography.pdf","This paper analyses longitudinal data from a demographic surveillance area (DSA) in KwaZulu-Natal to examine the impact of parental death on children’s outcomes. The results show signi&amp;#64257;cant differences in the impact of mothers’ and fathers’ deaths. The loss of a child’s mother is a strong predictor of poor schooling outcomes. The loss of a child’s father is a signi&amp;#64257;cant correlate of poor household socioeconomic status. However, the death of a father between waves of the survey has no signi&amp;#64257;cant effect on subsequent asset ownership. The paper also considers whether proximity to a pensioner protects the schooling of orphans. ","2006-01",
"N. Kakwani, H. H. Son, R. Hinz","Poverty, Old-Age and Social Pensions in Kenya","International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)","http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCWorkingPaper24.pdf","This study is concerned with old-age poverty in Kenya. It is also concerned with strengthening and developing social pension programs for the elderly. In this study, we develop precise socioeconomic and demographic profiles of the elderly in Kenya from the viewpoint of providing policy-makers with information that may be useful in the reform and expansion of the pension system. It also analyzes the impact of current pension systems on poverty among elderly and national poverty. Further, the current study evaluates the potential effects that alternative policies and targeting alternatives may be expected to have on poverty within the country.. Poverty, Social pensions, Kenya","2006-01",
"P. Lloyd-Sherlock","Simple transfers, complex outcomes: the impacts of pensions on poor households in Brazil","","http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-7660.2006.00509.x/abstract","Drawing on quantitative survey data and in-depth interviews, this article seeks to map out the potential direct and indirect effects of simple cash transfers on households in impoverished rural and urban settings. Brazil is shown to have an extensive system of old age pensions, which affords almost universal coverage to households containing older people. These benefits have a significant impact on levels of poverty and vulnerability in recipient households. They also facilitate access to essential healthcare items, such as drugs, which are seldom freely available through the state health system. The in-depth interviews reveal that pensions can have important effects on intra-household relations, but these effects were not generalizable nor easily captured by quantitative survey tools. There was clear evidence that pensions reduced the propensity of older people to remain economically active, but this must be understood in a context of limited employment opportunities for all age groups and a high prevalence of disability. Overall, the article demonstrates the complex effects of a relatively simple cash transfer, which policy makers need to take into account.","2006-01",
"M. Samson et al.","Designing and implementing social transfer programmes","EPRI","http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/designing_and_implementing_social_transfer_programmes.pdf","This guide aims to assist government policymakers, programme officials from non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) as well as donor agency representatives and advisors in designing,
implementing and managing cash-based social transfer programmes. This guide is also of use
to policy advocates who require evidence of the feasibility and desirability of social transfer
programmes.","2006-01",
"ILO","Social protection for all men and women: Kiribati","ILO","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ilo%20(2006b)%20social%20protection%20for%20all%20men%20and%20women%3A%20a%20sourcebook%20for%20extending%20social%20protection%20coverage%20in%20kiribati%20%E2%80%93%20options%20and%20plans.%20sub-regional%20initiative%20on%20social%20security%20in%20pacific%20island%20countries%3A%20international%20labour%20office%2C%20suva%2C%20fiji.&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilo.org%2Fgimi%2Fgess%2FRessFileDownload.do%3FressourceId%3D8614&ei=Ac8iT_6sHsSl0QXD17DOCg&usg=AFQjCNEoDM0BbBL6I3cwDMNU8EnO17AFGg&sig2=uaHhgFEsmBPA1rpg9HzLww&cad=rja","This publication is intended to serve as a
reference book for planners to formulate the
policy and strategy to extend social security
coverage to the entire population of Kiribati.","2006-01",
"ILO","Social protection for all men and women: Samoa","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-suva/documents/publication/wcms_156318.pdf","This publication is intended to serve as a reference book for planners to formulate the policy and strategy to extend social security coverage to the entire population of Samoa.","2006-01",
"ILO","Universal pensions in Pacific countries","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/events/sis/download/paper26.pdf","This paper provides a brief overview of universal pension schemes in the Pacific","2006-01",
"R. Palacios, O. Sluchynsky","Social Pensions Part I: Their Role in the Overall Pension System","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0601.pdf","Cash transfers for the elderly with little or no link to previous contribution or work history are employed in many countries to provide income support for the elderly.  In the context of the larger debate over pension reform, some argue that these ‘social pensions’ are an effective way to deal with chronically low coverage of contributory schemes and to alleviate poverty among the elderly.  This paper reviews the global experience with social pensions.  The authors find that coverage and cost of these programs varies widely and that the appropriate role for social pensions should take into account several country-specific conditions.  The extent of coverage of the contributory scheme, the extent of other social assistance programs and the relative poverty status of the elderly are among the factors that should be considered.  Design and implementation issues will be reviewed in Part II.","2006-05",
"L. Willmore","Non-contributory pensions: Bolivia and Antigua in an international context","ECLAC","http://www.eclac.cl/cgi-bin/getProd.asp?xml=/publicaciones/xml/0/26110/P26110.xml&xsl=/ues/tpl-i/p9f.xsl&base=/ues/tpl/top-bottom.xsl","The author examines the pension systems of Bolivia and Antigua in the context of non-contributory pensions around the world, concluding with policy lessons. Universal pensions available to everyone of eligible age, regardless of income, assets or employment history, have many advantages over targeted pensions. If targeting is desired, it is best done with ex post recovery from other income rather than ex ante means tests. For reasons that are unclear, governments almost always prefer ex ante tests to ex post controls for non- contributory pensions, even though the reverse is true for tax collection. The worst type of old age pension, from the point of view of poverty relief, is a minimum pension tied to a contributory system or to government service, for this excludes the poorest and most vulnerable from benefits.","2006-05",
"F. V. Soares, S. Soares, M. Medeiros, R. G. Osório","Cash Transfer Programmes in Brazil: Impacts on Inequality and Poverty","International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)","http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCWorkingPaper21.pdf","This paper evaluates the contribution of cash transfer programmes to the observed fall in inequality in Brazil between 1995 and 2004 as well as its impact on poverty. We use the 2004 Brazilian National Household Survey (PNAD) that for the first time collected data on the incidence of some of the cash transfer programmes. We develop a methodology to separate out the income of different cash transfer programs, cross-check the survey information with administrative records, evaluate the incidence of the programmes, calculate their concentration indexes and decompose the Gini index into the contribution of each income source. We find that both BPC (the means tested old age pension and disability grant programme) and Bolsa Fam&iacute;lia are quite well targeted: 74% of BPC reported income and 80% of Bolsa Fam&iacute;lia reported income goes to families living below the poverty line (half of minimum wage per capita), and that they were jointly responsible for 28% of the fall in the Gini inequality between 1995 and 2004 (7% from BPC and 21% from Bolsa Fam&iacute;lia). This contribution is quite sizable since BPC and Bolsa Fam&iacute;lia together account for a tiny 0.82% of the total family income reported in the National Household Survey. It is also striking that pensions equal to the minimum wage (contributory or not) contributed 32% to the fall in the Gini index, but this better performance was due to the fact that they make up 4.6% of the total family income.","2006-06",
"A. C. Nyanguru","The economic and social impacts of the old age pension on the protection of the Basotho elderly and their households.","","http://web.up.ac.za/UserFiles/A%20Nyanguru%20paper.pdf","The purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary findings from survey
research done between 2005 and 2007 of how the availability of a universal
old age pension since November 2004 has affected the economic and social
well-being of its elderly recipient in Lesotho.","2007-01",
"L. Willmore","Universal age pensions: strategies for the extension of social protection","","http://larrywillmore.net/Turin.pdf","Presentation on strategies to the extension of social protection, concluding the social pensions are an affordable and effective way of extending coverage","2007-01",
"L. Willmore","Universal old age pensions for China","","http://larrywillmore.net/China.pdf","Presentation given at the Institute of Population Research, Peking.","2007-01",
"UN","Old age income security","","http://www.un.org/esa/policy/wess/wess2007files/chap5.pdf","Living standards often decline for people at older ages. Reduced economic opportunities and
deteriorating health status frequently increase vulnerability to poverty as people age. Such conditions
vary greatly, however, across contexts and groups of older persons and livelihood strategies
tend to diff er accordingly. In developed economies, the main source of livelihood and protection
shifts from employment to pension income as one reaches a given retirement age. In developing
countries, few have access to pensions and most have to rely on other sources of income. In
fact, 80 per cent of the world’s population do not have suffi cient protection in old age to enable
them to face health, disability and income risks (International Labour Organization, 2002). Th is
would mean that in developing countries alone, about 342 million older persons currently lack
adequate income security. Th at number would rise to 1.2 billion by 2050, if the coverage of current
mechanisms designed to provide old-age income security is not expanded.","2007-01",
"R. Vos et al","Tackling insecurity in old age: the challenge of universal pensions","UNDESA","http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/publications/policy_briefs/policybrief3.pdf","Nearly 80 per cent of older persons living in developing countries (about 342 million people) lack adequate income security, a figure that could, according to the World Economic and Social Survey 2007 (http://www.un.org/esa/policy/wess), rise to 1.2 billion by 2050 if pension coverage does not keep pace with demographic changes. The Survey suggests that a minimal universal social pension provides the surest way to tackle the problem. Universal pensions would provide a floor below which nobody could fall. Moreover, they could provide the basis for a more comprehensive pension system which may consist of a mixture of public and private initiatives adapted in accordance with existing country practices, financial circumstances and equity considerations.","2007-01",
"Sh. Otgonkhundaga","Cash-based approach in social welfare services: experiences, present situations and future trends","Mongolian ministry of social welfare and labour","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=%22Social+welfare+pension%22+%2Bmongolia&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sdc-cashprojects.ch%2Fen%2FHome%2Fdocument.php%3FitemID%3D1773%26langID%3D1&ei=m1ghT9_kO8KVOpqkgM4I&usg=AFQjCNG1AkW5X7E2uLQ6tkOm9v5OlUjCUg","An overview of cash based transfers in Mongolia.","2007-01",
"H. M. Bello, E. M. Letete, M. T. Rapapa and L. L. Chokobane.","An evaluation of the poverty reduction impact of the non-contibutory old age pension scheme in Lesotho: the case of Manonyane","","http://web.up.ac.za/UserFiles/E%20Letete%20paper.pdf","This paper examines the impact on poverty of the old age pension in Lesotho","2007-01",
"Government of Vietnam","Vietnam: Decree no. 67 ","","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---ilo_aids/documents/legaldocument/wcms_117925.pdf","Decree no. 67 (2007) includes an outline of the entitlements of older people to social protection.","2007-01",
"Prof. J. Van Langendonck","Social Security Law: Belgium","Kluwer Law International","http://www.ielaws.com/modelSocsBelgium.pdf","This paper provides an overview of Belgium&#039;s Social Security legislation.","2007-01",
"Botswana Federation of Trade Unions","Policy position paper on social security and social protection in Botswana","","http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/botswana/04920.pdf","The policy paper involves detailed research work and consultations with affiliates and puts forward consolidated policy guides for dealing with the challenges of social security and security in Botswana.","2007-01",
"HelpAge International","The Social Pension in India: A participatory study on the poverty reduction impact","HelpAge International","/download/4fa26b2b7760f","Poor older people in India have had the benefit of a means-tested
social pension for over 10 years. Selection of beneficiaries is a
responsibility of local government, and there are reports that the scheme does not always benefit the intended recipients. HelpAge
India began a grassroots monitoring of the application and
delivery of the scheme in through a Poorest Areas Civil Society programme. To better understand the impact of the pension and
the role of the Older People’s Groups (PACS programme) in
monitoring the implementation of the scheme, a participatory
study was undertaken in 2 districts. The results of the study revealed that the beneficiaries were in need, and highly valued the pension, especially those living alone or with just a spouse. The
majority of recipients reported they spent the pension on
household expenditures (food and supplies) and health-related
expenditures (care and medicine). The key informants and older people were also supportive of the role of the PACS, allowing for general awareness of the process and completion of the application. The districts had differing administrative capacities in implementation, however, and thus the value of the Older People’s Groups was not uniform.","2007-01",
"M. Schmeitz","Suriname: Stifled in development and scared of getting old","Social Watch","http://www.socialwatch.org/sites/default/files/pdf/en/suriname2007_eng.pdf","This paper discusses social protection in Suriname, with particular emphasis on its challenges.","2007-01",
"UNDP Turkmenistan","Online news report - Turkmenistan: With a good start into the new year","","http://www.undptkm.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=215&Itemid=43","Online news report documenting some of the changes made to Turkmenistan&#039;s social protection system.","2007-01",
"Government of Iceland","Iceland: Social Insurance Act, no. 100/2007","","http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.is/media/acrobat-enskar_sidur/Social-Security-Act-100-2007-with-subsequent-amendments.pdf","This Government Act provides a legislative base for Iceland&#039;s social pension.","2007-01",
"HelpAge International","Social cash transfers for Asia","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3d01c41ad96","This report summarises a three-day intergovernmental seminar on social protection. The event gathered more than 80 high-level delegates from 13 countries in Asia.","2007-01",
"UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs","Development in an ageing world","UN-DESA","http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wess/wess_archive/2007wess.pdf","Ageing will have a profound impact on societies and will need to occupy the increasing attention of policymakers in the twenty first century. In the developed world, and also in many parts of the developing world, the share of older persons in the population is rising rapidly. Ageing is a reflection of the success of the process of human development, as it is the result of lower mortality (combined with reduced fertility) and longer longevity. Ageing provides new opportunities, associated with the active participation of older generations in both the economy and society at large. In those countries, primarily in the developing world, that still have a growing youth bulge, there is a window of opportunity for economic development. Population ageing also poses important challenges, especially those related to the financial viability of pension systems, the costs of health-care systems, and the full integration of older people as active agents of societal development.

The World Economic and Social Survey 2007 analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing populations and aims to facilitate discussions in furthering the  Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, adopted by consensus by the Second World  Assembly on ageing on 12 April 2002. The Madrid Plan provides the framework to incorporate the discussion of population ageing into the international debate on development and the implementation of national policies to respond to the challenge of building societies for all ages.  The Plan gives priority to ensuring that ageing is made an integral part of the international development agenda; to advancing health and well-being into old age; and to creating enabling and supportive environments for older persons.
","2007-01",
"A. Dlamini","A review of social assistance grants in Swaziland","CANGO/RHVP","http://www.infocenter.nercha.org.sz/sites/default/files/infocenter_db/ELDOCS/SocialAssistanceGrants.pdf","This study is an assessment of social assistance in Swaziland, with specific focus on the Old Age Grant (OAG) and the Public Assistance Grant (PAG) which constitute the country’s two largest cash-based social transfers. Both social assistance grants are an outcome of policy responses aimed at addressing income poverty. 69% of the Swaziland population are assumed to be living below the poverty line of US $ 1 per day. This staggering statistic is a stark reflection of the hunger and vulnerability afflicting the nation. 

The key factors that underpin Swaziland’s social vulnerability are the devastating impact of the HIV&amp; AIDS pandemic with national HIV prevalence estimated at 39% in 2006; increasing food insecurity due to persistent drought conditions in certain regions of the country; low economic growth levels (below 2% in 2006/7); shrinking agricultural output and rising unemployment. In 2002 the unemployment rate was 34.2 %. The outcome of the unfavourable socio-economic conditions has been a steep decline in the quality of life for the bulk of the population as well as increased vulnerability for children, the elderly and the urban and rural poor. The impact of HIV&amp;AIDS, unemployment and rising poverty and the corresponding decrease in purchasing power exposes many households to food insecurity. 

These conditions made it imperative for the state to provide social assistance aimed at addressing income poverty. In the words of the Prime Minister, ‘the payment of social grants was in line with government efforts to fight poverty’ (Swaziland Today, No 24, 2006: 3).","2007-01",
"D. Croome, Prof. A. Nyanguru and M. Molisana","The impact of the Old Age Pension on hunger and vulnerability: A case study from the Mountain-zone of Lesotho","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CE0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fchildresearchpolicy.org%2Fimages%2FREBA_OAP_Final_3.2_with_resp_to_SD_final_comments_no_tracking.doc&ei=OBnrT67UGYS_8APj5pi1BQ&usg=AFQjCNE4XbaT3dRE1q4ssY4lONnKH_C1AA&sig2=y4gD6aa4VmZNxqnktuolKQ","In November 2004, Lesotho, a ‘Low Human Development’ country ranked 149th of the 177 in the UNDP Human Development Index, introduced a non-contributory pension for almost all citizens aged 70 or over. Its announced objective was to reduce the poverty of the elderly. The initiative was criticised by some of Lesotho’s development partners. It is funded entirely from national tax revenues. This contribution to the RHVP Regional Evidence Building Agenda is a case study of the impact of this pension on vulnerability to hunger among its recipients and their households. It is based on the work of the National University of Lesotho’s Institute of Southern African Studies multi-disciplinary Lesotho Pensions Impact Group.
The evidence presented comes mainly from a survey of 150 pension recipients living in White Hill, a community in the mountain zone of Lesotho. The survey instrument was a questionnaire administered n April 2007, just before the pension was raised from M 150 a month (10 Maloti = 10 South African Rand. M 150 is worth about $US 22) to M 200 a month in May 2007. The questions focused on hunger vulnerability impacts, including the effects on the subsistence farming practiced in White Hill. Where appropriate, the White Hill responses were compared with those from a similar survey undertaken in April 2006 in the relatively more prosperous foothills community of Manonyane.
","2007-01",
"Government of Malaysia","Malaysia: The old age assistance scheme enactment, 1982","","http://www.lawnet.sabah.gov.my/Lawnet/SubsidiaryLegislation/OldAgeAssistanceScheme1982(Regulations1982).pdf","This document provides the legislative base to Malaysia&#039;s social pension.","2007-01",
"L. Willmore","Universal Pensions for Developing Countries","International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)","http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6VC6-4MBC596-1/2/3c936be2f9de4eda74a0a38cc464a450","The governments of New Zealand, Mauritius, Namibia, Botswana, Bolivia, Nepal, Samoa, Brunei, Kosovo, and Mexico City provide a basic pension to the elderly with no test other than citizenship, residence, and age. These universal non-means-tested pensions automatically protect an entire population, in a way that contributory, earnings-related pensions never can. The author examines the value of this scheme for low-income countries and argues that an income test, if desired, is best done ex post through the tax system rather than ex ante, even though there are few examples of ex post recovery systems operating in the world today.","2007-01",
"A. P. Dutrey","Successful targeting? Reporting efficiency and costs in targeted poverty alleviation schemes ","UNRISD","http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/%28httpPublications%29/0B87C67449C938EDC12573D10049830B?OpenDocument","This paper concludes that the &#039;efficiency argument for targeted programmes in povety alleviation is a misleading argument&#039;","2007-01",
"Government of Bolivia","Bolivia: Ley de la renta universal de vejez","","/download/4f7da4ad0f60b","Law 3791 puts into place Bolivia&#039;s social pension.","2007-01",
"RHVP","Food subsidies programme, Mozambique","","http://www.wahenga.org/sites/default/files/briefs/REBA_Case_Study_Brief_7.pdf","This case study brief from the Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme provides information on the Food Subsidies Programme in Mozambique. It includes a discussion of its coverage, targeting, implementation and impacts as well as summarising policy lessons.","2007-01",
"T. Ruffer","Informal sector labour markets in developing countries","OPM","http://www.opml.co.uk/sites/opml/files/Informal%20sector%20labour%20markets%20in%20developing%20countries_0.pdf","This report summarises the latest research and thinking about informal sector labour markets in
developing countries.","2007-02",
"J. Gubbels, D. Snelbecker L. Zezulin","The Kosovo Pension Reform: Achievements and Lessons ","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0707.pdf","This paper tells the story of the Kosovo reform and draws policy and implementation lessons from the experience. The paper discusses policy issues and implementation experience in great detail, to serve as a resource for others interested in various aspects of the Kosovo reform. Readers who want to understand an overview of the reform and key lessons drawn from the experience may wish to turn immediately to: Section II.2, which presents an overview of the three pillars; Sections III.7 and IV.18, which present the specific challenges confronted in implementing Pillars I and II, respectively; and Section VI, which summarizes the lessons learned about policy and implementation issues from the Kosovo reform experience.","2007-04",
"L. Kisia Keizi","Can a universal pension help in reducing poverty in old age in Kenya","Retirement Benefits Authority of Kenya","https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:yh8tTkpZHNUJ:www.rba.go.ke/publications/research-papers/category/5-research-reports-2006-2007?download%3D16%253Auniversal-pension-for-poverty-reduction+Can+a+universal+pension+help+in+reducing+poverty+in+old+age+in+Kenya&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShHFhG0ACh-yltUg6KwnkXQWCuOpUaG58mP8x6R9VfWBLht-q5ZMiGHiQ5yhjqZ0KyVGLI-ZGkWvzWBGdbGtX5C2X14dCQwpb800oQi_qBK6BvyfgLOpCr-UAclxhnePBElL8A8&sig=AHIEtbQ8wSnqBwKTVHw8vGR2BCIyn6cb-w","The debate on how best to organize old age support in developing
countries is growing. Trends associated with demographic and
epidemiological transitions are underway in developing countries focusing
attention on the issue (Lloyd-Sherlock 2000). Old age poverty is
widespread in developing countries; informal old age support is coming
under pressure from adverse economic conditions, migration, women’s
entry in paid employment, HIV/Aids, and changes in household
composition. In the absence of policy intervention, older people and their
households will continue to expand the ranks of the poor.
It is estimated that no more than 10 to 15 per cent of the world’s workingage
population contribute to a formal system of old age pension (Gillion et
al, 2000). A non-contributory, flat rate pension can ensure that all citizens
regardless of their earnings or occupation have an income in old age. It is
possible for this type of pension to automatically cover an entire
population in a way that contributory schemes never can. By deemphasizing
the link between paid, formal employment and income in
retirement, non-contributory pensions are particularly helpful to women
and workers in the informal sector. This paper explores the feasibility of
introducing a universal pension in Kenya rather than a means-tested social
pension.","2007-06",
"L. Pelham","The politics behind the non-contributory old age social pensions in Lesotho, Namibia and S Africa","Chronic Poverty Research Centre","http://www.chronicpoverty.org/uploads/publication_files/WP83_Pelham.pdf","Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana comprise a cluster of southern African countries which provide monthly non-contributory benefits to their elderly citizens. This paper seeks to understand the differing political and socio-economic conditions in which the three pensions evolved and suggest what implications pensions may have for the nature of the citizen-state relationship. The paper argues that the motivation behind the long-established South African and Namibian pensions was &#039;supply-driven’ to serve political ends. This has shifted over time and today all three pensions are increasingly ‘demand-driven’, that is, they serve welfare objectives of reducing poverty and promoting equality, although they must still remain acceptable to political and economic elites. This is demonstrated by analysing both ideological and practical facets of the pensions, including the design, the institutional home of the pension and the influence of geopolitical factors. It leads to the conclusion that a bond has built between citizen and state based on three characteristics. Firstly, their ability to foster social solidarity by reinforcing the value and contribution of the elderly to the household and restoring to pensioners a regained sense of citizenship; secondly the persistence of pensions which then become entrenched in the expectations of the citizenry, even before the sense of social contract develops in the political arena; and finally, acknowledgement by the state of its role in and moral commitment to provide welfare to its citizens, and the political expediency of doing so. These three mutually-reinforcing characteristics, maintain the momentum of the pension which, in turn, reinforces the contract.","2007-06",
"UN","Guide to the national implementation on the Madrid international plan of action on ageing ","UN","http://www.un.org/ageing/documents/papers/guide.pdf","Including a broad overview of the challenges and benefits of social and universal pensions, this guide offers policy makers practical suggestions for the implementation of the MIPAA.","2008-01",
"High level task force on the global food security crisis","Outcomes and actions for global food security","UN","http://www.un.org/issues/food/taskforce/pdf/OutcomesAndActionsBooklet_v9.pdf","The High Level Task Force on the Food Price Crisis chaired by Ban Ki-Moon recommended &quot;comprehensive, targeted social protection systems that achieve universal coverage of vulnerable groups and link to basic social services will build resilience to future shocks&quot;.","2008-01",
"V. Galasso, R. Gatti, and P. Profeta ","Investing for the old age: pensions, children and savings","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0838.pdf","In the last century most countries have experienced both an increase
in pension spending and a decline in fertility. We argue that the interplay
of pension generosity and development of capital markets is crucial to understand
fertility decisions. Since children have traditionally represented
for parents a form of retirement saving, particularly in economies with
limited or non-existent capital markets, an exogenous increase of pension
spending provides a saving technology alternative to children, thus relaxing
financial (saving) constraints and reducing fertility.","2008-01",
"G. Mujahid et al.","The impact of social pension: perceptions of Asian older persons","UNFPA","http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/social/impact.pdf","This Report presents the findings of a participatory research on social pensions in four selected Asian
countries - Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. The research was carried out in the four
countries in 26 locations, and focused on the older persons’ perceptions of daily living and the impact of
social pensions in their lives.","2008-01",
"Dutch ministry of social affairs and employment","The old age pension system in the Netherlands","","http://www.iopsweb.org/dataoecd/44/62/48238337.pdf","An overview of the three main pillars of the Dutch old age pension system.","2008-01",
"Government of Barbados","Barbados National Insurance Scheme: Annual report 2008","","http://www.bginis.gov.bb/downloads/Annual%20Report%202008.pdf","The 2008 Annual Report from the Barbados National Insurance Scheme. ","2008-01",
"EUROMOD","EUROMOD Country Report: Hungary","","http://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/files/msu/emod/i-cue/deliverables/I-CUE_D3.2.pdf","This paper provides an overview of the tax and benefit system of Hungary.","2008-01",
"IMF","Suriname: Statistical Appendix to IMF Country Report No. 08/294","","http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2008/cr08294.pdf","This Statistical Appendix for Suriname was prepared by a staff team of the International Monetary 
Fund as background documentation for the periodic consultation with the member country. It is based 
on the information available at the time it was completed on May 2, 2008.","2008-01",
"HelpAge International","Ageways 70: Social Pensions","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4d027f286a02e","Ageways 70 presents the case for social pensions as an effective way to reduce older people&#039;s poverty and that of their families. It argues for a universal rather than a means-tested approach.","2008-01",
"HelpAge International","Protecting older people&#039;s rights in Moldova","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3ce53247359","This paper covers a wide range of issues regarding how older people’s rights should be protected, including pensions, social benefits, and property rights.","2008-01",
"HelpAge International","An untapped resource: how supporting older people with social protection will help achieve the MDGs","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3d0011d657b","This briefing calls for interventions aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals to respond to the intergenerational nature of poverty and to rapid population ageing, and adopt a rights-based approach.","2008-01",
"HelpAge International","Enhancing social protection for older people in Thailand","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48a8400d988","This report presents experiences of social protection/social pensions programmes in Thailand. The workshop was supported by national and international governments, UNFPA and local civil society.","2008-01",
"Z. Wenjuan and T. Dan","The new rural social pension insurance programme of Baoji City","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48ab08674c1","This HelpAge International paper discusses the New Rural Social Pension Insurance Programme of Baoji City, the first of its kind in China. It describes how the programme is administered and discusses its impact on rural older people.","2008-01",
"P. Dutta","The performance of social pensions in India: the case of Rajasthan","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0834.pdf","This paper assesses the performance of a social pension scheme in the Indian state of Rajasthan. In particular, it reviews the experience with respect to program awareness, coverage, targeting and leakage as well as delivery mechanisms. The overall assessment is positive and holds broader lessons for social assistance in India. Thus, transaction costs once pensions are sanctioned are low, disbursements are largely as per schedule, leakage in the form of shortfalls in benefits is generally low and satisfaction levels with the social pension scheme are high. At the same time there are clear areas for improvement on both the policy and administration side. There is evidence of undercoverage and high transaction costs associated with the application process. Though targeting is generally progressive, especially for old age and widow pensions though less so for disability pensions, targeting is far from perfect and the eligibility criteria are not strictly enforced. There is a strong case for relaxing, rationalizing and clarifying some of the existing criteria. On the administration front, several basic issues relating to implementation need to be addressed, particularly with respect to transaction costs in the sanction of pensions, wide inter-district variations in performance within the state and inadequate record-keeping and monitoring.","2008-01",
"Hailu, D. and Veras Soares, F. (eds)","Cash transfers: Lessons from Africa and Latin Ameria","IPC","http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCPovertyInFocus15.pdf","Whilst looking at cash transfers more broadly this paper includes the articles related to social pensions.","2008-01",
"G. Reyes","Pension fund coverage and the informal sector in Latin America","Global forum on private pensions","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/44/16/41523870.pdf","Paper discussing the challenges of extending pension coverage to the informal sector in Latin America. It notes that informal sectors vary both between and within countries and will require multiple responses - one of which is a non-contributory pension.","2008-01",
"P. Lloyd-Sherlock","Doing a bit more for the poor? Social assistance in Latin America","","http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract;jsessionid=485829799DECFEBDEC36F3CD1AF9AC69.journals?fromPage=online&aid=2165420","Social assistance programmes involving cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households have become a major focus of development policy in recent years. This article compares the experiences of three such programmes in Latin America: Oportunidades in Mexico, Jefes y Jefas de Hogares in Argentina, and Brazil&#039;s social pension. Particular attention is given to each programme&#039;s administrative effectiveness, as well as their impacts on poverty, human capital, and household and gender dynamics. More broadly, the article assesses whether these schemes live up to their billing as ‘best practice’ for developing countries, and how they relate to wider shifts in the political economy of welfare provision. It concludes that experiences have been mixed, that claims about positive outcomes are sometimes exaggerated, and that the potential of these programmes to substantially re-orientate welfare systems and promote equitable public policies remains limited.","2008-01",
"CIDI","Institutionalization of social policy in the Caribbean ","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=guyana%20pension%20noncontributory&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sedi.oas.org%2Fddse%2Fdocumentos%2FDesarrollo%2520Social%2F1minist%2F4%2520Institutionalization%2520of%2520Social%2520Policy%2520in%2520the%2520Caribbea.EDIT.doc&ei=BGNCT7GfI8O78gOAkp2YCA&usg=AFQjCNEYIC6xKwSHnnLXd-H69REvguoeWw","The purpose of this document is to provide background on the institutional arrangements of social policies in the Caribbean. ","2008-01",
"European Commission","Social protection and social inclusion in Kosovo","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ec%3A%20%22social%20protection%20and%20social%20inclusion%20in%20kosovo%22&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fec.europa.eu%2Fsocial%2FBlobServlet%3FdocId%3D4444%26langId%3Den&ei=WWCaT9LdCOGP0AW606HsDg&usg=AFQjCNEI1FKlTFnFYIrwoSJufLWE6l7sQg","This paper analyses the structure and perspectives of modernisation of the social protection system of Kosovo under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. It includes information on Kosovo&#039;s non-contributory pension.","2008-01",
"S. Hofmann et al.","Salt, Soap and Shoes for School: Evaluation Report","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3cfc83594f1","This study, published by HelpAge International aims to find out more about the impact of pensions and child benefits and what can be learnt from
the experiences with this approach in the Kwa Wazee project.","2008-01",
"S. Hofmann et al.","Salt, Soap and Shoes for School: Evaluation Summary","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3cfcdf035fe","This study, published by HelpAge International aims to find out more about the impact of pensions and child benefits and what can be learnt from
the experiences with this approach in the Kwa Wazee project. This is the summary of the longer original.","2008-01",
"World Granny","Old Age Pensions in Lesotho","World Granny","<object width='480' height='385'><param name='movie' value='http://www.youtube.com/v/uM9zBHMvIUs?fs=1&hl=en_GB'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='allowscriptaccess' value='always'></param><embed src='http://www.youtube.com/v/uM9zBHMvIUs?fs=1&hl=en_GB' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowscriptaccess='always' allowfullscreen='true' width='480' height='385'></embed></object>","A film on the impacts of the old age pension in Lesotho.","2008-02",
"M. Medeiros, T. Britto, F. Veras Soares","Targeted Cash Transfer Programmes in Brazil: BPC and the Bolsa Familia","International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)","http://ideas.repec.org/p/ipc/wpaper/46.html","We describe several characteristics of the two most important targeted cash transfer programs in Brazil, the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) and the Bolsa Familia. We discuss their institutional aspects, long term sustainability, beneficiaries and levels of targeting. We also address the need for conditionalities, the effects of the transfers on labor market participation, as well as the relevance of the so called &quot;exit doors&quot;. Our conclusion is that, on the one hand, the programs are accomplishing the goals they were designed to achieve. They reduce poverty and inequality, under costs which are compatible with the Brazilian budgetary capacity. On the other hand, the programmes have no negative effects on incentives to work and contributions to the pensions system. Consequently, we argue that these programmes should be kept in place and, if possible, expanded in the near future.","2008-06",
"Social Security Department, ILO","Zambia: Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review and Social Budget ","International Labour Office","http://www.ilo.org/gimi/gess/RessShowRessource.do?ressourceId=6350","The Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review (SPER) and Social Budget (SB) report Executive Summary are products of the first year of work of the ILO/DFID-funded project in Zambia: &quot;ILO Global Campaign for Social Protection and Coverage for All as a Means to Reducing Poverty in Africa and Asia&quot;.
The main finding is that neither existing contributory (social insurance) nor non-contributory (social assistance) social security provisions are adequate in terms of the numbers of the population covered, the scope of coverage and the adequacy of benefits/payments received. This in a context in which half of the population is extremely poor, living below the poverty line, and almost two-thirds are living below the basic needs poverty line and thus moderately poor or worse. Preliminary analysis shows that Zambia could afford a basic package of social protection; universal old age pensions, targeted cash transfers and child benefits. In the longer run this package would cost no more than 1.5% of GDP and would build the foundations of a modern social protection system.

The SPER and Social Budget Report Executive Summary also includes key information on the labour market in Zambia, existing contributory and non-contributory social security schemes, the current state of health care as well as important findings and analysis on the current and future social budget of Zambia.","2008-06",
"K. Müller","Contested universalism: from Bonosol to Renta Dignidad in Bolivia","International Journal of Social Welfare","http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2397.2008.00579.x/abstract","Bolivia is the only Latin American country to feature a universal old-age pension scheme. Though strikingly modest, originating at US$248 per annum, this benefit runs counter to the prevailing targeting paradigm. Ten years after the scheme&#039;s controversial start in South America&#039;s poorest country, this article is the first to focus on the interesting political economy of the universal benefit. The introduction of the benefit was not motivated by social policy considerations but by the desire to privatise state-owned enterprises and pensions. Conceived by neoliberal structural reformers, the benefit was challenged first by the international financial institutions and then by Bolivia&#039;s developmentalist government, before the latter found a way to reconcile its re-nationalisation project with a re-branded universal pension.","2008-06",
"BRAC/RED","Small Scale Old Age and Widow Allowance for the Poor in Rural Bangladesh: An Evaluation","BRAC","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bracresearch.org%2Fmonographs%2FMonograph_36%2520.pdf&rct=j&q=Small%20Scale%20Old%20Age%20and%20Widow%20Allowance%20for%20the%20Poor%20in%20Rural%20Bangladesh%3A%20An%20Evaluation&ei=8yNNTYiyHMe5hAeQnL2sDg&usg=AFQjCNHd9rtzwenIpu9rRdeR2rx25ayaDw&cad=rja","This study was done to explore the process of targeting, selection and benefits distribution and the use of the allowances, satisfaction, and the association of old age and widow allowances with various factors (e.g., expenditure on food and food intake behaviour, self-reported illness and health-related quality of life). This allowances are provided by the government of Bangladesh to poor widows and the elderly persons (&amp;#9251;65 years).","2008-07",
"R. Rofman, L. Lucchetti, G. Ourens","Pension Systems in Latin America: Concepts and Measurements of Coverage","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0616_Oct2008.pdf","This paper presents a new stage in the efforts by the authors to produce a reliable estimation of coverage indicators in the region. This project started in 2004-05 with the analysis of a coverage data for a smaller group of countries around 2002 (Rofman and Carranza, 2005), as was significantly revised and expanded, to include time series beginning in the mid 1990s in 2006-07. This version presents a new expansion in the time series of indicators, going now from 1990 to 2006, and included additional countries in the region. Of course, the data still present gaps, and comparability problems originated on differences in the sources are still present, as explained in the methodological annex.","2008-10",
"I. E. Carvalho Filho","Household Income As A Determinant of Child Labor and School Enrollment in Brazil: Evidence From A Social Security Reform","IMF","http://ideas.repec.org/p/imf/imfwpa/08-241.html","This paper studies the effects of household income on labor participation and school enrollment of children aged 10 to 14 in Brazil using a social security reform as a source of exogenous variation in household income. Estimates imply that the gap between actual and full school enrollment was reduced by 20 percent for girls living in the same household as an elderly benefiting from the reform. Girls&#039; labor participation rates reduced with increased benefit income, but only when benefits were received by a female elderly. Effects on boys&#039; enrollment rates and labor participation were in general smaller and statistically insignificant.","2008-10",
"S. Kidd, L. Willmore","Tackling Poverty in Old Age: A Universal Pension for Sri Lanka","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48e25e0b087","This study, published by HelpAge International, provides estimates of the fiscal cost of a universal age pension in Sri Lanka. It challenges opponents of universal pensions who assert that such pensions are unaffordable, despite the fact that countries as diverse as New Zealand, Mauritius, Nepal, Namibia, Bolivia and Kosovo have successfully put them in place. The authors demonstrate that a universal pension in Sri Lanka is affordable, and urge policymakers designing basic pension schemes to avoid means-tests and &#039;rule-based targeting&#039; for reasons of efficiency, equity and political appeal.","2008-11",
"J. Williamson, C. Shen, Y, Yang","Which pension model holds the most promise for China?","The journal of poverty and social justice","https://www2.bc.edu/~jbw/documents/whichpensionmodel1.pdf","This paper asks what pension model might be appropriate in China. It compares a funded defined contribution scheme, a notional defined contribution scheme and a universal social pension. It recommends that a universal social pension could be affordable through starting with a higher age of eligibility and reducing over time.","2009-01",
"P. Lloyd-Sherlock","Social policy and economic development in South America: an historical approach to social insurance","","http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03085140802560587","This article examines the structural and organizational problems facing social insurance systems in Brazil and the Argentine through the twentieth century. It provides insights which inform contemporary debates about pension reform in Latin America. This area of social policy intervention is central to ongoing analyses of state competence and state capacity that in turn inform efforts to theorize about the state. ","2009-01",
"K. Hagemejer","Can low income countries afford basic social security?","ILO","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/26/20/43280726.pdf","Proposals to accelerate the establishment of social security systems in low-income countries have gathered strength in the early years of the millennium. These proposals are being subjected to searching questions. One major question concerns “affordability” - with which this chapter seeks to deal.","2009-01",
"R. Holzmann, D. A. Robalino, and N. Takayama (Eds.)","Closing the coverage gap","World Bank","http://www.apapr.ro/images/BIBLIOTECA/reformageneralitati/bm%20coverage%20gap%202009.pdf","The book has four specific objectives: (a) to discuss the role of retirement income
transfers in the context of a strategy for expanding old- age income security and preventing
poverty among the elderly; (b) to take stock of international experience with the design
and implementation of these programs; (c) to identify key policy issues that need to receive
attention during the design and implementation phases; and (d) to offer some preliminary
policy recommendations and propose next steps.","2009-01",
"S. Kidd and E. Whitehouse","Equal pensions, equal rights: achieving universal pension coverage for older women and men in developing countries","","http://people.stfx.ca/accamero/Gender%20and%20Health/poverty%20and%20health/Equal%20pensions%20equal%20rights.pdf","In most countries, state pensions are financed from pay-roll taxes. However, such
pensions have a strong male bias, with more men than women accessing them while
also receiving higher benefits. Achieving universal pension coverage in developing
countries is not possible, with pensions financed by pay-roll taxes due to high levels of
informal sector employment. Furthermore, such schemes would be biased against
women. Universal pensions funded from general taxation are the only means by which
developing countries can achieve universal pension coverage on a basis that is
equitable for both men and women. Such schemes can be found in a number of
developed and developing countries and have been very successful in reducing poverty
in old age for both women and men.","2009-01",
"ISSA","Launch of informal sector pension scheme in Kenya","","http://www.issa.int/aiss/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Africa/Kenya/Reforms/Launch-of-informal-sector-jua-kali-pension-scheme","A new individual contribution pension scheme for the “jua kali” (informal sector) entitled “Mbao Pension Scheme” was launched by the Kenya National Jua Kali Co-operative Society Limited.  Targeting 8.5 million people in small and medium enterprises, it is expected that the scheme could become the country’s largest within a few years and may eventually expand to the East African region.","2009-01",
"Government of Rwanda","Republic of Rwanda: National social security policy","","http://www.minecofin.gov.rw/webfm_send/1615","The objective of this policy document is to analyze the current social security program in
order to identify the gaps in different areas and to propose how to improve the program,
with as central goal to provide for all Rwandan population adequate protection against the
adverse consequences of various “life cycle” events and risks.","2009-01",
"J. Falkingham et al.","Left behind in transition? The well-being of older people in Tajikistan.","University of Southampton","http://www.southampton.ac.uk/ageingcentre/docs/papers/0901.pdf","This paper examines the effect of Tajikistan&#039;s transition to a market economy on the wellbeing of older people.","2009-01",
"P. A. Tuyet and P. Castel ","Social assistance and cash transfers: the potential impact of decision 67.","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2011/08/25/000333038_20110825013509/Rendered/PDF/642760WP0P107600Box0361535B0PUBLIC0.pdf","This paper examines the impact of decision 67 in 2007 on Vietnam&#039;s social assistance programmes. ","2009-01",
"Unicef and ODI","Fiscal space for strengthened social protection","Unicef and ODI","http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/docs/4557.pdf","This report examines the situation in five countries in west and central Africa with regard to fiscal space, with a view to identifying scope for the sustainable financing of additional spending on social protection","2009-01",
"F. Stewart and J. Yermo","Pensions in Africa","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/41/6/42052117.pdf","This paper discusses why the development of pension systems is important for the African region. It 
also looks at the current pension arrangements in selected African countries. ","2009-01",
"Government of Ecuador","Government of Ecuador: Programa de Proteccion Social - Base Legal (Webpage)","","http://www.pps.gob.ec/PPS/PPS/BDH/INF/BaseLegal.aspx","Spanish. This Government webpage outlines the legislative base of Ecuador&#039;s social pension.","2009-01",
"Government of El Salvador","Government of El Salvador: Pensi&oacute;n B&aacute;sica Universal para la Persona Adulta Mayor (Webpage)","","http://www.fisdl.gob.sv/temas/comunidades-solidarias/comunidades-solidarias-rurales.html?start=4","Spanish. This Government website provides an overview of El Salvador&#039;s social pension.","2009-01",
"Government of Moldova","Government of Moldova: Annual Social Report (2008)","","http://mpsfc.gov.md/file/rapoarte/RSA%202008%20en.pdf","This Social Report is a summary of the main characteristics of social protection policies as a whole, and reflects the results achieved in 2008, as well as identified problems and their possible solutions.","2009-01",
"Government of Panama","Government of Panama: Presentan proyecto &quot;100 a los 70&quot; en la Asamblea","","http://www.presidencia.gob.pa/ver_nodo.php?cod=30","Spanish. This Government press release announces the 100 a los 70 programme.","2009-01",
"O. Karadeniz ","Turkey: Pensions, Health-care and Long-term care","European Commission","http://www.socialprotection.eu/files_db/394/asisp_ANR09_Turkey.pdf","This paper includes an overview of the Turkish pension system.","2009-01",
"Government of Guyana","Government of Guyana: Hundreds of pensioners turnout to uplift 2009 books ","","http://www.mlhsss.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:hundreds-of-pensioners-turnout-to-uplift-2009-books&catid=14:pensions&Itemid=47","This Government news story includes information on the entitlements of pensioners in Guyana.","2009-01",
"Government of Guyana","Government of Guyana: Minister Manickchand interacts with pensioners in the City ","","http://www.mlhsss.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211:minister-manickchand-interacts-with-pensioners-in-the-city&catid=14:pensions&Itemid=47","This Government news story includes information on the eligbility requirements of Guyana&#039;s social pension. ","2009-01",
"A. Pearson","Social protection for older people in Zanzibar: a summary","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48de96d6d7d","A summary of the longer HelpAge International report on the situation of older people in Zanzibar, concluding with recommendations for a universal non-contributory pension. ","2009-01",
"G. Aponte","Protecci&oacute;n Social para adultos mayores en municipios rurales de Bolivia (Spanish)","HelpAge International","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=proteccion%20social%20para%20adultos%20mayores%20en%20municipios%20rurales%20de%20bolivia&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CGYQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.helpage.org%2Fdownload%2F4ded413d94546%2F&ei=kwKxT-aELsPZ8AOe8IC8CQ&usg=AFQjCNG-3mBWtyg3c-t3EZxbdKXfeYo67A","This paper, produced by HelpAge International, provides an overview of social protection for older people in rural areas of Bolivia.","2009-01",
"Government of Samoa","Consolidated acts of Samoa: National provident fund act 1972","","http://www.paclii.org/ws/legis/consol_act/npfa1972254/","This consolidated act provides the legislative base for Samoa&#039;s social pension.","2009-01",
"M. Dorfman and A. Forteza","Strengthening Caribbean pensions: improving equity and sustainability","","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTLACREGTOPLABSOCPRO/Resources/STRENGTHENING_CARIBBEAN_PENSIONS-09292009-FINAL.pdf","This report has been prepared by the staff of the World Bank to review the characteristics of pension systems in the Caribbean region and identify common reform needs. Drawing upon the Bank’s international experience, the report aims to provide additional insights for regional policymakers and development partners on reform needs and potential policy options.","2009-01",
"F. Carrera, M. Castro and A. Sojo","La coberta del sistema de pensiones en Guatemala, Nicaragua y Honduras","CEPAL","http://www.eclac.cl/dds/noticias/paginas/4/38224/MariaCastro-foro2-Guatemala.pdf","Spanish. This presentation provides information on coverage levels of formal pensions in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. The presentation concludes by calling for a multi-pillar pension system that provides universal coverage as well as a non-contributory element.","2009-01",
"Vincent, K. and Cull, T.","Impacts of social cash transfers: case study evidence from across Southern Africa","","http://www.iese.ac.mz/lib/publication/II_conf/CP47_2009_Vincent.pdf","There is increasing interest in social protection programmes as a means of reducing poverty and vulnerability. Social cash transfers form a part of social protection programmes, and many have been piloted and/or introduced around southern Africa. Evidence from impact evaluations shows that, in addition to promoting food security, social cash transfers have additional beneficial effects. These are wide ranging and extend beyond the direct recipient of the transfer to the wider family. For the recipient, there is evidence to suggest that cash transfers promote self esteem, social status and empowerment. They also improve food security and nutritional status, not just for the transfer recipient, but also for other household members. Receipt of cash also reduces absolute poverty and narrows the poverty gap, promoting equity; and also provides necessary capital to allow beneficiaries to participate in other social services, including healthcare and education. This paper outlines empirical evidence for the impacts of cash transfers in southern Africa, based on an extensive literature review and primary evidence assessing 20 social transfer programmes in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe, which was gathered between 2005-2008 under the Regional Evidence Building Agenda of the Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme.","2009-01",
"G. Kenneth","Online news report - Papua New Guinea: Aged receive K2.3m","Post Courier","http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20090602/news13.htm","This news article announces the establishment of the old age and disabled pension scheme in the province of New Ireland. The scheme is the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea.","2009-01",
"H. Yakham","Online news report - Papua New Guinea: NIP cares for old and disabled","","http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20090611/focus.htm","This online news report documents a number of new social initiatives in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea and includes information on the social pension.","2009-01",
"V. Ranchhod","Household responses to adverse income shocks: pensioner out-migration and mortality in South Africa","University of Cape Town","http://ideas.repec.org/p/ldr/wpaper/35.html","This paper aims to investigate how poor households respond to the cessation of cash transfers by considering the social pension in South Africa. It makes use of nationally representative matched panel data from several waves of the South African Labour Force Surveys. Compositional changes include the out-migration of school-aged children, and in-migration of middle aged females and older adults of either gender. More than 1 in 4 “losing” households get an additional older adult. For people who maintain their residency status across waves, it finds large and statistically significant increases in employment rates for middle aged females and males (9.3 and 8.1 percentage points in each case), as well as for older adult females and males (10.3 percentage points in each case). For middle aged adults, this is not accompanied by a corresponding increase in labour supply.","2009-01",
"L. MacKellar","Pension Systems for the Informal Sector in Asia","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/SP-Discussion-papers/Pensions-DP/0903.pdf","This paper looks at the experiences of various Asian countries in expanding the coverage of the pension system to informal sector workers. The paper argues that given aging and growing informality, a rapid forward-looking response from governments in the region is necessary to provide protection against the risk of poverty in old age. This risk is particularly acute in the case of informal sector workers, as is the difficulty of reaching them through traditional formal-sector pension approaches. From the analysis of various case studies the paper concludes that expanding coverage to informal sector workers through mandatory systems is unlikely to work. Alternative, voluntary arrangements are need. However, because informal sector workers tend to have lower savings capacity and high discount rates, targeted subsidies might be required to encourage enrollment. The paper discusses some of the issues related to the design of these programs -- including those related to administration and the collection of contributions. In all cases, the paper emphasizes the need to resolve difficult tradeoffs between these transfers to prevent poverty during old-age and expenditures in other social programs.","2009-01",
"M. Bergthaller","The Driving Forces behind universal non-contributory old age pensions in developing countries and the role of international actors","University of Vienna","http://www.grin.com/e-book/145266/the-driving-forces-behind-universal-non-contributory-old-age-pensions","In the last decade, the discussion about the role of social protection emerged in the context of development cooperation and therefore started to gain importance in many countries in the developing world. Several developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia began to implement social protection measures, like for example (conditional) cash transfers to protect the poorest and especially vulnerable groups against shocks and risks in difficult stages of life, like for example childhood, motherhood or old age. In this context, non-contributory old age pensions financed via taxes and provided by the state - especially for those not involved in other state old age insurance schemes - emerged and gained of importance in developing countries in the last few years. Donors and international institutions as well as governments of the respective countries recognized and emphasized on the importance of such schemes and their role in protecting poor old people. This paper deals with the given conditions that enable and the driving forces behind the implementation of universal non-contributory social pension schemes. It wants to explore what the main factors for their implementation in different developing countries were in the last few years. Thereby, the focus of the analysis lies on the international discourse and external forces, which push for the implementation of a specific pension scheme. Evidence was collected from the poorest developing countries with a universal pension scheme where a universal pension scheme was implemented in the last two decades: from Bolivia, Lesotho and Nepal, and partly from other countries where such schemes already exist, namely Namibia, Mauritius, and Botswana. ","2009-01",
"Y. Hu and F. Stewart ","Pension coverage and informal sector workers: international experiences ","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/41/7/42052126.pdf","This paper provides an overview of a range of policies in various countries which aim to extend pension coverage to the informal sector. It also recommends that the state provide a basic social pension pillar and discusses ways in which contributory pensions could be adapted for the informal sector. Includes case studies of Bangladesh, Chile, China, India, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom.","2009-01",
"Long T. Giang and Wade D. Pfau","Vulnerability of Vietmanese elderly to poverty: determinants and policy implications","Asian Economic Journal","http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8381.2009.02022.x/abstract","The elderly living in urban and rural areas face significantly different conditions. Some factors impact poverty in both urban and rural areas (e.g. age, marital status, region and remittance receipts), some factors are insignificant in both areas (e.g. living arrangements and household head characteristics) and some factors have a differing impact in the two areas (e.g. gender, ethnicity, and household composition and size). With these findings, we formulate policy priorities, including reducing regional disparities, promoting the rural economy and reforming social security.","2009-01",
"General Bureau of Statistics","Suriname: Basic Indicators 2009","GBS Suriname","http://www.statistics-suriname.org/images/stories/pdf/basic%20indicators.pdf","This document includes data on the number of General Old Age Security claimants by district, as well as how much was paid each month.","2009-01",
"Government of Belize","Belize Social Security Board: Non Contributory Pension Program (webpage)","","http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/Benefits/LongTerm/NCPPension.aspx","This Government website provides information on Belize&#039;s non contributory pension programme.","2009-01",
"Government of Brazil","Government of Brazil: Perguntas frequentes - Previd&ecirc;ncia Social (webpage)","","http://www.previdencia.gov.br/conteudoDinamico.php?id=1295","Portuguese. This Government website answers Frequently Asked Questions on Previd&ecirc;ncia Social. 
","2009-01",
"Government of the Maldives","Government of the Maldives: New Maldives Pension System - Frequently Asked Questions","","http://www.cmda.gov.mv/docs/FAQ_July_30_09.pdf","This Government paper answers frequently asked questions on the social pension in the Maldives.","2009-01",
"HelpAge International","The universal social pension in Nepal","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48e1132730a","The primary objective of this study by HelpAge International was to assess social and economic impact of the non-contributory pension in Nepal, commonly known as Old Age Allowance (OAA). Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from one urban and two rural settings of Tanahun District. Despite being small in amount, the pension is recognised as an important part of older people’s life and found to be highly valued. It has contributed to sustaining older people’s lives through the purchase of medicine, food, and/or clothing. However, the socio-economic impact on beneficiaries was found to be different according to the situation of the older person. Rural dwellers valued the pension more highly than the urban dwellers. Older people living alone also valued the pension more than those living with others.","2009-01",
"HelpAge International","Working for life: making decent work and pensions a reality for older people","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c3cfab169f5e","This report makes recommendations to the European Union on how to include older people in decent work programmes and how to provide assistance with social pensions.","2009-01",
"L Gaspirani, J Alejo, F Haimovich, S Olivieri, L Tornarolli","Poverty among older people in Latin America and the Caribbean","CEDLAS, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina","http://ideas.repec.org/a/wly/jintdv/v22y2010i2p176-207.html","This paper provides evidence on the incidence of poverty among older people in
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), based on household survey microdata from
20 countries. The situation of older people is characterised in terms of income, education,
health and access to services vis-a`-vis the rest of the population. The paper identifies the role played by the current pension systems in LAC, and assesses the efforts needed to achieve substantial improvements towards the reduction of old age poverty.","2009-01",
"D. Wesumperuma","&#039;Social pensions&#039; ensure income security in old age","HelpAge International","http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/10036/social-pensions-ensure-income-security-in-old-age","An article by Dharmapriya Wesumperuma (Head of Programmes of HelpAge International in Asia-Pacific) making the case for an expanded social pension in Thailand. Shortly after, the previously poverty-targeted Old Age Allowance was expanded to everyone over the age of 60 not in receipt of other pension income. ","2009-01",
"Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association (ISSA)","Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Asia and the Pacific, 2008","Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2008-2009/asia/index.html","The second issue in the current four-volume series of Social Security Programs Throughout the World reports on the countries of Asia and the Pacific.

The combined findings of this series, which also includes volumes on Europe, Africa, and the Americas, are published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year  period. Each volume highlights features of social security programs in the particular region.

The information contained in these volumes is crucial to our efforts, and those of researchers in other countries, to review different ways of approaching social security challenges that will enable us to adapt our social security systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, and families. These efforts are particularly important as each nation faces major demographic changes, especially the increasing number of aged persons, as well as economic and fiscal issues.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World is the product of a cooperative effort between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a nonprofit organization bringing together institutions and administrative bodies from countries throughout the world. The ISSA deals with all forms of compulsory social protection that by legislation or national practice are an integral part of a country&#039;s social security system.","2009-03",
"L. Gasparini, L. Tornaroli","Labor Informality in Latin America and the Caribbean: Patterns and Trends","Universidad de los ANDES-CEDE","http://ideas.repec.org/a/col/000090/005860.html","This paper documents the main patterns and trends of alternative definitions of labor informality in Latin America and the Caribbean, by exploiting a large database of more than 100 household surveys covering the period 1989-2005. The evidence suggests that there are no signs of a consistent pattern of reduction in labor informality in the region. Regardless of the definition used, labor informality remains a pervasive characteristic of labor markets in LAC. In several countries the increase in labor informality seems to have been associated more to a sizeable increase in the propensity to set informal arrangements within groups, than to changes in the national employment structure toward more informal sectors.","2009-03",
"G. T. Long, W. D. Pfau","Ageing, Poverty, and the Role of a Social Pension in Vietnam","National Economics University","http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~pinc/data/10-09.pdf","By using the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey in 2004, this paper seeks to quantify the potential role and impacts of a social pension scheme for reducing elderly poverty in Vietnam. We simulate how the poverty rate, poverty gap, and poverty severity of the elderly would have been changed in the counterfactual situation that such a scheme had been introduced to Vietnam in the past. We consider a number of categorical targeting groups of elderly people along with various transfer parameters to assess the impacts of the scheme on social welfare. We find that, depending on the characteristics of the social pension, there would be beneficial poverty reductions, but also large leakages to the non-poor people. For a variety of measures, our results suggest that targeting the elderly in rural areas might be the most effective use of limited resources. Also, simulations for different budgetary constraints show that, even with limited budgeting, a social pension scheme would significantly reduce poverty incidence for the elderly. We also find that for a given program cost, combining lower benefits with lower eligibility requirements is more effective at reducing poverty than providing larger benefits to a more limited group of recipients.","2009-03",
"W. Suwanrada","Poverty and Financial Security of the Elderly in Thailand ","Chulalongkorn University","http://www.springerlink.com/content/khqth82j2x342287/","Currently, Thailand is facing serious demographic changes. The percentage of the elderly population (60 years of age and older) is increasing gradually and will exceed 20% of the total population in 2023. Presently, the family, especially children, is still the most important source of financial security for the elderly in old-age. Nevertheless, a decrease in the potential support ratio reflects the fact that informal financial support from the family is going to decrease whereas the demand for formal financial security will increase., The Thai government currently provides a range of programs as a part of social safety net for guaranteeing a certain income level in old-age. Among employed persons, approximately one-third of them has been financially insured in the old-age life stage under mandatory schemes such as the Social Security Fund (for private employees) and the Government Pension Fund (for government officers). Two-third of employed persons, mostly informal sector workers, have not been covered under a compulsory scheme. For the uninsured and underprivileged elderly, the mean-tasted old-age allowance system provides minimal support. This paper presents issues relating to pension debate in Thailand, which is mainly focused on broadening coverage. Three policy options are raised and discussed: (1) the promotion of the establishment of a community-based social welfare fund; (2) the expansion of the coverage of the old-age allowance system; and (3) the establishment of national pension system, which covers employed persons who do not currently receive coverage. ","2009-03",
"Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association (ISSA)","Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Africa, 2009","Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2008-2009/africa/index.html","The third issue in the current four-volume series of Social Security Programs Throughout the World reports on the countries of Africa. 

The combined findings of this series, which also includes volumes on Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas, are published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Each volume highlights features of social security programs in the particular region.

The information contained in these volumes is crucial to our efforts, and those of researchers in other countries, to review different ways of approaching social security challenges that will enable us to adapt our social security systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, and families. These efforts are particularly important as each nation faces major demographic changes, especially the increasing number of aged persons, as well as economic and fiscal issues.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World is the product of a cooperative effort between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a nonprofit organization bringing together institutions and administrative bodies from countries throughout the world. The ISSA deals with all forms of compulsory social protection that, by legislation or national practice, are an integral part of a country&#039;s social security system.","2009-08",
"BBC News","China to roll out rural pensions","BBC News","http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8186234.stm","Online news report from the BBC about the introduction of the Chinese Rural Pension","2009-08",
"C. Knox","A social pension in Zambia: perceptions of the cash transfer pilot in Katete","HelpAge International","/download/4f059863de502","Briefing no. 1 of HelpAge International&#039;s Pension watch briefing series. The Government of Zambia has been running a set of pilot cash transfers to test which could best form the basis of a national social protection system. The pilot being run in the Katete district transfers money to everyone over the age of 60 years, thus creating a form of social pension.

This brief outlines the perceptions of recipients, their families and the community towards the pension, and the impacts which have been observed on areas such as nutrition, health, education and the local economy. It also outlines the practical benefits and challenges of implementing the scheme.

It finds that, while some technical issues remain, the model being used in Katete is a popular, administratively simple and cost-effective option to scale up to national level.","2009-11",
"A. Pearson","Social protection policy: responses to older people’s needs in Zanzibar","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c48de2517d7c","A study of the situation of older people in Zanzibar, concluding with recommendations for a universal non-contributory pension. The paper also makes suggestions as to how this could be implemented. 

This document summarises the study conducted in February 2009 and presents recommendations for social protection schemes. A key finding from the study shows that older men and women in Zanzibar are particularly vulnerable because, as well as being engaged in subsistence farming to survive, they are also performing a vital caring role for children. They do this despite often being poor or in declining health, and without support from their families as a result of weakening family support systems.

This study recommends that providing a guaranteed minimum income to all older people is both necessary and possible. It recommends a universal non-contributory pension and describes how this can be implemented.

A HelpAge International study in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Welfare of the Government of Zanzibar.
","2009-11",
"S. Levine, S. van der Berg and D. Yu ","Measuring the impact of social cash transfers on poverty and inequality in Namibia","University of Stellenbosch","http://www.ekon.sun.ac.za/wpapers/2009/wp252009/wp-25-2009.pdf","This paper reviews the system for social cash transfers in Namibia, a middle-income country with a long experience in making available a universal and non-contributory old age pension, child grants using means-testing and quasi-conditionalities and other cash transfers. The paper traces the origins of the cash transfers back to the country’s past annexation into apartheid South Africa and shows how Namibia’s system is now faced with a set of distinct challenges that are particularly pertinent as the authorities are rapidly scaling-up access. Notably, in the years after the remaining elements of racial discrimination were eliminated, and the value of the transfers were equalised across the ethnic groups, new discrepancies have developed in the values of the different grants. Moreover, using newly available household data the paper finds inefficiencies in the means-testing for the child grants – especially when compared to South Africa. In spite of these challenges the paper also shows that social cash transfers have a large effect on poverty reduction and that the effects are particularly positive for the poorest of the poor. The transfers also tend to reduce inequality but this impact is more limited. Simulations indicate the fiscal sustainability of an expanded system of social cash transfers and highlight the potential cost-savings that would accrue from a more effective means-test of the child grants. In the analysis the effects of using income and expenditure data as the basis for the welfare variable are discerned.","2009-11",
"The Daily Nation","Official Launch of the Social Protection Cash Transfer to Older Persons","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=daily%20nation%20official%20launch%20of%20kenyas%20older%20person%20cash%20transfer&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gender.go.ke%2Findex.php%2FDownload-document%2F22-Newspaper-Supplement.html&ei=hpLYT6i-LorT8gOE7K21Dw&usg=AFQjCNHWfPi1phPNVG7ETZAYAHJGCHI7lw","This feature from the Daily Nation announces the launch of the Older Person&#039;s Cash Transfer in Kenya. It includes messages from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development as well as information about the scheme.","2009-12",
"A. Barrientos, M. Niño-Zarazúa, M. Maitrot","Social Assistance in Developing Countries Database (Version 5.0)","Chronic Poverty Research Centre","http://www.chronicpoverty.org/publications/details/social-assistance-in-developing-countries-database/ss","The Social Assistance in Developing Countries Database aims to:
- provide a summary of the evidence available on the effectiveness of social assistance interventions in developing countries;
- focus on programmes seeking to combine the reduction and mitigation of poverty, with strengthening and facilitating household investments capable of preventing poverty and securing development in the longer term
- select programmes for inclusion in the database on the basis of the availability of information on design features, evaluation, size, scope, or significance;
- provide summary information on each programme in a way that can be easily referenced by DFID staff and others with only a basic level of technical expertise.

Version 5 updates information on existing programmes and incorporates information on the following programmes:
-Conditional cash transfers pilots in Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi
-Integrated poverty reduction programmes in Panama, and the Dominican Republic
-Conditional cash transfer programmes in Paraguay
-CHARS in Bangladesh combining climate change adaptation, asset protection and accumulation, and transfers
-Basic Income Grant Pilot in Namibia which, although not strictly a social assistance programme, will be of interest to users of the Database","2010-01",
"UNDP","Capacity development of Azerbaijan’s State Social Protection Fund as a cornerstone for improving old age security","UN","http://www.un-az.org/undp/xeberler.php?article_id=20110215040057609&page=0503&lang=eng","A brief overview of Azerbaijan&#039;s commitment to reducing old-age poverty and recent efforts to build capacity within its State Social Protection Fund.","2010-01",
"L. Willmore","Universal benefits, targeting and transparency ","","http://larrywillmore.net/Barcelona2010.pdf","Presentation given at the 2010 United Nations service day and awards ceremony/forum","2010-01",
"L. Willmore","Social protection of older persons: targeting","","http://larrywillmore.net/geneva2.pdf","Presentation given by L. Willmore in Geneva, 2010","2010-01",
"ILO","Demographic ageing and employment in India","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/documents/publication/wcms_140676.pdf","This study brings to light the current and emerging issues concerning the implications of demographic change on the labour market in India. While population ageing is a major acheivement of our times it presents major challenges for the world of work that need to be addressed. With 90 million people over the age of 60, India has the second largest population of older people in the world. Furthermore, between now and 2050 the Indian population over 60 years will almost quadruple. The low level of benefits and their limited coverage push large numbers of older people (particularly older women) to continue working in the informal economy. The combination of old-age, lack of access to decent work, poverty and exclusion is therefore of great concern. Amongst other recommendations this paper suggests that a universal social pension may help meet the challenges presented by population ageing.","2010-01",
"Australian Bureau of Statistics","Australian Bureau of Statistics Year Book","","http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/C723215DF7BA12EBCA25773700169C76?opendocument","The Australian Bureau of Statistics Year Book provides information on the number of recipients of Australia&#039;s social pension.","2010-01",
"SPF-I","Brazil: In search of universal social protection","","http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/spfag/download/briefs/brazil.pdf","This paper explores Brazil&#039;s social protection schemes with reference to the Social Protection Floor.","2010-01",
"ILO","Online news report: The story of Nha Liza in Cape Verde","","http://www.ilo.org/protection/news/WCMS_145607/lang--en/index.htm","This online news report shows the importance of a social pension to Nha Liza, a resident of Cape Verde.","2010-01",
"Government of Denmark","Government of Denmark: Consolidated Act on Social Pensions (Webpage)","","https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=132869","Danish. This Government webpage provides information on the legislative base of the Danish social pension.","2010-01",
"Government of Ecuador","Government of Ecuador: Programa de Proteccion Social - Quienes Somos? (Webpage)","","http://www.pps.gob.ec/PPS/PPS/BDH/INF/QuienesSomos.aspx","Spanish. This Government webpage outlines the activities of the Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion.","2010-01",
"P. Samaniego and L. Tejerina","Financial Inclusion Through the Bono de Desarrollo Humano in Ecuador","IADB","http://idbdocs.iadb.org/wsdocs/getdocument.aspx?docnum=35522623","This paper analyses financial inclusion through the Bono de Desarrollo Humano in Ecuador.","2010-01",
"J. Falkingham and A. Vlachantoni","Pensions and Social Protection in Central Asia and South Caucasus: developments in the post-Soviet era","University of Southampton ","http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/173811/1/CRA_DP_1002.pdf","At independence all the countries of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) inherited a extensive system of social welfare, including a comprehensive pay-as-you-go pension system characterised by low retirement ages, relatively generous opportunities for early 
retirement for selected groups and high replacement rates. The economic dislocation of the early 1990s had significant consequences for the pension systems in the region. Rising unemployment and economic restructuring reduced the contribution base, increasing system dependency rates. In the face of falling public expenditure many countries undertook wide ranging reforms of the pension system – including tightening eligibility criteria, increasing retirement ages, and moves away from defined benefits towards defined contribution systems. This paper details the impact of transition on pension systems during the 1990s, through to the mid 2000s in the region as a whole. It then focuses on the first wave of pension reforms and the current pension systems in the region today in four case study countries: Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. ","2010-01",
"Government of Indonesia","Government of Indonesia: PROGRAM Jaminan Sosial Lanjut Usia (JSLU) (Webpage)","","http://www.depsos.go.id/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15244","Indonesian. This Government website provides information on Indonesia&#039;s social pension.","2010-01",
"Regnum News Agency","Online news report: Kyrgyzstan&#039;s pension system faces problems","","http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/eurpro/moscow/news/2010/1026_2.htm","This online news report, available via the ILO News Archive, documents the challenges facing Kyrgyzstan&#039;s pension system","2010-01",
"Government of the Maldives","Government of the Maldives: FAQs of the old-age basic pension (webpage)","","http://pension.gov.mv/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=181","","2010-01",
"The Namibian","Online news report -Namibia: Establishing a national pension fund","","http://allafrica.com/stories/201009130753.html","This online news report discusses the recommended establishment of a National Pension Fund in Namibia.","2010-01",
"NIS","National Insurance Services of St Vincent and the Grenadines (webpage)","","http://www.nissvg.org/","This webpage provides information on the social pension in St Vincent and the Grenadines.","2010-01",
"","National Insurance Services of St Vincent and the Grenadines: Elderly Assistance Benefit (webpage)","","http://www.nissvg.org/?q=node/54","This webpage provides information on the social pension of St Vincent and the Grenadines.","2010-01",
"Government of Samoa","Government of Samoa: Senior Citizens Benefit Scheme (webpage)","","http://www.npf.ws/Departments/SeniorCitizensBenefitScheme/tabid/2538/language/en-NZ/Default.aspx","This Government webpage provides information on the social pension in Samoa.","2010-01",
"Government of Trinidad and Tobago","Government of Trinidad and Tobago: Act no. 16 of 2010","","http://www.ttparliament.org/legislations/b2010h16.pdf","This 2010 act provides the legislative base for Trinidad and Tobago&#039;s social pension as well as outlining the transfer amounts for 2010.","2010-01",
"Government of Guyana","Government of Guyana: Over 500 new pensioners on database ","","http://www.mlhsss.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=278:over-500-new-pensioners-on-database&catid=14:pensions&Itemid=47","This news report from the Government of Guyana documents an increase in the number of people recieving the social pension.","2010-01",
"Guyana Water Incorporated","Guyana Water Incorporated: Government of Guyana Pensioner&#039;s Subsidy (webpage)","","http://www.gwiguyana.com/?q=node/128","This webpage provides information on the Government of Guyana&#039;s Pensioner&#039;s Subsidy.","2010-01",
"HelpAge International","UN Independent Expert: &quot;Social pensions are critical to human rights&quot;","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4dc030898c0ec","This paper summarises the second report of the United Nations Independent Expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty.","2010-01",
"ILO","Sharing innovative experiences: successful Social Protection Floor exercises","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=successful%20social%20protection%20floor%20strategies&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CGoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilo.org%2Fgimi%2Fgess%2FRessFileDownload.do%3FressourceId%3D20840&ei=yTfDT__TFNDU8QOnqsX1Cg&usg=AFQjCNFDrmtWGZgs0cDtouRqoq1McrqEmg&cad=rja","This paper contains chapters on the social pensions in Bolivia, Ecuador and Thailand. It also mentions social pensions in Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, Colombia and discussion relating to a social pension in China.","2010-01",
"Department of social protection","Ireland: Social welfare recipients by programme - older people","","http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Policy/ResearchSurveysAndStatistics/Documents/statsb2010.pdf","This statistical output by the Irish Department of social protection provides information on the coverage levels of the social pension in Ireland.","2010-01",
"National Statistics Office Malta","Social protection: Malta and the EU","","http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=2953","This paper provides an overview of social protection in Malta, including coverage levels of the Maltese social pension.","2010-01",
"Kela/Fpa","Finland: Statistical yearbook of the Social Insurance Institution","","http://www.kela.fi/it/kelasto/kelasto.nsf/alias/Yearbook_10_pdf/$File/Yearbook_10.pdf?OpenElement","The Statistical Yearbook of Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, offers a wealth of information about
the social security schemes administered by Kela. The Yearbook includes key statistics on beneficiaries and benefit
expenditures
as well as descriptions of the individual benefits and their eligibility criteria.","2010-01",
"C. van Stolk","Toolkit for tackling error, fraud and corruption in social protection programs","RAND","http://www.rand.org/pubs/working_papers/WR746.html","This report contains the written materials for a diagnostic toolkit aimed at the assessment
of the mechanisms for combating error, fraud and corruption (EFC). It contains five substantive sections: an
introduction; a discussion on building a framework to combat EFC; examples of effective
instruments used to combat EFC; a section on how to set up diagnostic missions; and
examples from missions so far. The document is organised along a set of questions that an
evaluator of EFC in social protection programmes might consider.","2010-01",
"","Video: Programa del Adulto Mayor, Guatemala","","<iframe width='560' height='315' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/fHBx5kFsRUY?feature=player_detailpage' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>","This video (Spanish) provides information on the scheme and examines the impact of the pension on the life of 89 year old Miguel Hernandez.","2010-01",
"F. V. Soares, G. I. Hirata and R. P. Ribas","The Programa Subsidio de Alimentos in Mozambique: Baseline Evaluation","IPC-IG","http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCPolicyResearchBrief14.pdf","This research brief provides a baseline evaluation of the PSA in Mozambique.","2010-01",
"NEPAN","The effectiveness of non-contributory social pension in Nepal","","/download/50a9fa90751bf","The government of Nepal has shown its care and respect for older people by putting in place a universal social pension. This important report by the Nepal Participatory Action network
shows the difference this social pension makes to the dignity and well being of older people. It shows that older people are capable of taking care of themselves and their families and deserve the investment that a secure income provided by a social pension can give. This is an important example for governments in other countries, and proves that universal social pensions are affordable and effective even in low income countries.","2010-01",
"P. Dutta, S. Howes, R. Murgai","Small but effective; India&#039;s Targeted Unconditional Cash Transfers","World Bank ","http://ideas.repec.org/p/pas/asarcc/2010-18.html","India’s approach to social security stresses the provision of subsidized food and public works. Targeted, unconditional cash transfers are little used, and have been little evaluated. An evaluation of cash transfers for the elderly and widows based on national household survey data and surveys on social pension utilization in two of India’s states, Karnataka and Rajasthan, reveal that these social pension schemes work reasonably well. Levels of leakage (corruption) are low, funds flow disproportionately to poorer rather than richer households, and there is strong evidence that the funds reach vulnerable individuals. A comparison to the public distribution system reveals that the main strength of the social pensions scheme is its
relatively low level of leakage. We hypothesize that social pensions suffer less from corruption than India’s other safety net programs either because of the low levels of
discretion involved in their delivery, or the small size of the transfers involved. Since we
cannot choose between these two hypotheses, the scaling-up of the social pension schemes, currently underway, while warranted, should be closely monitored.","2010-01",
"D. K. Chiwele","Assessing Administrative Capacity and Costs of Cash Transfer Schemes in Zambia?","International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)","http://ideas.repec.org/p/ipc/cstudy/20.html","The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) has taken the decision to rollout in 2009 a national social cash transfer scheme (SCTS) to cover the whole country by 2012. Thus far, social cash transfer schemes are being piloted in five districts in Southern and Eastern Provinces. The schemes are using structures created for the implementation of the Public Welfare Assistance System (PWAS) which rise from community level all the way to the national level. The adoption of pilot SCTS in Zambia follows the growing acceptance of social cash transfers as a means for assisting extremely poor households. Partly, this is due to the positive impact of conditional cash transfers in Latin America with respect to school enrolments, improved health and reduction in poverty levels for participating households. An evaluation of the Kalomo SCTS revealed a number of achievements with respect to impact on the beneficiaries including a rise in self-esteem and confidence among beneficiaries, reduced incidence of begging, increased food consumption, increased asset ownership and positive impacts for the local economy. Field work for this assessment although not focused on assessing impacts noted qualitative evidence of these findings. Implementation of pilot schemes started in 2004 with the Kalomo SCTS followed by one in 2005 in Kazungula, 2006 in Chipata and in 2007 in Monze and Katete. The schemes have been implemented with some variation so that they &quot;generate information on the feasibility, costs and benefits and negative impacts of a Social Cash Transfer Scheme&quot; (Zulu and Schuring, May 2007, p.1). Each of the pilot scheme has been designed to form a part of the learning agenda that would utilise lessons towards the design of a national social cash transfer. It is also being assessed as to the extent to which the PWAS structures are able to accommodate social cash transfer along existing social welfare activities.","2010-01",
"G. Mujahid, O.-E. Namdaldagva, O. Banzragch","Assuring Income Security in Old Age: Views of the Mongolian Elderly","UNFPA","http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/2011/Mongolia.pdf","This Report is the outcome of the joint efforts of the UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Office (APRO) in Bangkok and the UNFPA Country Offi ce in Mongolia. In 2007, the UNFPA Country Technical Services Team for East and Southeast Asia (CST-Bangkok) initiated a regional level study on the impact of social pensions based on primary data collection in four countries of Asia. The study shows that older persons feel they are better off than they would have been without a social pension. By giving them an income of their own, however small in amount, it enhances their self esteem to some extent. A social pension enables them to buy basic necessities and participate in social activities. In most cases, they are also able to contribute to the household income, particularly in towards the education costs of their grandchildren. The study shows that older persons consider bureaucratic procedures as having been an obstacle in the way of some deserving elderly getting a social pension. In view of fundamental changes as a result of the transition from a socialist to a free economy, a universal old age pension would be the preferred option for Mongolia. Evidence has been available from some countries both in Asia and in other less developed regions that universal social pensions are affordable, costing a maximum of 3 per cent of the national budget. The benefits of social pensions as brought out by this study show that in Mongolia such expenditure would be worth the cost.","2010-01",
"L. Willmore","Social protection of older persons: institutional framework","","http://larrywillmore.net/geneva1.pdf","Presentation given by L. Willmore in Geneva, 2010.","2010-01",
"M. T. Gonzales","The dignity pension: a universal old age pension scheme","ILO","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=renta%20dignidad%20established&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDQQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilo.org%2Fgimi%2Fgess%2FRessFileDownload.do%3FressourceId%3D24360&ei=HsMiT7nYHcmq0QW25vTNCg&usg=AFQjCNFDssYkwImCwH7KsiI0OEj0jKoQJQ&sig2=-o2ilwKxd4ZZ-VUK2NWycw&cad=rja","An overview of the Renta Dignidad scheme in Bolivia.","2010-01",
"S. Kidd et al.","Social protection in the Pacific: a review of its adequacy and role in addressing poverty.","AusAID","http://www.ausaid.gov.au/aidissues/foodsecurity/Documents/social-transfer.pdf","This paper provides a summary of some of the existing
evidence on poverty, vulnerability and inequality and highlights the importance of
understanding the nature of poverty in the Pacific and its implications for designing policy
responses. The report examines some of the factors placing stress on Pacific social protection
systems–such as weak economic growth and crises, urbanisation, natural disasters,
demographic pressures and ethnic conflicts–and discusses whether or not informal social
protection is likely to be able to contribute to an adequate response. It also summarises
existing formal social protection systems and discusses some of the potential gaps. Amongst coverage of other schemes, it includes information on the social pension scheme in the Cook Islands.","2010-01",
"M. Matsanganis, H. Levy and M. Flevotomou","Non-take up of social benefits in Greece and Spain","Euromod","http://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/publications/working-papers/euromod/em7-10.pdf","Even though interest in non take up of social benefits is considerable in many European countries, the topic is under-researched in southern Europe. The paper provides preliminary estimates of the extent of non take up of two pairs of means-tested retirement benefits in Greece and Spain. The benefits examined are (i) the minimum pension supplements pensioner social solidarity benefit; and complementos por m&iacute;nimos,
and (ii) the social pensions pension to uninsured elderly and pensi&oacute;n de jubilaci&oacute;n no contributiva. The paper finds that non take up of social benefits in the two countries is rather extensive, examines the methodological difficulties inherent in the analysis of non take up, and concludes with a discussion of the results and their implications. ","2010-01",
"Government of the Netherlands","Government of the Netherlands: Q+A on Basic Old Age Pension","Government of the Netherlands","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=basic%20old%20age%20pension%20netherlads&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CEYQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.government.nl%2Ffiles%2Fdocuments-and-publications%2Fleaflets%2F2011%2F10%2F20%2Fq-a-aow-basic-old-age-pension%2Fq-a-aow-basic-old-age-pension.pdf&ei=vO0rT4nQB8rH8gPL0sn2Dg&usg=AFQjCNHkpCJ2XvH05enICk0xqpE93m1AVw&cad=rja","This paper answers common questions about the Netherlands&#039; non-contributory pension scheme.","2010-01",
"Government of Armenia","Law of the Republic of Armenia on state pensions","Government of Armenia","http://www.parliament.am/law_docs/301210HO243eng.pdf","This document provides an unofficial translation of the 2010 Law on state pensions. Chapter 4 deals with social pensions in Armenia.","2010-01",
"The statistical agency of Kosovo","Kosovo: Social Welfare Statistics (2010)","","https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:aagx3rfs-5UJ:esk.rks-gov.net/ENG/dmdocuments/Social%2520Welfare%2520Statistics%25202010.pdf+kosovo+social+welfare+statistics+2010&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjxw0MzPMEQ_Xd_yGLPKlLHwKmH63jxGE1bxxpOOqHQoOq3j8T_3Vg8hIvn6l5lSben1EfaqvcVcWlM3Xv6SXjLGa10DARBwtQppeT0w2VflUkOCOcLQjBBQipNiKK-C-9Uyrx4&sig=AHIEtbTL1_c-HB1j4n0pPHfOTy0-or-tmg&pli=1","This government publication provides information on Kosovo&#039;s social pension scheme","2010-01",
"Government of the Bahamas","Bahamas National Insurance Board: Assistances (webpage)","","http://www.nib-bahamas.com/_m1740lm1753/Assistances/default.aspx/#eligibleoancp","This Government website provides information on social assistance schemes in the Bahamas - including the Old Age Non Contributory Pension.","2010-01",
"H. P. Montas","Belize Social Security Board: Actuarial review of the social security scheme 2009","Belize Social Security Board","http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/Portals/0/Belize_actuarial_review_2009.pdf","The Belize social security board&#039;s 2009 Actuarial review of social security schemes.","2010-01",
"Asian Development Bank","Weaving Social Safety Nets","","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mav.org.vu%2Fresources%2Fdownloads%2Fpapers-and-reports%2F10-weaving-social-safety-nets%2Fdownload&ei=j2GeT4qYM8SV8gPkrd2XDw&usg=AFQjCNEbrCw9iuHMS8CmMXpiDUgSlJKrdw&sig2=jdeSKEwLJljLdA-6lXFktA","This study discusses key issues about the relevance of social safety nets to Pacific island countries, including the Cook Islands. It draws on lessons from other developing countries about ways to effectively design and implement these systems.","2010-01",
"Cook Islands Herald ","Online news report - Cook Islands: Social welfare reform stirs up controversy","","http://www.ciherald.co.ck/articles/t337i.htm","Online news report on the social welfare review in the Cook Islands.","2010-01",
"S. Daniel, S. Barrett, A McPherson, F. Marchetta, C. Knox, L. Newson, W. Osofisan","Achieving income security in old age for all Tanzanians (Swahili)","HelpAge International","/download/4fbe46dd16166","This report summarises the findings of an investigation into the feasibility of achieving universal access to old age income security through a social pension in Tanzania. The study was conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Development in collaboration with HelpAge International between November 2009 and April 2010. Funding for the research was provided by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Tanzanian Government, the German Government or HelpAge International. References to names of firms and commercial products do not imply their endorsement by the Governments of Tanzania or Germany or by HelpAge International and any failure to mention a particular firm or product is not a sign of disapproval.","2010-01",
"N. Barr, P. Diamond","Pension Reform in China: Issues, Options and Recommendations","London School of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology","http://econ.lse.ac.uk/staff/nb/Barr_Diamond_China_Pensions_2010.pdf","This paper builds on Barr and Diamond&#039;s 2005 report which focussed mainly on the urban pension system. The central recommendations of that report included (a) developing a nationwide system for the basic pension and (b) retaining the principle of individual accounts but implemented as notional accounts rather than fully-funded accounts or empty accounts. This paper endorses those recommendations and some proposed changes in details for strengthening the contributory system and argues in addition for (c) slowly expanding coverage of the mandatory contributory system with a primary focus on large firms, independent of their location (that is, large rural firms as well as urban ones). The case for (d) a phased increase in the retirement age is also presented.","2010-02",
"V. Mandonsela","A Presentation on South Africa&#039;s basic social protection floor","","http://www.socialsecurityextension.org/gimi/gess/RessFileDownload.do;jsessionid=e08956bba2ca433389cc073b636113626a250ea5e5fe2adaaf8734d9d29728df.e3aTbhuLbNmSe3eRb40?ressourceId=16172","This presentation, given at the Special Event on South-South co-operation, provides information on the social protection floor in South Africa - which includes the social pension.","2010-02",
"Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association (ISSA)","Social Security Programs Throughout the World: The Americas, 2009","Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2008-2009/americas/index.html","The fourth issue in the current four-volume series of Social Security Programs Throughout the World reports on the countries of the Americas.

The combined findings of this series, which also includes volumes on Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and Africa, are published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year  period. Each volume highlights features of social security programs in the particular region.

The information contained in these volumes is crucial to our efforts, and those of researchers in other countries, to review different ways of approaching social security challenges that will enable us to adapt our social security systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, and families. These efforts are particularly important as each nation faces major demographic changes, especially the increasing number of aged persons, as well as economic and fiscal issues.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World is the product of a cooperative effort between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a nonprofit organization bringing together institutions and administrative bodies from countries throughout the world. The ISSA deals with all forms of compulsory social protection that by legislation or national practice are an integral part of a country&#039;s social security system.","2010-03",
"Fondo de Inversion Social Para el Desarollo Local","Estudio base sobre las condiciones de vida de los y las beneficiarias de la Pension Basica Universal (Spanish)","Fondo de Inversion Social Para el Desarollo Local","http://www.fisdl.gob.sv/novedades/publicaciones/cat_view/44-publicaciones-institucionales/229-atencion-integral-a-la-persona-adulta-mayor.html","Government study on the Pension Basica Universal in El Salvador - introduced in late 2009.","2010-03",
"Magdalena Sepúlveda Carmona","2010 report of independent expert on human rights and extreme poverty","United Nations Human Rights Council","http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/14session/A.HRC.14.31_en.pdf","In this report, submitted in accordance to resolution 8/11, the independent expert focuses on non-contributory pensions or so-called social pensions. Social pensions consist of cash benefits received by persons above a given age that do not require prior compulsory contributions from beneficiaries, employers or the State. Social pensions are an important dimension of social security systems. States are obliged progressively to ensure the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living to all individuals within the country. These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and several international human rights treaties and International Labour Organization conventions. Considering the vulnerability of older persons, States must take appropriate measures to establish social security schemes that provide benefits to all older persons without discrimination of any kind and ensure equal rights for men and women. Today, large proportions of the population work outside the formal employment sector and traditional informal support systems for older people are changing under the pressure of increased longevity, widespread poverty, the impact of HIV/AIDS and migration. Contributory pension schemes (e.g. employment-based pensions) do not reach all older persons. Therefore, States must recognize that social pensions are critical elements for the progressive realization of the right to social security for older people. Non-contributory pensions can significantly reduce poverty and vulnerability among old people, in particular for women, who live longer and are less likely to benefit from contributory systems. The report provides recommendations on how to ensure that non-contributory pensions comply with core human rights standards. It also addresses the role of international assistance and cooperation in the field of social security.

For more information on the report see http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/poverty/expert/focus.htm#protection","2010-03",
"G. Holmqvist","Fertility impact of social transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa – What about pensions?","Nordic Africa Institute","http://www.bwpi.manchester.ac.uk/resources/Working-Papers/bwpi-wp-11910.pdf","This paper explores the potential impact of non-contributory pensions on fertility. The potential link between child-related cash transfers and increased fertility is often raised as an issue of concern when debating their use. Old-age pension is a form of cash transfer where theory would suggest the opposite impact, i.e. pensions equal decreasing fertility. A handful of Sub-Saharan African countries have introduced non-contributory social pensions that cover the great majority of the older population. It makes them into a distinct group in relation to the rest of the region where public old-age security arrangements, if existing at all, are largely reserved for the formal sector. This paper attempts to trace any impact these high-coverage pension schemes may have had on fertility. Findings suggest that there has been such an impact, in the range of 0,5 to 1,5 children less per woman depending on model specification.","2010-04",
"S. Daniel, S. Barrett, A McPherson, F. Marchetta, C. Knox, L. Newson, W. Osofisan","Achieving income security in old age for all Tanzanians","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4c5ecc6f45c6b","This report summarises the findings of an investigation into the feasibility of achieving universal access to old age income security through a social pension in Tanzania. The study was conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Development in collaboration with HelpAge International between November 2009 and April 2010. Funding for the research was provided by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Tanzanian Government, the German Government or HelpAge International. References to names of firms and commercial products do not imply their endorsement by the Governments of Tanzania or Germany or by HelpAge International and any failure to mention a particular firm or product is not a sign of disapproval.","2010-05",
"J.-J. Dethier, P. Pestieau, R. Ali","Universal minimum old age pensions : impact on poverty and fiscal cost","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/main?pagePK=64193027&piPK=64187937&theSitePK=523679&menuPK=64187510&searchMenuPK=64187511&entityID=000158349_20100506135339&cid=3001_DECwps_Poverty_Reduction","Alleviating poverty for the elderly requires a different approach from other age groups, and a minimum pension is likely to be the only viable option. This paper examines the impact on old age poverty and the fiscal cost of universal minimum old age pensions in 18 Latin American countries using recent household survey data. First the authors measure old age poverty rates for these countries. Then they discuss the design of minimum pensions schemes -- means-tested or not -- as well as the disincentives they introduce for the economic and social behavior of households including labor supply, saving and family solidarity. Finally, the authors use household survey data to simulate the fiscal cost and the impact on poverty rates of alternative minimum pension schemes in the 18 countries. They show that a universal minimum pension would substantially reduce poverty among the elderly (except in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay where minimum pension systems already exist and poverty rates are low). Such schemes have much to be commended in terms of incentives, spillover effects and administrative simplicity, but they have a high fiscal cost. The latter is a function of the age at which benefits are awarded, the prevailing longevity, the generosity of benefits, the efficacy of means testing, and the fiscal capacity of the country.","2010-05",
"G. M. Rubio, F. Garfias","An&aacute;lisis comparativo sobre los programas para adultos mayores en M&eacute;xico (Spanish)","ECLAC","http://www.eclac.cl/publicaciones/xml/0/39750/sps161-adultos.pdf","A summary and analysis of social protection programmes for older people in Mexico including Oportunidades, the universal pension in Mexico city and the newer &quot;70+&quot; programme.","2010-05",
"I. Guardiancich","Slovenia: current pension system","European Social Observatory","http://www.ose.be/files/publication/2010/country_reports_pension/OSE_2010_CRpension_Slovenia.pdf","This paper provides an overview of Slovenia&#039;s pension system. ","2010-05",
"Government of Bulgaria ","Online news report: Bulgarian social pension for old age increases","","http://www.globalaging.org/pension/world/social/Bulgaria.htm","In this press release the Government of Bulgaria announce an increase in the transfer amount of the social pension.","2010-05",
"Oxford Policy Management","Synthesis Report: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC ","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049c459b163","This report summarises the findings of the 15 country evaluation of retirement systems with SADC. It draws out key themes which recur across the various country profiles and sets out the critical conclusions and recommendations. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Angola: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049c7263e91","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Angola. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Botswana: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049dabb7a3c","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Botswana. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","DRC: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049dbb1299b","An evaluation of the retirement systems of DRC. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Lesotho: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC ","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049dca0bc6a","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Lesotho. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Madagascar: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049ddac937c","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Madagascar. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Malawi: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC ","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049de8def23","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Malawi. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Mauritius: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC ","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049df90c825","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Mauritius. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Mozambique: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e0934894","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Mozambique. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Namibia: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e15d56cb","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Namibia. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Seychelles: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e2808d5b","An evaluation of the retirement systems of the Seychelles. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","South Africa: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e38dbc90","An evaluation of the retirement systems of South Africa. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Swaziland: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e50db0a4","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Swaziland. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Zambia: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC ","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e60a0f37","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Zambia. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Zimbabwe: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049e75dd024","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Zimbabwe. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Oxford Policy Management","Tanzania: Evaluation of retirement systems of countries within SADC","Oxford Policy Management","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e049ea1ece13","An evaluation of the retirement systems of Tanzania. This report forms part of a wider series evaluating the retirement systems of the 15 countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This series is by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and was contracted by FinMark Trust and its partners (the Department of Social Development and the International Social Security Association).","2010-06",
"Permanent missions to UN, Geneva","Responses on social protection for older people to UN HRC","United Nations Human Rights Council","http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/OlderPersons.aspx","To collect information to prepare the 2010 annual report of the independent expert  on the question of human rights and extreme poverty, a questionnaire was sent to Governments requesting information on their social pensions for older persons. The questionnaire addressed: (i) the legal and institutional framework; (ii) the schemes costs and coverage; (iii) implementation procedures; (iv) monitoring mechanisms and complaints procedures; and (v) studies and evaluations.

The responses are listed on the following site.","2010-06",
"L. Willmore","Non-contributory pensions in Mexico","","http://larrywillmore.net/blog/2010/07/07/non-contributory-pensions-in-mexico/","Comment by Larry Willmore on a 2010 article by ECLAC on non-contributory pensions in Mexico. The article “An&aacute;lisis comparativo sobre los programas para adultos mayores en M&eacute;xico” is also available in Spanish in the knowledge centre.","2010-07",
"Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association (ISSA)","Social Security Programs Throughout the World: Europe, 2010","Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2010-2011/europe/index.html","The first issue in the current four-volume series of Social Security Programs Throughout the World reports on the countries of Europe. 

The combined findings of this series, which also includes volumes on Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas, are published at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Each volume highlights features of social security programs in the particular region.

The information contained in these volumes is crucial to our efforts, and those of researchers in other countries, to review different ways of approaching social security challenges that will enable us to adapt our social security systems to the evolving needs of individuals, households, and families. These efforts are particularly important as each nation faces major demographic changes, especially the increasing number of aged persons, as well as economic and fiscal issues.

Social Security Programs Throughout the World is the product of a cooperative effort between the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). Founded in 1927, the ISSA is a nonprofit organization bringing together institutions and administrative bodies from countries throughout the world. The ISSA deals with all forms of compulsory social protection that, by legislation or national practice, are an integral part of a country’s social security system.","2010-08",
"Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions","Basic Retirement Pension in Mauritius - government website","Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions","http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/ssnssite/menuitem.b5a9c4d60e4f796cb3347524e2b521ca/?content_id=6a6bfcdb91a08010VgnVCM100000ca6a12acRCRD","Government site explaining levels and eligibility criteria for the Basic Retirement Pension (and other basic pensions)","2010-09",
"A. Walker Bourne, F. Morgan","Social transfers: a critical strategy to meet the MDGs","HelpAge International","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.helpage.org%2Fdownload%2F4eaae08aefdea%2F&ei=pky6T-6UH8eA8wOh5rm9Cg&usg=AFQjCNFacprXutpK3fM7R0JHJ08QlETjvA&sig2=fvT9-4wmMKWE-THQx5WY9w","This HelpAge International paper outlines the crucial role that social transfers can play in reducing intergenerational and chronic poverty and accelerating progress to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.","2010-09",
"BBC News Asia Pacific","China Voices; Pensions problem","BBC ","http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11282030","By 2050 a quarter of China&#039;s population - almost 400 million people - will be over 60 years old. Already Chinese people cannot rely on state pensions to cover the cost of their retirement. Here the BBC&#039;s Chinese Service talks to people across China about their provisions for old age. ","2010-09",
"Superintendencia de pensiones","Chilean &quot;Solidarity Pillar&quot; - government website (Spanish)","Superintendencia de pensiones","http://www.safp.cl/573/propertyvalue-2475.html","Government website with details on the Chilean Solidarity Pillar pension (a non-contributory pension). Also contains information on the wider system which was reformed in 2008.","2010-10",
"SEDESOL","&quot;70 y mas&quot; programme Mexico - government website (Spanish)","SEDESOL","http://www.sedesol.gob.mx/es/SEDESOL/Programa_de_70_y_mas","Website on &quot;70 y mas&quot; programme which gives a pension to everyone over 70 in towns with a population less than 30,000.","2010-10",
"Maldives Pension Administration Office","Old Age Basic Pension, Maldives - government website","Maldives Pension Administration Office","http://pension.gov.mv/en/","Website describing Maldives pension system, including the Old Age Basic Pension. &quot;All Maldivians 65 years and older will receive up to MRF 2,000 per month as a lifetime pension benefit regardless of working history.&quot;","2010-10",
"Belize Social Security Board","Belize Non Contributory Pension Program - SSB website","Belize Social Security Board","http://www.socialsecurity.org.bz/Benefits/LongTerm/NCPPension.aspx","Webpage giving information on the Non Contributory Pension in Belize, including how individuals can apply.","2010-10",
"J. Orr, K. Vincent, T. Cull","Swaziland Old Age Grant Impact Assessment","RHVP, HelpAge International, UNICEF","http://www.helpage.org/download/4cdadb547686f","This report, produced by RHVP, HelpAge International and UNICEF, describes and analyses the results of 402 household surveys undertaken throughout Swaziland in November 2009 to determine the impact of the Old Age Grant (OAG) on beneficiaries. The purpose of this study is to add to the growing body of empirical evidence on cash transfers in southern Africa, through an analysis of their impact at a household level, as well as a discussion on beneficiary experiences of the various delivery mechanisms offered to date.","2010-11",
"C. Leventi, M. Matsaganis ","Pathways to a universal basic pension in Greece","Athens University of Economics & Business","http://ideas.repec.org/p/aue/wpaper/1106.html","Although basic pension had for years failed to catch the imagination of policy makers in Greece, it was suddenly brought to the agenda in the context of the severe crisis raging since November 2009. In May 2010 the government committed to a harsh austerity programme, aiming at fiscal consolidation, in return for a rescue package easing the sovereign debt crisis. The July 2010 pension reform, a key provision of the austerity programme, provided for the introduction of a near-universal basic pension from 2015. The paper attempts to explain why, paradoxically, the crisis made more realistic a universal basic pension in Greece. We argue, firstly, that social insurance pensions may be ripe for path-breaking reform if heavily subsidised in a non-transparent way, and, secondly, that any progress towards basic income is likely to be gradual, uneven and specific to the national policy context.","2010-11",
"Ministry of Local Government, Botswana","Botswana Old Age Pension - government website","Ministry of Local Government, Botswana","http://www.gov.bw/en/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Ministry-of-Local-Government-MLG1/Services/Old-Age-Pension-/","Government website summarising eligibility criteria for the old age pension in Botswana. ","2010-11",
"Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand","New Zealand Superannuation - government website","Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand","http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/individuals/65-years-or-older/superannuation/index.html","Government website outlining eligibility to New Zealand&#039;s universal pension. ","2010-11",
"C. Shen, J. B. WIlliamson","China’s new rural pension scheme: can it be improved?","International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy","http://www.globalaging.org/ruralaging/world/2011/rural.pdf","This paper aims to describe China’s need for old-age pension coverage in its rural areas, to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the new rural pension system currently being implemented, and to suggest some needed reforms. China has recently started a major effort to bring old-age pension coverage to rural China. Findings - While it is too early to know how successful this effort will be, there are some structural issues that should be addressed. The paper’s major conclusion is that the current funded accounts component needs to be supplemented with a modest social pension scheme.","2010-12",
"Minister Dlamini","Proposals for universal social pension in South Africa (speech at WSSF)","Department of Social Development, South Africa","http://www.dsd.gov.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=278&Itemid=82","A speech by Minister Dlamini at the World Social Security Fourm in Cape Town (November/December 2010). 

The speech includes discussions of proposals to universalise the old age pension in South Africa in view of &quot;the challenges of stigmatization and the extent of exclusion errors created by means testing&quot;.","2010-12",
"European","European Report on Development; Social Protection for Inclusive Development","EU","http://erd.eui.eu/erd-2010/final-report/","The European Report on Development examines the need and potential for expanding
social protection in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as its feasibility and likely
development impact. In contrast with the view that Sub-Saharan Africa cannot afford
social protection, innovative approaches to building broad-based social protection
schemes and systems have been promoted by African countries, and implemented
with success across the region. Global post-crises uncertainty reinforces the need for
measures that shield Africa’s population against risks and shocks, and that reduce
poverty and promote human development.","2010-12",
"Government of South Africa","Government of South Africa: You and Your Grants 2011/12","","http://www.sassa.gov.za/Portals/1/Documents/d54e383b-7e3d-4c96-8aa2-4cc7d32bc78f.pdf","This Government paper provides information on social assistance grants in South Africa","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: United Kingdom","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/15/47273227.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"World Bank","Social protection for a changing India: Volume One","","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2011/04/20/000333037_20110420235516/Rendered/PDF/612750v10ESW0P1rt0Volume0I01PUBLIC1.pdf","The paper calls for policy reform to allow social protection programmes in India to meet the changing needs of its population. It highlights areas of India&#039;s social pension that require improvement. In particular it discusses targeting, verification processes, coverage of the informal sector, corruption, monitoring and evaluation, and payment systems. ","2011-01",
"","Hong Kong association for universal pensions: programme booklet","Association for Universal Pension","http://larrywillmore.net/AUP2011.pdf","This programme booklet contains interesting pieces on pension schemes in various countries before focussing on the proposed universal pension in Hong Kong","2011-01",
"HelpAge International","Off the grid: exploring the expanding informal economy and threats to old-age social protection in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/resources/publications/?ssearch=off+the+grid&adv=1&topic=0&region=0&language=4&type=0","This paper looks at the impact that Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan&#039;s growing informal economy could have on their pension systems.","2011-01",
"ISSA","Africa: a new balance for social security ","ISSA","http://www.issa.int/Resources/ISSA-Publications/Africa-A-new-balance-for-social-security","This paper explores four topics. Firstly, proactive and preventative approaches in social security. Secondly, extension of social security coverage. Thirdly, adequacy and quality of social security benefits and coverage. And, fourthly, administrative and operational efficiency and effectiveness.","2011-01",
"Citizens Advice Bureau ","A state pension for the 21st century: response from Citizens Advice","CAB","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=role%20of%20citizens%20advice%20bureau%20in%20means%20testing&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CC4QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk%2Fa_state_pension_for_the_21_century_citizens_advice_s_response.pdf&ei=-CvvTuDvHJSDhQe5462_Dw&usg=AFQjCNH_7PHVg3lLOTZdoNOpPUCV37rbdQ","The complexity of the current arrangements for the financial support of pensioners is very unsatisfactory. It leads to underclaiming of their entitlements by one third of those eligible for pension credit and probably by over half of owner occupier pensioners who are entitled to council tax benefit.1 Pensioners resent the intrusiveness of means testing and yet the Pension Service devotes a lot of resources to means testing, and – in the experience of many of our clients – often struggles to reach accurate and timely decisions in complicated cases. CAB advisers spend substantial amounts of time helping pensioner clients with these complexities.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Belgium","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/58/47272240.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Canada","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/35/47272290.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Chile","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/36/47272309.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Czech Republic","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/38/47272329.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Estonia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/40/47272368.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: France","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/18/47272404.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Germany","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/19/47272420.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Greece","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/20/47272439.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Ireland","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/25/47272622.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Israel","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/26/47272711.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Italy","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/2/47272756.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Japan","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/3/47272780.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Korea","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/4/47272837.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Luxembourg","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/5/47272848.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Mexico","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/6/47272872.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Netherlands","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/7/47272914.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: New Zealand","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/48/47272955.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Norway","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/50/47272991.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Poland","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/53/47273023.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Slovak Republic","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/33/47273135.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Slovenia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/35/47273181.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Spain","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/34/47273161.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Sweden","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/36/47273197.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Switzerland","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/37/47273207.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: United States","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/16/47273237.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Brazil","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/59/47272251.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: China","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/37/47272319.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: India","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/24/47272603.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Indonesia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/23/47272548.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Russian Federation","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/56/47273096.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Saudi Arabia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/57/47273106.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: South Africa","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/55/47273080.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"UNFPA","The ageing population in Vietnam: current status, prognosis and possible policy responses","UNFPA","http://vietnam.unfpa.org/webdav/site/vietnam/shared/Publications%202011/Ageing%20report_ENG_FINAL_27.07.pdf","The report aims to provide a comprehensive
review and analysis of related issues, and provide tentative recommendations for
policy responses to issues related to aging in the years to come.","2011-01",
"World Bank","Assessment of the social protection system in Fiji and recommendations for policy changes","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/02/08/000333037_20120208222937/Rendered/PDF/635680ESW0P1150IC0disclosed02070120.pdf","The objective of the work was to provide analytical support and technical
assistance to the GOF in the two key areas: (ii) analysis of poverty; (ii)
analysis of the design and operational side of the social protection (SP) system.
The findings and recommendations emerging from this work are intended to
improve the understanding of various social policy issues in Fiji and to provide
the GOF with a more solid basis for the evidence-based social policy making.","2011-01",
"Government of Venezuela","Online news report: Gran mision amor mayor, Venezuela","Government of Venezuela","http://www.ivss.gov.ve/GRAN%20MISION%20AMOR%20MAYOR%20VENEZUELA","This blog focusses on Venezuela&#039;s social pension and documents how the pension will be implemented.","2011-01",
"UNESCAP","The promise of protection: social protection and development in Asia and the Pacific","UNESCAP","http://www.unescap.org/commission/67/documents/theme-study-Promise-of-Protection.pdf","This report contributes towards policy debate around social protection in Asia and the Pacific. It notes that while many  countries have implemented social protection schemes - including social pensions - they benefit only a fraction of the people who need it. It highlights the need for coherent and integrated social protection systems.","2011-01",
"ILO SECSOC","ILO SECSOC: Argentina (webpage)","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/ilossi/ssimain.viewScheme?p_lang=en&p_geoaid=32&p_scheme_id=270","Webpage providing an overview of Argentina&#039;s social pension","2011-01",
"Government of Argentina","Government of Argentina: Pension a la vejez (webpage)","","http://www.argentina.gob.ar/tramites/756-solicitud-de-pensi%C3%B3n-no-contributiva---pensi%C3%B3n-a-la-vejez.php","Spanish. Government webpage on the Argentinian social pension","2011-01",
"World Bank","Azerbaijan: Pensions and social assistance project","","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2011/11/23/000333038_20111123231948/Rendered/PDF/ICR20410P049890Official0Use0Only090.pdf","This World Bank paper provides an overview of Azerbaijan&#039;s social pension system.","2011-01",
"Government of Botswana","Republic of Botswana: Old age pension (webpage)","","http://www.gov.bw/en/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Ministry-of-Local-Government-MLG1/Services/Old-Age-Pension-/","This Government website provides information on Botswana&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"","Online News Report: No old age pension for Bruneians abroad over 3 months","Asian News Network","http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=20733&sec=1","Old-age pensioners registered with the Community Development Department (Japem) who are away from the country for more than three months will not be able to collect their BND$250 (US$206) monthly allowance and will have their names removed from the pay-sheet temporarily.

","2011-01",
"Government of Canada","Canadian Government: 2011 CPP and OAS Statistics Tables (webpage)","","http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/statistics/cppstatbook/statbook2011.shtml","This Government webpage contains statistics relating to Canada&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Government of Chile","Government of Chile: PBS-Vejez (Webpage)","","http://portal.ips.gob.cl/portal/beneficios/reforma/pbs_vejez.html","Spanish. Government webpage on the pension basica solidaria de vejez.","2011-01",
"Government of Chile","Chile - Superintendencia de Pensiones: PBS-Vejez (webpage)","","http://www.safp.cl/573/article-5784.html","Spanish. This Government website outlines entitlement to Chile&#039;s social pension as well as the transfer amount.","2011-01",
"Government of Colombia","Government of Colombia: Programa de Protecci&oacute;n Social al Adulto Mayor - PPSAM (Webpage)","","https://www.icbf.gov.co/icbf/directorio/portel/libreria/php/03.040101.html","Spanish. Government webpage on Colombia&#039;s social pension","2011-01",
"Government of Colombia","Government of Colombia: Programa de proteccion social al adulto mayor","","http://www.prosperar.com.co/site/proteccion","Spanish. Government paper on the PPSAM - Colombia&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Government of Cyprus","Government of Cyprus: Social Insurance Protection (Webpage)","","http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/All/7BF0F66F1B3AF568C22571A90023B098?OpenDocument","This Government webpage includes information on the transfer amount of Cyprus&#039; social pension.","2011-01",
"Government of El Salvador","Government of El Salvador: Government extends social pension (Webpage)","","http://www.fisdl.gob.sv/novedades/ciudadano/2291-gobierno-amplia-pension-basica-universal-a-5600-adultos-mayores-mas.html","Spanish. This Government press release documents the extension of El Salvador&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Asian Development Bank","Pensions and Pension Reform in Georgia","ADB","http://www.adb.org/publications/pensions-and-pension-reform-georgia","This paper considers ways in which pensions and their reforms could impact the future economic development of Georgia. It describes the existing pension structure and how this could be built upon to develop a new structure that would both improve the financial position of the current and future elderly and provide a means to achieve broader economic growth. As such, it considers what might be viewed as the normal parameters: the country&#039;s demographics, the cost of pensions and their distribution, and how the present and evolving future structure might resemble the World Bank&#039;s multi-pillar approach. It also considers how pensions fit in with society and how an occupational savings system, such as pensions, can play a role in economic development, following a program of pension reform that goes beyond the normal quandary of how a country can afford pensions. It then makes recommendations for discussion on pension reform in Georgia and how it could achieve these goals.","2011-01",
"Caribbean Trakker","Online news report - Guyana: New rate for old age pension","","http://www.caribbeantrakker.com/2011/01/new-rate-for-old-age-pension/#.T56V3Kv-8-C","Online news report documenting an increase in the transfer amount of Guyana&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"IIFL","Online news report - India: Age limit of IGNOAPS cut","","http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Age-limit-cut-under-Indira-Gandhi-National-Old-Age-Pension-scheme/5174629152","Online news report documenting the reduction of the age of eligibility within the IGNOAPS to 60. ","2011-01",
"Government of Italy","Government of Italy: Pensione Sociale (Webpage)","","http://www.inps.it/portale/default.aspx?sID=%3b0%3b5614%3b5628%3b&lastMenu=5628&iMenu=1&iNodo=5628&p4=2","Italian. This Government website provides information on Italy&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"APS Global","Online news report: Kazakhstan increases minimum wage","","http://www.apsglobal.co.uk/news/26-kazakhstan-increases-minimum-wage/item","Online news report documenting a rise in the minimum wage in Kazakhstan.Social pension rates in Kazakhstan are tied to the minimum wage.","2011-01",
"Government of Korea","Government of Korea: Basic Old Age Pension","","http://search.korea.net:8080/intro_korea2008/society/pdf/01_11.pdf","This paper from the Government of the Republic of Korea provides information on the Basic Old Age Pension.","2011-01",
"The Hankyoreh","Online news report - Korea: Abandoning impoverished senior citizens","","http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_editorial/490378.html","This online news report criticises calls to reduce the number of recipients of the social pension in the Republic of Korea.","2011-01",
"Government of Lithuania","Pensions and Social Security Reform in Lithuania","","http://www.lrv.lt/bylos/LESSED%20projektas/Renginiai/5/Audrius%20Bitinas.pdf","This Government paper provides information on Lithuania&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Ultima Hora","Online news report - Paraguay: Apenas el 8 % de adultos mayores cobran la pensi&oacute;n","","http://www.ultimahora.com/notas/475062--Apenas-el-8-%20-de--adultos-mayores-cobran-la-pension","Spanish. This online news report discusses the eligibility requirements and coverage level of Paraguay&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Ultima Hora","Online news report - Paraguay: Asociaci&oacute;n de adultos mayores pide al Gobierno que pensi&oacute;n alimentaria llegue a todos","","http://www.ultimahora.com/notas/439760-Asociacion-de-adultos-mayores-pide-al-Gobierno-que-pension-alimentaria-llegue-a-todos-","Spanish. This online news article documents calls for the coverage of the social pension in Paraguay to be extended.","2011-01",
"ISSA","Online news report - Philippines: Social pension program launched","","http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines/Reforms/Social-Pension-Program-launched","This online news report announces the launch of the Philippines&#039; social pension programme.","2011-01",
"ISSA","ISSA: Seychelles (webpage)","","http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Africa/Seychelles/Scheme-Description","ISSA webpage providing information on the social pension in the Seychelles.","2011-01",
"Government of South Africa","Government of South Africa: Social security and health care financing","","http://www.treasury.gov.za/documents/national%20budget/2011/review/chapter%207.pdf","This Government paper provides an overview of social security and health financing in South Africa","2011-01",
"Government of Sweden","Government of Sweden: Pension statistics - costs (webpage)","","http://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/4966.html","Swedish. This Government webpage provides information on the cost of the Swedish social pension for 2011.","2011-01",
"H. H. Son","Evaluating Social Protection Programs in Tajikistan ","ADB","http://beta.adb.org/sites/default/files/Economics-WP274_0.pdf","This paper provides an overview of social protection programs in Tajikistan - including the social pension.","2011-01",
"DWP","Government of the UK: Pension credit caseload - number of beneficiaries","","http://83.244.183.180/100pc/pc/ccdate/pctype/a_benefic_r_ccdate_c_pctype.html","This Government resource provides information about the number of people who receive the Guarantee Credit, the Savings Credit, and the number of people who receive both.","2011-01",
"Government of Venezuela","Government of Venezuela: Gran Misi&oacute;n en Amor Mayor Venezuela (webpage)","","http://www.minci.gob.ve/infografias/67/210182/gran_mision_en.html","Spanish. This Government webpage provides information on the social pension in Venezuela.","2011-01",
"Australian Bureau of Statistics","Australia Year Book 2009/10","","http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1301.02009–10?OpenDocument","This publication includes information on the budget for Australia&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"C. Knox-Vydmanov","The price of income security in older age: Discussion Paper","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4de50ec434dec","This paper, published by HelpAge International, has been summarised in Pension watch briefing no. 2. It considers the cost of universal social pensions in 50 low- and middle- income countries under a range of scenarios. It also looks at the future costs of universal pensions in the context of ageing populations in the global South. The report finds that all countries surveyed could put in a universal pension for everyone over 65 years for less than 1.8 per cent of GDP. It also finds that the long-term costs could be kept stable over time.","2011-01",
"S. Erb","A study of older people&#039;s livelihoods in Bangladesh","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4d9aee17ec70f","This study, produced by HelpAge International, focuses on the livelihood strategies of older people in Bangladesh. This includes an overview of social protection for older people in the form of the Old Age Allowance - Bangladesh&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"S. Erb","A study of older people&#039;s livelihoods in India","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4d9aefa86c445","This study, produced by HelpAge International, focuses on the livelihood strategies of older people in India. This includes an overview of social protection for older people in the form of India&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"La Hora","Online news report - Guatemala: en la tercera edad y olvidados por el estado","","http://www.lahora.com.gt/index.php/nacional/guatemala/reportajes-y-entrevistas/4959-en-la-tercera-edad-y-olvidados-por-el-estado","Spanish. This online news report documents the sitution of older people in Guatemala who do not have access to formal pensions and are not covered by the social pension.","2011-01",
"Utusan Online","Online News Report - Malaysia: 120,496 older people recieved bantuan orang tua last year (Malaysian)","","http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2011&dt=0706&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_21.htm","This online news report provides information on the coverage and expenditure levels of Malaysia&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"Michael Littlewood","Michael Littlewood on New Zealand&#039;s universal social pension","","<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UWYqnj4Idas?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>","Michael Littlewood (co-director of the Retirement Policy and Research Centre at the University of Auckland, New Zealand) explains New Zealand&#039;s universal pension scheme, and discusses the role of government in retirement income systems.","2011-01",
"Federal ministry of labour, social affairs and consumer protection","Social protection in Austria 2010","","http://www.bmask.gv.at/cms/site/attachments/1/6/3/CH2088/CMS1313745345149/social_protection_in_austria.pdf","This paper provides an overview of social welfare benefits. The basic characteristics and benefits of each of the different systems, such as family support, old age pensions, healthcare insurance, unemployment insurance, and emergency social services, are presented.","2011-01",
"D. Cotlear (eds.)","Population aging : is Latin America ready?","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/main?menuPK=64187510&pagePK=64193027&piPK=64187937&theSitePK=523679&menuPK=64187510&searchMenuPK=64187283&siteName=WDS&entityID=000356161_20110107011214","The past half-century has seen enormous changes in the demographic makeup of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In the 1950s, LAC had a small population of about 160 million people, less than today&#039;s population of Brazil. Two-thirds of Latin Americans lived in rural areas. Families were large and women had one of the highest fertility rates in the world, low levels of education, and few opportunities for work outside the household. Investments in health and education reached only a small fraction of the children, many of whom died before reaching age five. Since then, the size of the LAC population has tripled and the mostly rural population has been transformed into a largely urban population. There have been steep reductions in child mortality, and investments in health and education have increased, today reaching a majority of children. Fertility has been more than halved and the opportunities for women in education and for work outside the household have improved significantly. Life expectancy has grown by 22 years. Less obvious to the casual observer, but of significance for policy makers, a population with a large fraction of dependent children has evolved into a population with fewer dependents and a very large proportion of working-age adults. This overview seeks to introduce the reader to three groups of issues related to population aging in LAC. First is a group of issues related to the support of the aging and poverty in the life cycle. Second is the question of the health transition. Third is an understanding of the fiscal pressures that are likely to accompany population aging and to disentangle the role of demography from the role of policy in that process.","2011-01",
"ILO","Social protection floor for a fair and inclusive globalisation","","http://www.ilo.org/global/publications/books/WCMS_165750/lang--en/index.htm","This report, prepared under the guidance of Ms Michelle Bachelet and members of the Advisory Group, shows that the extension of social protection, drawing on social protection floors, can play a pivotal role in relieving people of poverty and deprivation. It can in addition help people adapt their skills to overcome the constraints that block their full participation in a changing economic and social environment, contributing to improved human capital development and stimulating greater productive activity. The report also shows how social protection has helped to stabilize aggregate demand in times of crisis and to increase resilience against economic shocks, contributing to accelerate recovery towards more inclusive and sustainable development paths. ","2011-01",
"L. Newson and A. Walker-Bourne","Financing social pensions in low- and middle income countries","HelpAge International","/download/4f0599ba9c5d6","Pension watch briefing no. 4, published by HelpAge International, presents an overview of the different options available to finance new social pension schemes or to scale up existing ones.

It aims to provide useful learning for countries considering the implementation of social pensions, as well as the financing of other cash-transfer and social protection programmes.","2011-01",
"FIAP","Non-contributory pensions in FIAP countries: Part 1 - Latin America","","http://www.oecd.org/site/iops/research/48388556.pdf","The aim of this paper is to describe the regulations of “Non-Contributory Pension”
programs in the Latin American countries that belong to FIAP and for which
information is available. These are Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, El
Salvador, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Australia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/55/47271565.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Austria","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/56/47272193.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Hungary","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/21/47272469.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Iceland","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/22/47272489.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Portugal","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/54/47273052.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Turkey","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/38/47273217.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Argentina","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/32/57/47272214.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2011-01",
"European Commission","Armenia: social protection and social inclusion","European Commission","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=armenia%20social%20pension&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CD4QFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fec.europa.eu%2Fsocial%2FBlobServlet%3FdocId%3D6881%26langId%3Den&ei=4KJDT7K2JcqP8gPyiJGnCA&usg=AFQjCNFrTD_OIGQCbcXdr-XQhhZat9cTQA","This paper provides an overview of social protection and social inclusion in Armenia. ","2011-01",
"UNFPA and HelpAge International","The situation of older persons in Jamaica","UNFPA ","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=statistical%20institute%20of%20jamaica%2C%20end%20of%20year%20population%202009%2C%20crdc%20report%20for%20ifko&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDMQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaribbean.unfpa.org%2Fwebdav%2Fsite%2Fcaribbean%2Fshared%2Fpublications%2F2011%2FJamaica%2FFinalized_TheSitOlderPersonsInJamaica_UNFPA_030811-2.doc&ei=NURnT-i5FKjC0QWil5GYCw&usg=AFQjCNEHAda-LTBVk5MxPs5BsLG-dvPrgQ","This desk review, produced by UNFPA and HelpAge International, provides an overview of the situation of older people in Jamaica with particular focus on demographics, national infrastructure, income security, health, housing and disasters. As part of this overview it discusses PATH - Jamaica&#039;s social pension scheme. ","2011-01",
"Government of Bermuda","Bermuda Department of Social Security: Social insurance benefit rates","Government of Bermuda","http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_10706_258_226794_43/http%3B/ptpublisher.gov.bm%3B7087/publishedcontent/publish/ministry_of_finance/social_insurance/frequently_asked_questions/benefitrates.pdf","Produced by the Government of Bermuda, this leaflet outlines the benefit rates for seven benefits - including the non-contributory pension","2011-01",
"ILO","Social protection floor in Cape Verde","ILO","http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=in%202006%2C%20cape%20verde%20established%20a%20social%20pension%20through%20the%20merging%20of%20two%20non-contributory%20pension%20schemes.%20it%20is%20a%20means-tested%20scheme%2C%20managed%20by%20the%20national%20centre%20of%20social%20pensions%20(cnps)%2C%20directed%20at%20the%20elderly%20(60%20years%20of%20age%20or%20older)%20and%20the%20disabled.&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ilo.int%2Fgimi%2Fgess%2FRessFileDownload.do%3Bjsessionid%3D1070e61c9cc9cd0791b5bdcc9601e6eb0a1821c0d399fbdb4e67d207a44874d0.e3aTbhuLbNmSe3aKb40%3FressourceId%3D25712&ei=HrppT7fxN4bAswbp0IikCA&usg=AFQjCNFfQRTmtGqBHicT_-7jnmK9jGXsmA","An overview of social protection in Cape Verde","2011-01",
"Department of Social Welfare","Swaziland: Response to OHCHR","","http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/OlderPersons/Submissions/Swaziland.pdf","This document answers questions on older people, rights and social protection within Swaziland.","2011-01",
"Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs","Thailand: Response to OHCHR","","http://www.mfa.go.th/humanrights/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73:answer-to-questionnaire-on-social-protection-of-elderly-persons-in-thailand-&catid=35:un-resolution&Itemid=73","This document answers questions on older people, rights and social protection within Thailand","2011-01",
"Government of Belgium","Government of Belgium: Social security: everything you have always wanted to know","","http://www.socialsecurity.fgov.be/docs/en/alwa2011_en.pdf","This paper provides and overview of the social security system in Belgium.","2011-01",
"ISSA","ISSA: Antigua and Barbuda (webpage)","ISSA","http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Americas/Antigua-and-Barbuda/Scheme-Description/%28id%29/105886","Webpage providing information on Antigua and Barbuda&#039;s Old Age Assistance benefit","2011-01",
"Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","Social security programs throughout the world: Asia and the Pacific, 2010","Social Security Administration (SSA), International Social Security Association ","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2010-2011/asia/ssptw10asia.pdf","This database provides information on social security programmes in Asia and the Pacific.","2011-01",
"Government of Bangladesh","Bangladesh Department of Social Security: Old Age Allowance (webpage)","","http://www.dss.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:old-age-allowances&catid=39:social-cash-transfer&Itemid=71","This government website provides information on social cash transfers in Bangladesh - including the Old Age Allowance","2011-01",
"J. O. Angulo","NTA in Peru: the distribution of public transfers in old age","Research Centre of Public Economics","http://www.ntaccounts.org/doc/repository/NTA8_Olivera-Angulo.pdf","This presentation includes information on social pensions in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru.","2011-01",
"B. Johnson","National Geographic: Albert Henry&#039;s grave at Cook Islands Christian church (webpage)","","http://ngscollectors.ning.com/photo/albert-henrys-grave-at-cook?xg_source=activity","This website outlines the establishment of the Cook Island&#039;s social pension by Albert Henry.","2011-01",
"G. Maina","Online news report: More money allocated to Older Person&#039;s Cash Transfer in Kenya","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/newsroom/latest-news/more-money-allocated-to-older-peoples-cash-transfer-in-kenya/","This HelpAge International news report documents an announcement increasing the transfer amount of the Kenyan OPCT.","2011-01",
"The Kiribati Independent","Online news report - Kiribati: Elderly pension is government&#039;s campaign, poll shows","","http://www.thekiribatiindependent.co.nz/article/elderly-pension","This online news report documents public opinion on the proposed increase in the transfer amount of the social pension in Kiribati.","2011-01",
"Government of Mexico","Government of Mexico: Programa de 70 y mas (webpage)","","http://www.sedesol.gob.mx/es/SEDESOL/Programa_de_70_y_mas","Spanish. This government webpage provides information on Mexico&#039;s 70 y mas programme.","2011-01",
"SSA","Social security programs throughout the world: Africa, 2011","","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2010-2011/africa/index.html","Social security programs throughout the world: Africa, 2011 provides information on social security schemes throughout Africa.","2011-01",
"Licda. Yani Gonzalez","Presentation on &#039;100 a los 70&#039;","","http://www.scribd.com/doc/97519292/Social-Pension-in-Panama","Spanish. Presentation given by Licda. Yani Gonzalez, from the Ministry of Social Welfare in Panama, on the &quot;100 a los 70&quot; programme. It includes data on ageing in Panama as well as coverage levels for the social pension.","2011-01",
"E. Ticci","Study for the introduction of a universal social pension in Kenya.","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/51124ff2a6338","Using the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey 2005/6, this paper investigates the
potential impacts a social pension could have on poverty levels in Kenya. Taking into
consideration multiple targeting methodologies, ages of eligibility and transfer levels it
concludes that a social pension in Kenya would be affordable whilst reducing old age and
national poverty rates.","2011-01",
"VietNamNet","Online news report: increase in Vietnam&#039;s social pension","VietNamNet","http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/society/4276/elderly-to-receive-pension-boost.html","Online news report documenting the increase in transfer amount of Vietnam&#039;s social pension.","2011-01",
"A. Vlachantoni and J. Falkingham","Exploring gender and pensions in Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam.","University of Southampton","http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/174799/1/CRA_DP_1101.pdf","This paper uses evidence
from international policy organisations in order to discuss key issues in the area of
pension protection from a gender perspective. In particular, the paper draws on the
demographic, socio-economic and policy patterns in three case studies in Asia: Japan,
Malaysia and Vietnam. The paper argues that formal social protection needs to be
understood by policy-makers in conjunction with developments in the patterns of
informal support networks in these countries, in order to address the vulnerability faced
by women throughout their lifecourse and particularly in later life.","2011-02",
"HelpAge International, DSWD, COSE","Conference on social pensions in the Philippines","HelpAge International, DSWD, COSE","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4f27d61a864bf","The conference &quot;Social Pensions: Learning from Asian Experience&quot; was held in Manila on March 17, 2011. The conference was held by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) and HelpAge International. In the context of the DSWD beginning implementation of a social pension, the event aimed to provide a forum for discussion regarding the planning, costing and implementation of a social pension scheme. This build on experience from the Asia region. Key resource people came from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.","2011-02",
"R.Chirchir","Good practice in the development of management information systems for social protection","HelpAge International and Development Pathways","/download/4f059a0f4ad27","Pension watch briefing no. 5, published by HelpAge International, looks at good practice in the development of Management Information Systems (MISs) for social protection programmes. It draws on evidence from various countries which have developed comprehensive social protection systems and from the experiences of countries. ","2011-03",
"P. White, S. Devereux","Social Protection in Botswana - a model for Africa?","Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme","http://www.wahenga.net/sites/default/files/briefs/Frontiers%20of%20Social%20Protection%20Brief%20Number%209%20-%20SP%20in%20Botswana%20-%20a%20model%20for%20Africa.pdf","Botswana has a strong and long-standing commitment to state-led social protection. Programming for poor, vulnerable and excluded groups is comprehensive by African standards, while efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS and its impacts have been outstanding. Yet this impressive track record, which holds a number of lessons for other African countries, has until now remained under-researched and rarely cited. This Brief is based on a recent assessment and policy analysis of Botswana’s social development sector undertaken for the Government’s Department of Social Services with UNICEF and RHVP support. It reviews the status, as of mid-2010, of Botswana’s social protection policies and programmes within their broader social development context, examines their effectiveness and assesses the challenges they face.","2011-03",
"P. White, S. Devereux","Frontiers of Social Protection Brief Number 9: Social Protection in Botswana - a model for Africa?","RHVP","http://www.wahenga.org/sites/default/files/briefs/Frontiers%20of%20Social%20Protection%20Brief%20Number%209%20-%20SP%20in%20Botswana%20-%20a%20model%20for%20Africa.pdf","Botswana has a strong and long-standing commitment to state-led social protection. Programming for poor, vulnerable and excluded groups is comprehensive by African standards, while efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS and its impacts have been outstanding. Yet this impressive track record, which holds a number of lessons for other African countries, has until now remained under-researched and rarely cited. This Brief is based on a recent assessment and policy analysis of Botswana’s social development sector undertaken for the Government’s Department of Social Services with UNICEF and RHVP support. It reviews the status, as of mid-2010, of Botswana’s social protection policies and programmes within their broader social development context, examines their effectiveness and assesses the challenges they face.","2011-03",
"A. McPherson","Challenges and opportunities for age verification in low and middle income countries","HelpAge International","/download/4f059a6904825","Pension watch briefing no. 6, published by HelpAge International, looks at the challenges of registration in countries with weak civil registration and identity systems. This paper also highlights the opportunities that age verification in cash transfers, and in particular social pensions, has for strengthening the provision of a right to identity in such contexts. ","2011-03",
"C. Knox-Vydmanov","The price of income security in older age: Cost of a universal pension in 50 low- and middle-income countries","HelpAge International","/download/4f0598dd2a1a2","Pension watch briefing no. 2, published by HelpAge International, considers the cost of universal social pensions in 50 low- and middle- income countries under a range of scenarios. It also looks at the future costs of universal pensions in the context of ageing populations in the global South. The report finds that all countries surveyed could put in a universal pension for everyone over 65 years for less than 1.8 per cent of GDP. It also finds that the long-term costs could be kept stable over time. ","2011-03",
"W. Osofisan","Strengthening state-citizen relations in fragile contexts: The role of cash transfers (summary)","HelpAge International","/download/4f05995579732","Pension watch briefing no. 3, published by HelpAge International, examines the role of cash transfers in strengthening state-citizen relations in the context of long-term development in fragile states and situations. Using examples based on 18 months research consisting of desk study in London and field work undertaken in Sierra Leone, northern Kenya and Sudan, the report argues that social protection programmes in the form of cash transfers, if well designed, could play a significant role in strengthening state-citizen relations. The nature of programme design and programme ownership is critical to shaping this relationship, which is of crucial importance in fragile contexts.

The briefing is based on a longer report of the same name also available in the knowledge centre. ","2011-03",
"W. Osofisan","Strengthening state-citizen relations in fragile contexts: The role of cash transfers (full report)","HelpAge International","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4db6d429cc201","This report, published by HelpAge International, examines the role of cash transfers in strengthening state-citizen relations in the context of long-term development in fragile states and situations. Using examples based on 18 months research consisting of desk study in London and field work undertaken in Sierra Leone, northern Kenya and Sudan, the report argues that social protection programmes in the form of cash transfers, if well designed, could play a significant role in strengthening state-citizen relations. The nature of programme design and programme ownership is critical to shaping this relationship, which is of crucial importance in fragile contexts.","2011-03",
"Peter Alexander Mwita ","Tanzania: Introducing a universal pension?","Africa Files","http://www.africafiles.org/article.asp?ID=25274","For Tanzania, the author here believes now is the time to introduce a universal pension for older people. Its impact would be to reduce extreme poverty and hunger as well as other positive social and economic impacts.","2011-04",
"The Standard ","House proposes 2000 handout to the elderly - online news report","The Standard news","http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000035428","An online news report covers the development that a motion for a near universal pension (pensions tested) has been tabled in Kenya.","2011-05",
"N. Gisesa ","Private members motion for a universal pension in Kenya - Online news report","Daily Nation","http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/money/A+Sh43bn+lifeline+for+the+old++/-/435440/1173086/-/15iavn3z/-/index.html","Link to a news report on the private members motion that has been tabled in Kenya for a universal pension to people over 60 years at 2000 Ksh per month. ","2011-06",
"C. Ambler","Bargaining with Grandma: The Impact of the South African Pension on Household Decision Making","University of Michigan","http://www.psc.isr.umich.edu/pubs/abs/7307","I use the 2008 South African National Income Dynamics Survey to examine how the increase in income provided by the South African pension affects decision-making in the household. Exploiting the age discontinuity in pension eligibility, I find that eligible females are 12 to 16 percentage points more likely to be the primary decision-makers for expenditures – rare direct support for bargaining models of the household. There is no effect for men. This increase in decision-making power provides a channel through which the pension results in positive impacts for households. As in Duflo (2003), female eligibility leads to improved nutritional outcomes for girls and additionally, higher levels of durable goods ownership. An analysis of income data shows that due to labor force withdrawal, male income does not increase with eligibility, indicating that despite previous evidence, elderly women in South Africa do not necessarily direct income towards more productive uses than men.","2011-06",
"C. Knox-Vydmanov","The feasibility of a universal pension in Belize","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4de50e3863034","This study, published by HelpAge International, considers the feasibility of implementing a universal pension in Belize. This would build on the current means-tested Non-Contributory Pension (NCP) already in place in the country. The study considers the situation of older people, the adequacy of existing social protection, the rationale for a universal pension and the fiscal costs. The report finds that a universal pension would be a cost effective way to tackle rising poverty rates Belize. ","2011-06",
"National Assembly of Kenya","Parliamentary motion for a universal pension in Kenya","National Assembly of Kenya","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/4e08509932fab","Recognising the contributions of the 1.8 million Kenyans who are sixty and over, the national assembly proposes a universal pension of Ksh 2,000 (&pound;14.26) a month to people over 60 who do not have acess to contributory pensions or other benefits. ","2011-06",
"PIA Daily News","Online news report on the importance of social pensions in Philippines","PIA Daily News","http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=39857","A local news paper reports on the importance of the social pension for older people in the Philippines","2011-06",
"Himanshu","Online news report: The trouble with finding the poor","livemint.com","http://www.livemint.com/2011/05/24211351/The-trouble-with-finding-the-p.html","This article documents changes in the BPL (below poverty line) census in India in 2011. The BPL is used to identify poor households and to target social transfers - including for the social pension. A key conclusion of the article is: &quot;The more important message emerging from the pilot is the fact that it is almost impossible to have a method of perfect targeting. This should not be surprising to those who are aware of previous experiences of targeting …. For the record, inclusion errors in Brazil are close to 49% (that is, half of the beneficiaries are non-poor) and in Mexico, 36%. The corresponding exclusion errors (percentage of non-beneficiary poor to total poor) are 59% in Brazil and 70% in Mexico. Incidentally, both these countries have been highlighted as success stories of cash transfers.&quot;","2011-07",
"D. Peter","A universal pension for China?","University of Zurich","http://www.econ.uzh.ch/ipcdp/theses/BA_DominicPeter.pdf","This bachelor&#039;s thesis explores whether a non-contributory pension would be a reasonable alternative to the current contributory system in China.","2011-07",
"Dr. R. U. Ahmed and Prof. S. S. Islam","A qualitative analysis of social protection in Bangladesh","Social Protection Group","http://indab-bd.org/HAI%20STUDY%20REPORT.pdf","The main objectives and focuses of the study were to understand the number and types 
of safety net programmes operating in the regions, coverage of the programmes, 
beneficiaries and their selection criteria, perception of people (beneficiaries, community 
people, service providers) in terms of implementation, effectiveness and governance. 
Realizing the impact of the safety net programmes, and find ways for improvement were 
also the areas of interest. The areas for the study were mainly selected from the SP 
group&#039;s partners&#039; areas of intervention considering vulnerabilities of the people and the 
position in the extreme poverty map developed by World Food Programme (WFP, updated in February 2009), which has categorized level of poverty up to Upazila (UPZ) 
level. The map represents UPZ level index of food insecurity and vulnerable poor families 
and the extreme poor. In the map, all the study areas are inhabited by a considerable 
number of extreme poor. The study was carried out applying both quantitative and 
qualitative approaches of social research with an emphasis on the qualitative analysis 
including document review, one-to-one in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussion 
(FGD), Key Informant interviews (KII) and Case/tracer study.","2011-08",
"S. Kidd and E. Wylde","Targeting the poorest: an assessment of the proxy means test methodology","AusAID","http://www.ausaid.gov.au/Publications/Documents/targeting-poorest.pdf","This paper aims to provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the targeting methodology known as the proxy means test (PMT). 

The study finds that PMT is &#039;inherently inaccurate, especially at low levels of coverage, and it relatively arbitarily selects beneficiaries&#039;.","2011-09",
"The Guardian, Nigeria","Online news reporting social security initiative in a Nigerian state ","Web news report","http://guardiannewsngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61065:ekiti-plans-social-security-scheme-for-old-people-&catid=1:national&Itemid=559","THE Ekiti State government has planned a social security scheme for old people in the state.  The scheme would include free medical care and monthly remuneration.","2011-09",
"E. Aguila et al","Living longer in Mexico: income security and health","RAND","http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1179.html","This analysis of aging and income security in Mexico establishes that the older population in Mexico is increasing quickly and that this population is especially vulnerable to poverty. Mexican citizens are living longer and overall have experienced an improvement in the quality of life compared to that of prior generations. However, this study demonstrates that social improvements are not affecting the daily lives of all persons equally. The authors attempt to uncover and highlight those differences. One of the primary challenges facing Mexico is a growing older population. The demographic transition in Mexico combined with the lack of formal sources of income in retirement place many older persons in a state of financial insecurity. The information contained in this monograph and the proposed policy research areas are intended to enlarge the portfolio of options for older Mexicans. The authors analyze wealth and sources of income during retirement, the relationship between health and wealth, urban and rural disparities, and the impact of migration spells to the United States on wealth accumulation and health insurance in Mexico.","2011-10",
"A. Vlachantoni","Gender and old age social protection in Asia","","http://www.scribd.com/doc/74389996","Presentation on gender and old age social protection in Asia. ","2011-10",
"J. Falkingham","Old age social protection in Central Asia and the South Caucasus","","http://www.scribd.com/doc/74389290/Old-Age-Social-Protection-in-Central-Asia-and-the-South-Caucasus","A presentation given by Jane Falkingham on pensions in Central Asia and the South Caucasus","2011-10",
"Fiji times","Online new report: Fiji Council of Social Services endorses a social pension scheme","","http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=184702","The executive director of Fiji&#039;s Council of Social Services acknowledges the need for social pensions to support older people in meeting their needs. ","2011-10",
"ISSA","Africa: rapid coverage extension is possible","ISSA","http://www.issa.int/Resources/Social-Policy-Highlight/Africa-Rapid-coverage-extension-is-possible","Summarising recent developments and trends in African social security this paper demonstrates that rapid extension coverage is possible","2011-11",
"","Larry Willmore and Michael Littlewood on means-testing social pensions","","<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AvaBnK_lUqU?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>","Larry Willmore and Michael Littlewood answer questions on means-testing at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong talk. Larry Willmore talks about stigma and means-testing as tax. Michael Littlewood explains why he&#039;s changed his mind on means-testing and now believes universality is the best approach.","2011-11",
"","Larry Willmore and Michael Littlewood on the international experience of universal pensions","","<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/011urWOI3kw?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>","Drawing particularly on the experience of Mexico City Larry Willmore talks about how universal pensions can be designed and adjusted to be affordable. Michael Littlewood talks of the importance of community consensus as well as political consensus.","2011-11",
"A. Nabalamba and M. Chikoko","Ageing Population Challenges in Africa","AfDB","http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publications/Aging%20Population%20Challenges%20in%20Africa-distribution.pdf","This paper discusses the causes and impacts of population ageing in Africa. It recommends extension of existing social protection programmes and the establishment of social pensions and targeted healthcare for older people.","2011-11",
"L. Campling","Social policies in Seychelles","UNRISD","http://www.unrisd.org/80256B3C005BCCF9/httpNetITFramePDF?ReadForm&parentunid=3A9A74B074A08D26C12579580049787F&parentdoctype=book&netitpath=80256B3C005BCCF9/%28httpAuxPages%29/3A9A74B074A08D26C12579580049787F/$file/Seychelles.pdf","Seychelles is an important case
study of social development in and of itself, but also because it has one of the most
extensive social policy programmes in the developing world, as evidenced by its consistently
high rankings in the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP)
Human Development Index (HDI) (see Table 1.1), which ranks it highest in sub-
Saharan Africa. What was the set of social policy interventions that promoted
Seychelles to such a position? And what was the material base and political context
for these interventions?","2011-11",
"E. Aguila, A. Kapteyn, R. Robles and B. Weidmer.","Experimental analysis of the health and well-being effects of a non-contributory social security program","RAND","http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1979033","In this paper the authors provide evidence of the impact of 70 y mas programme based on information collected six months after the implementation of the programme in two cities in Yucatan selected for the first phase of the programme that has a quasi-experimental design.","2011-11",
"","Chilean pension reform - Larry Willmore at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong","","<iframe width='560' height='315' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/uZ-2W7YIfMA?feature=player_detailpage' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>","Larry Willmore discusses why Chile&#039;s 1981 pension reform, which attempted to expand coverage by tightening the link between contributions and benefits, was unsuccessful.","2011-11",
"Larry Willmore","Larry Willmore on contributory and non-contributory pensions","","<iframe width='560' height='315' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/RaFXX_9QOLk' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>","Larry Willmore, speaking at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, explains why contributory pensions are not able to alleviate poverty. Larry also discusses the different types of non-contributory pensions. ","2011-11",
"Peru this week","Online news report: Peru&#039;s social pension pilot is expanded","","http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-932-Perus-Humala-travels-to-Huancavelica-to-launch-new-pension-program/","Peru&#039;s Pension 65 pilot - a social pension of 125 soles a month to older people over 65 - has been expanded to six regions. There are plans, and budgetary allocations, for the pilot to expand again in 2012. ","2011-11",
"A. Barrientos","An analysis of social pensions and non-contributory pension schemes in Asia","","http://www.adbi.org/files/2011.11.17.cpp.sess4.barrientos.analysis.social.pensions.asia.pdf","Presentation given at the International conference on &#039;New thinking on social security in Asia&#039;. ","2011-11",
"","Online news report demonstrating that despite a high-coverage contributory pension old-age poverty is increasing in Japan","","http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T111117002496.htm","This report demonstrates the need for pension reform in Japan by considering the situation of older people who have been unable to meet minimum pension contributions during their working life. It speculates that this situation will worsen, and old age poverty will increase, as the next generation of workers reaches older age.","2011-11",
"Taiwan news","Online news report: proposals to introduce means-testing to Taiwan&#039;s farmer pension scheme cause controversy","","http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=1769242","Draft amendments to Taiwan&#039;s farmer pension scheme cause controversy as opposition parties criticise the proposed introduction of means-testing. ","2011-11",
"L. Willmore","Universal pensions and universal minimum pensions: Mexico City, Chile and Norway","","http://larrywillmore.net/HongKongPPT.pdf","Presentation given by L. Willmore at the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong","2011-11",
"Government of Sweden","Government of Sweden: Pension statistics - number of pensioners (webpage)","","http://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/4955.html","Swedish. This government webpage provides statistical information on the social pension in Sweden.","2011-12",
"","Gaceta oficial de la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela","Government of Venezuela","http://www.tsj.gov.ve/gaceta/Diciembre/13122011/13122011-3310.pdf","Spanish. This official gazette includes an announcement of Derecto 8.694 which provides the legislative base for Venezuela&#039;s social pension.","2011-12",
"T. M. Rasseedin ","Sri Lanka: Towards a pension scheme for the elderly - online news report","The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)","http://www.sundaytimes.lk/111106/BusinessTimes/bt09.html","If Sri Lanka is to be successful in tacking old age poverty there has to be a radical shift in thinking as to how best to bring about income security for the vast population of the older generation. International experience indicates that in countries with high levels of informal employment and poverty the most effective form of pension is a universal non-contributory pension paid out of government revenues. In such pension schemes, every older person, upon reaching a specific age, receives the same minimum benefit to keep them out of poverty. Over 60% of our economy is occupied by the informal sector where security of employment and obtained income savings and statutory entitlements and right at work are absent or minimal. ","2011-12",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/41/49454618.pdf","This study presents a range of indicators to enable comparisons between the economies of the
Asia/Pacific region. It also includes data for key countries that are members of the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It builds on the first Pensions at a Glance:
Asia/Pacific which was also a joint project between the World Bank and the OECD, along with the
OECD/Government of Korea Research Centre on Health and Social Policies (RCHSP).","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Indonesia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/5/49454099.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Hong Kong","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/6/49454089.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Malaysia","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/4/49454109.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Philippines","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/25/49454291.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Singapore","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/3/49454119.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Thailand","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/2/49454202.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Vietnam","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/1/49454231.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: India","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/24/49454324.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Pakistan","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/23/49454334.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;. ","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: Sri Lanka","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/37/21/49454349.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;. ","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Denmark ","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/39/47272339.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance 2011: Finland","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/33/17/47272387.pdf","Country Profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance 2011: Retirement-income systems of OECD countries&quot;.","2012-01",
"Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development","Press release: call for the sensitisation of communities ahead of the senior citizen&#039;s grant in Karamoja","","http://www.socialprotection.go.ug/images/PRESSRELEASEfirstLadyinKaramoja.pdf","There are calls for the sensitisation of communities ahead of the senior citizen&#039;s grant.","2012-01",
"E-Business Fiji","Online article: Fiji - Give social pension to the elderly","","http://www.ebusinessfiji.com/cmss/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3493:give-social-pension-to-elderly-fcoss&catid=30:business-news-from-fiji-times-&Itemid=181","This article talks of the importance of the inclusion of a social pension for all those over 70 in the 2012 Budget.","2012-01",
"World Economic Forum","The case for an integrated model of growth, employment and social protection","World Economic Forum","http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GAC_CaseIntegratedModelGrowthEmploymentSocialProtection_Report_2012.pdf","The World Economic Forum has launched a paper calling for social protection as part of a new economic model, which places equal emphasis on growth, employment and social protection, as a response to the global crisis.  Social pensions, healthcare systems, and the extensive provision of education are core to the dynamism of successful economies.  For developing countries, social protection reduces social risks, and also contributes to productivity and growth. Mauritius managed the transition from a monocrop economy to a high-growth economy with the lowest poverty rates in Africa partly because the provision of a social pension made it possible to legitimize this radical reform. In Mozambique, recipients of a food subsidy programme for older people use the money as working capital for small-scale trade.  The report recommends a A Five-Point Plan for Growth, Employment and Social Protection. ","2012-01",
"South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)","South Africa: You and your grant","SASSA","http://www.sassa.gov.za/Portals/1/Documents/d54e383b-7e3d-4c96-8aa2-4cc7d32bc78f.pdf","This informational pamphlet, produced by the South African Social Security Agency, provides information for the period 2011-12 on grants available in South Africa. This includes South Africa&#039;s social pension - the Older Person&#039;s Grant.","2012-01",
"Government of Australia","Australian government: age pension (webpage)","","http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/age_pension.htm","Government webpage on the Austalian social pension","2012-01",
"Government of Australia","Australian government: age pension eligibility (webpage)","","http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/age_eligible.htm","This Government website outlines the eligibility criteria for Australia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Austria","Austrian Government: Ausgleichszulage (webpage)","","https://www.help.gv.at/Portal.Node/hlpd/public/content/27/Seite.270224.html","German. This government webpage provides information on Austria&#039;s social pension","2012-01",
"Government of Barbados","Barbados National Insurance Scheme: Non contributory old age pension (webpage)","","http://www.bginis.gov.bb/index_.cfm?section=Pensioners&SUBSECTION=Non-contributory%20Old%20Age%20Pension","This Government website provides information on Barbados&#039; social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Belarus","Government of Belarus: Constitution (webpage)","","http://www.belarus.by/en/government/constitution","This Government website outlines the Constitution of Belarus","2012-01",
"Government of Belgium","Government of Belgium: La Grapa (webpage)","","http://www.onprvp.fgov.be/FR/pension/igo/Pages/default.aspx","French. This Government website provdes information on Belgium&#039;s social pension","2012-01",
"Government of Bolivia","Government of Bolivia: Estad&iacute;sticas Renta Dignidad ","","http://www.economiayfinanzas.gob.bo/index.php?opcion=com_indicadores&ver=indicadores&idc=1071","Spanish. This Government resource provides statistical information on Bolivia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Brazil","Brazilian Ministry of Work and Employment: Sal&aacute;rio M&iacute;nimo (webpage)","","http://portal.mte.gov.br/sal_min/","Portuguese. This Government website defines the legal minimum wage in Brazil. Social pensions in Brazil are tied to the minimum wage (see Government of Brazil: Perguntas frequentes - Previd&ecirc;ncia Social (webpage)).
","2012-01",
"Government of Brazil","Government of Brazil: Aposentadoria por idade (webpage) ","","http://www.previdencia.gov.br/conteudoDinamico.php?id=15","Portuguese. This Government website outlines the eligibility criteria of Brazil&#039;s Previdencia Rural.","2012-01",
"Government of Brazil","Government of Brazil: Benef&iacute;cio de Presta&ccedil;&atilde;o Continuada (webpage)","","http://www.mds.gov.br/assistenciasocial/beneficiosassistenciais/bpc","Portuguese. This Government website provides information on Brazil&#039;s Benef&iacute;cio de Presta&ccedil;&atilde;o Continuada 
","2012-01",
"Government of Canada","Canadian Government: Old Age Security Payment Amounts (Webpage)","","http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/oas/oasrates.shtml","Webpage outlining the transfer amount of Canada&#039;s social pension","2012-01",
"Government of Chile","Chile - Superintendencia de Pensiones: Centro de Estadisticas (Webpage)","","http://www.spensiones.cl/safpstats/stats/pageCCEE.php?menu=sps&item=nbmpm","Spanish. Government webpage containing statistics relating to Chile&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Zonacero","Online news report - Colombia: Seniors transferred to PPSAM","","http://www.zonacero.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19644:trasladaron-adultos-mayores-al-programa-ppsam&catid=156:barranquillan2&Itemid=151","Spanish. Online news report on Colombia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Colombia","Government of Colombia: Subsido Integral (Webpage)","","https://www.icbf.gov.co/icbf/directorio/portel/libreria/php/03.04010203.html","Spanish. This government webpage includes information on the maximum monthly transfer amount of Colombia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Costa Rica","Government of Costa Rica: Informaci&oacute;n que usted debe conocer sobre el Programa R&eacute;gimen No Contributivo (Webpage)","","http://portal.ccss.sa.cr/portal/page/portal/Gerencia_de_Pensiones/Regimen_No_Contributivo","Spanish. This government webpage provides information on Costa Rica&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Cyprus","Government of Cyprus: Retirement (Webpage)","","http://www.cyprus.gov.cy/portal/portal.nsf/0/5b12b02b3a820030c2256ebd004f3c97?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=3%2C6#_Section3","This government webpage provides information on retirement in Cyprus - including information on the social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Cyprus","NATLEX: Cyprus - Old-age, invalidity and survivors benefit (Webpage)","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex_browse.details?p_lang=en&p_country=CYP&p_classification=15.02&p_origin=SUBJECT","This NATLEX webpage provides information on the legislative base of Cyprus&#039; social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Denmark","Government of Denmark: Old Age Pension (Webpage)","","https://www.borger.dk/Emner/pension-og-efterloen/pension/folkepension-foertidspension-mm/Sider/folkepension.aspx?pageid=fa0140ee-a579-4058-8e79-4414d1d03906#RichHtmlField2Bookmark5","Danish. This Government webpage includes information on the Danish social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Denmark","Government of Denmark: State pension scheme (Webpage)","","https://www.workindenmark.dk/en/Find_information/Information_for_job_seekers/Working_in_Denmark/Pension/State_pension_scheme","This Government website, aimed at an international audience, outlines the eligibility requirements for Denmark&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Ecuador","Government of Ecuador: Programa de Proteccion Social - Personas Habilitadas al Pago (Webpage)","","http://www.pps.gob.ec/PPS/PPS/BDH/ESTADISTICAS/BeneficiariosActivos.aspx","Spanish. This Government website provides statistics on social protection programmes in Ecuador - including the social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Estonia","Government of Estonia: State Pension (webpage)","","http://www.pensionikeskus.ee/?id=1781","This Government webpage provides information on Estonia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Finland","Government of Finland: Old Age Pension (Webpage)","","http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf/NET/100702123749MH?OpenDocument","This Government website provides information on Finland&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of France","Government of France: L’allocation de solidarit&eacute; aux personnes &acirc;g&eacute;es (webpage)","","http://www.travail-emploi-sante.gouv.fr/informations-pratiques,89/fiches-pratiques,91/retraite,123/l-allocation-de-solidarite-aux,11592.html","French. This Government website provides information on l&#039;ASPA - France&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"ILO","ILO SECSOC: Iceland (Webpage)","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/ilossi/ssimain.viewScheme?p_lang=en&p_scheme_id=1709&p_geoaid=352","Webpage providing an overview of Iceland&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of India","Government of India: NSAP presentation","","http://www.ruralmonitor.in/downloads/NSAP.pdf","This Government presentation contains information on India&#039;s National Social Assistance Programme - including the social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Ireland","Government of Ireland: State Pension (Non-Contributory) (Webpage)","","http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/Pension/SPNonContributory/Pages/oancp.aspx","This Government website provides information on Ireland&#039;s social pension","2012-01",
"Government of Israel","Government of Israel: Special Old Age Benefit (Webpage)","","http://www.btl.gov.il/English%20Homepage/Benefits/Old%20Age%20Insurance/Pages/Specialold-agebenefit.aspx","This government website provides information on the Special Old Age Benefit","2012-01",
"Government of Israel","Government of Israel: Pension rates (Webpage)","","http://www.btl.gov.il/English%20Homepage/Benefits/Old%20Age%20Insurance/Pages/Pensionrates.aspx","This Government website outlines the transfer amount for Israel&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Kenya","Government of Kenya: Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme (Webpage)","","http://www.gender.go.ke/index.php/SP-Programmes/older-persons-cash-transfer-programme.html","This Government webpage provides information on Kenya&#039;s Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme.","2012-01",
"Government of Kenya","The Kenya Social Protection Sector Review Report ","","http://www.hsnp.or.ke/images/downloads/kenya%20sp%20review%20report-%20jan%202012%20edition.pdf","This 2012 report reviews Kenya&#039;s social protection sector.","2012-01",
"Government of Kenya","Government of Kenya: Hunger Safety Net Programme (Webpage)","","http://www.hsnp.or.ke/","This Government webpage provides information on the Hunger Safety Net Programme.","2012-01",
"Government of Latvia","Government of Latvia: Social Security State Benefit (Webpage)","","http://www.vsaa.lv/en/services/seniors/social-security-state-benefit","This Government webpage provides information on Latvia&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Lesotho Times","Online news report - Lesotho: Old age pensions increased","","http://www.lestimes.com/?p=8142","This online news report documents the increase in the transfer amount of Lesotho&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Malta","Government of Malta: Non Contributory Age Pension (Webpage)","","https://secure2.gov.mt/SocialPolicy/SocProt/social_benefits/pensions/non_contributory_pension/info_ap.aspx","This Government webpage provides information on Malta&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Malta","Government of Malta: Pension Rates (2012)","","https://secure2.gov.mt/socialpolicy/download.aspx?id=1387","This Government Paper provides information on the rates of Malta&#039;s contributory and non-contributory pensions.","2012-01",
"Government of Mauritius","Government of Mauritius: Non contributory benefits (webpage)","","http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/ssnssite/menuitem.b5a9c4d60e4f796cb3347524e2b521ca/?content_id=6a6bfcdb91a08010VgnVCM100000ca6a12acRCRD","This Government webpage provides information on non contributory benefits in Mauritius - including the social pension. ","2012-01",
"Government of Mauritius","Government of Mauritius: Monthly social security statistics (webpage)","","http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/cso/menuitem.4d006b28721f551cf68e1110a0208a0c/","This Government webpage provides links to monthly social security reports which include information on Mauritius&#039; social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of New Zealand","Government of New Zealand: Retirement (webpage)","","http://www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/seniorcitizens/entitlements/retirement-income.html","This Government webpage provides information on New Zealand&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Norway","Government of Norway: Old-age pensions (webpage)","","http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ad/topics/pensions/midtspalte/old-age-pensions.html?id=449656","This Government webpage provides information on the social pension in Norway","2012-01",
"Government of Panama","Government of Panama: 100 a los 70 (webpage)","","http://www.mides.gob.pa/?page_id=41","Spanish. This Government webpage provides information on the 100 a los 70 programme in Panama.","2012-01",
"P. Indino","Online news report - Philippines: More Visayan Indigent Seniors Aided","Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation","http://www.mb.com.ph/node/350533/more-vi","This online news report documents an increase in the coverage rate of the social pension in the Philippines.","2012-01",
"Philippine Information Agency","Online news report - Philippines: Indigent seniors in Calayan Island receive pension ","","http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=461335154949","This online news report documents the efforts that have been made to ensure that the social pension in the Philippines remains accessible to those in remote communities.","2012-01",
"Government of South Africa","Government of South Africa: Older Persons Grant (webpage)","","http://www.services.gov.za/services/content/Home/ServicesForPeople/Socialbenefits/oldagegrant/en_ZA","This Government website provides information on the Older Persons Grant in South Africa.","2012-01",
"Government of Spain","Government of Spain:  PNC de Jubilaci&oacute;n (webpage)","","http://www.imserso.es/imserso_01/prestaciones_y_subvenciones/pnc_jubilacion/index.htm","Spanish. This Government webpage provides information on the social pension in Spain.","2012-01",
"Government of Spain","Government of Spain: Pensions update for 2012 (webpage)","","http://www.imserso.es/imserso_06/prestaciones_y_subvenciones/pnc_jubilacion/actualizacion/index.htm","Spanish. This Government website provides information on transfer amounts of the Spanish social pension for 2012.","2012-01",
"Government of Spain","Government of Spain: PNC de Jubilaci&oacute;n - statistics ","","http://www.imserso.es/InterPresent1/groups/imserso/documents/binario/im_010121.pdf","Spanish. This Government resource provides statistical information on the PNC de Jubilaci&oacute;n. ","2012-01",
"Government of Sweden","Government of Sweden: Guaranteed pension for those on low income (webpage)","","http://www.pensionsmyndigheten.se/GuaranteedPensionForThoseWithLowIncome_en.html","This Government webpage provides information on the Swedish social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Tajikistan","NATLEX: Tajikistan - Old-age, invalidity and survivors benefit (Webpage)","","http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex_browse.details?p_lang=en&p_country=TJK&p_classification=15.02&p_origin=SUBJECT","This NATLEX webpage provides information on the legislative base of Tajikistan&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"E. Basudde","Online news report - Uganda: Museveni to launch senior citizens scheme","","http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/629491-museveni-to-launch-senior-citizens-scheme-womens-day-supplement.html","This online news report provides information on the Senior Citizens&#039; Grant in Uganda.","2012-01",
"Government of the UK","Government of the UK: Pension credit - introduction (webpage)","","http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/PensionCredit/DG_10018692","This government webpage provides information on the social pension in the UK.","2012-01",
"Government of the USA","Government of the USA: SSI Benefits (webpage)","","http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-benefits-ussi.htm","This government webpage provides information on the benefit levels of the Supplemental Security Income.","2012-01",
"Government of the USA","Government of the USA: SSI Eligibility Requirements (webpage)","","http://ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm","This Government webpage provides information on the eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Security Income.","2012-01",
"Government of Uruguay","Government of Uruguay: Pensi&oacute;n por vejez (webpage)","","http://www.bps.gub.uy/Jubilados/DocumentosYRequisitos/PensionVejez.aspx?menu=DOJubilados","Spanish. This Government webpage provides information on Uruguay&#039;s social pension","2012-01",
"DWP","Government of the UK: Benefit expenditure tables - Medium term forecast","","http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/index.php?page=medium_term","This government resources provides links to budget expenditure data for benefits in the UK.","2012-01",
"Government of Ekiti State","Ekiti State Nigeria: 2012 Budget","","http://ekitistate.gov.ng/wp-content/plugins/download-monitor/download.php?id=64","The 2012 budget for Ekiti State in Nigeria includes information on the budget allocation to Ekiti State&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"Ekiti State","Online News Report - Nigeria: Fayemi Signs Social Security Bill To Law As Beneficiaries Hits 20,000","","http://ekitistate.gov.ng/2012/03/fayemi-signs-social-security-bill-to-law-as-beneficiaries-hits-20000/","This online news report documents the creation of a legislative base for the social pension in Ekiti State, Nigeria. ","2012-01",
"A. Barrientos","What is the role of social pensions in Asia?","Asian Development Bank","http://www.adbi.org/files/2012.04.11.wp351.role.social.pensions.asia.pdf","This paper provides an assessment of social pension schemes in Asia.It begins by presenting and discussing summary information on noncontributory schemes, including social assistance and social pensions, and guaranteed minimum pensions under contributory schemes in selected countries. Social pensions are located within a continuum 
of policies addressing old age poverty and vulnerability. There are important policy links 
existing between social pensions and social assistance on the one hand, and contributory pension programs on the other.  ","2012-01",
"Government of Hong Kong","Government of Hong Kong: Social Security Allowance Scheme (Webpage)","","http://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_ssallowance/","This Government webpage provides information on Hong Kong&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"S. Cecchini and R. Martinez","Inclusive social protection in Latin America: a comprehensive, rights based approach","ECLAC","http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2009321&","The purpose of this book is to encourage dialogue on social protection in Latin America. It highlights the need for innovation in designing policies and instruments, as well as in management, in order to build comprehensive systems that provide inclusive social protection. Social protection has become one of the pillars of social development strategies. But, lacking a consistent standard for social protection in the region, the issue has been approached in different ways and from different analytical and policy dimensions. This book examines the principal on-going discussions regarding social protection and co-responsibility transfer programmes, looks at the role assigned to them and weighs the conceptual elements, the needs and the challenges to be addressed in order to consolidate comprehensive social protection systems. These systems should provide universal coverage. Their funding should be grounded in solidarity. And, above all, the citizens’ rights that they establish should be egalitarian. The entire citizenry becomes the subject of protection policies, and social policies come to be viewed as a whole that encompasses the complementary —not contradictory— principles of targeting as an instrument and universality as a goal. Though focusses on social protection more broadly this book provides a substantial contribution to social pensions debate in the region.","2012-01",
"HelpAge International","Pension watch briefing no 2: The price of income security in older age (Portuguese)","HelpAge International","/download/5022232591ce8","This briefing, in Portuguese, considers the cost of universal social pensions in 50 low- and middle- income countries under a range of scenarios.

It also looks at the future costs of universal pensions in the context of ageing populations in the global South.

The report finds that all countries surveyed could put in a universal pension for everyone over 65 years for less than 1.8 per cent of GDP. It also finds that the long-term costs could be kept stable over time.

","2012-01",
"Government of the USA","Government of the USA: research, statistics and policy analysis","","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/index.html","This webpage provides a link to the latest &#039;SSI Monthly Statistics&#039; bulletin. Number of recipients of the social pension in the USA can be found by accessing Table 2 (Recipients by eligibility category and age) and viewing the column &#039;65 or older&#039;.","2012-01",
"Government of Malaysia","Bantuan Orang Tua (Wepage) (Malaysian)","Malaysian Department of Social Welfare","http://www.sabah.gov.my/jpka/BOT.html","This Government webpage provides information on Bantuan Orang Tua, the Malaysian social pension.","2012-01",
"Government of Malaysia","Malaysia: Services for the Elderly (Webpage) (Malaysian)","","http://www.jkm.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65%3Awarga-tua&catid=38%3Awarga-tua&Itemid=159&lang=ms","This Government webpage provides an overview of services for older people in Malaysia and includes information on the Malaysian social pension.","2012-01",
"Statistics Denmark","Denmark: StatBank (Webpage)","","http://www.statistikbanken.dk/statbank5a/default.asp?w=1152","This website allows users to retrieve statistics on Denmark&#039;s social pension through the &#039;Social conditions, health and justice&#039; tab.","2012-01",
"M. Sepulveda and C. Nyst","The human rights approach to social protection","","http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/EPoverty/HumanRightsApproachToSocialProtection.pdf","This publication constitutes a summary of the analyses and arguments presented by the Special Rapporteur in her reports to the Human Rights Council and General Assembly over the past three years in regard to the human rights approach to social protection. It is intended to be an articulation of the fundamental elements of the human rights framework applicable to the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social protection systems, and to provide some concrete examples of obstacles that arise when implementing social protection.","2012-01",
"Government of Hong Kong","Government of Hong Kong: Statistics and Figures on Social Security (Webpage)","","http://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_socsecu/sub_statistics/","This government webpage provides information on the number of people covered by social security schemes in Hong Kong.","2012-01",
"PhilStar","Online news report - Philippines: Indigent senior citizens get pension from DSWD","","http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=841916&publicationSubCategoryId=68","This online news report documents the expansion of the social pension in the Philippines.","2012-01",
"P. UMAU","Online news report - Papua New Guinea: PPP makes one promise to NIP","Post Courier","http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120220/news09.htm","This online news article includes information about the benefit level of the social pension in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.","2012-01",
"AusAID","Poverty, vulnerability and social protection in the Pacific: The role of social transfers","","http://www.ausaid.gov.au/aidissues/foodsecurity/Documents/social-transfer.pdf","This research looks at poverty, vulnerability and social protection across the dimensions of health and education, gender, social cohesion, economic growth, and traditional protection networks in the Pacific Islands. It aims to improve the evidence base on formal and informal social protection programs and activities in the Pacific region and make recommendations on support for strengthening and expanding social protection coverage so it can contribute to achieving development outcomes.","2012-01",
"Government of Ekiti State","More Encomiums For Ekiti’s Social Security Scheme","","http://ekitistate.gov.ng/2012/10/more-encomiums-for-ekitis-social-security-scheme/","A year after the first payments were made, the Ekiti State social pension continues to draw praise","2012-01",
"Knox-Vydmanov, C., Leon, R. and McPherson, A.","Social protection for older Kenyans: options for implementing the National Social Protection Policy","HelpAge International","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/50ffb71ee2fd7","With the importance of social protection gaining recognition in Kenya this briefing, the 10th in the Pension Watch series, aims to add to the debate on the way forward, with a focus on income security in old age. With this in mind, it explores the options for implementing the National Social Protection Policy.

It describes how a universal pension would provide a practical and efficient way to rapidly increase coverage while avoiding fragmentation in the pension system.","2012-01",
"Knox-Vydmanov, C."," Social protection floors and pension systems: the role of a &quot;citizen&#039;s pension&quot;","HelpAge International","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/50ffb6fa4fc18","There is growing recognition that developing countries need to prioritise extending national floors of social protection. But, what are social protection floors, and what link do they have to the pension system?

This briefing, the 9th in the Pension Watch series, aims to answer these questions, and to introduce the concept of a &quot;citizen&#039;s pension&quot; as a particularly relevant approach in developing countries.","2012-01",
"Government of Thailand","Government of Thailand: OPPO News (video)","","<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4znik64krW4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>","This government video, also available from http://www.oppo.opp.go.th/, outlines the tiered transfer rates of Thailand&#039;s social pension.","2012-01",
"A. Barrientos and P. Lloyd-Sherlock","Pensions, poverty and wellbeing: the impact of pensions in South Africa and Brazil, a comparative study","HelpAge International","/download/4f059575e1321","Pension watch briefing no. 7, published by HelpAge International, compares the impact of pensions in South Africa and Brazil, focussing both on poverty and well-being.

It demonstrates that the impact of pensions goes beyond the direct beneficiaries as older people continue to assist their families and households.

It finds that the positive impacts of pension income on older people&#039;s wellbeing are shaped by the wider economic and public policy context.","2012-01",
"OECD","Pensions at a glance - country profile: China","OECD","http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/38/7/49454006.pdf","Country profile from OECD&#039;s &quot;Pensions at a glance: Asia/Pacific 2011&quot;.","2012-01",
"ISSA","Social security programs throughout the world: Americas, 2011 (Antigua and Barbuda)","ISSA","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2010-2011/americas/antigua_barbuda.pdf","An overview of social security programmes in Antigua and Barbuda.","2012-01",
"ISSA","Social security programs throughout the world: Americas, 2011","ISSA","http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssptw/2010-2011/americas/ssptw11americas.pdf","An overview of social security programmes in the Americas.","2012-01",
"Government of Mexico City","Government of Mexico City: Programa de Pension Alimentaria para Adultos Mayores (webpage)","","http://www.redangel.df.gob.mx/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=73","Spanish. This Government webpage provides information on the Pension Alimentaria para Adultos Mayores in Mexico City.","2012-01",
"Time Out Hong Kong","Online news report: older people in Hong Kong struggle to meet their needs","Time Out Hong Kong","http://www.timeout.com.hk/big-smog/features/47973/scavenging-for-a-pension.html","Low transfer amounts mean that many of those receiving the Old Age Allowance in Hong Kong are forced to continue working.","2012-01",
"","Online news report: Fuel subsidy - informal workers demand social protection","","http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/fuel-subsidy-informal-sector-workers-demand-social-protection/","The Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria have raised alarm that the removal of the fuel subsidy will bring further hardship to informal workers. They also call for the implementation of a social pension to meet the needs of older people in Nigeria.","2012-01",
"","Ageing and social protection in Zambia: Training workshop report","HelpAge International","/download/518364fc66041","The training workshop Ageing and Social Protection in Zambia was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 24-26 January 2012. The aim of the workshop was to create a forum for participants to reflect on the implications of ageing in Zambia and consider appropriate responses that integrate within a wider social protection system. The workshop was organised by HelpAge International and SCAZ with support and input from the Ministry of Labour, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health. The workshop was financed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

In exploring issues of ageing and social protection in Zambia, the workshop aimed to create an environment for participants to draw on their own professional or personal experiences of the issues. Participants came from a wide range of Zambian stakeholders including relevant government ministries, non-government organisations, trade unions, faith-based organisations and the media. The workshop also drew on experiences from other countries in the region with inputs from resource persons from the International Labour Organisation and the Government of the Republic of Namibia.
","2012-01",
"World Bank","Protecting poor and vulnerable households in Indonesia","","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/02/29/000333037_20120229231135/Rendered/PDF/672170WP00PUBL0T00English000PUBLIC0.pdf","This paper examines existing social protection in Indonesia whilst also making recommendations to improve programmes and coverage.","2012-02",
"World Bank","Cash and in-kind transfer for at risk youth, disabled and elderly: social assistance expenditure review","World Bank","http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/03/06/000386194_20120306014246/Rendered/PDF/673200WP00PUBL0Background0Paper0070.pdf","This paper provides an overview of Indonesia&#039;s cash transfers. This includes the JSLU which targets older people.","2012-02",
"HelpAge International","HelpAge Newsroom: new bill proposes pensions for older farmers in Haiti","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/newsroom/latest-news/new-bill-proposes-pensions-for-older-farmers-in-haiti/","On 2 February, Senator Nenel Cassis, of the Haitian Commission of Agriculture introduced a bill on &quot;Social Security for Haitian Agricultural Communities&quot; in the Senate.

The bill proposes the establishment of a new organisation called National Institute for Social Security in Rural Areas (INASOP) to identify people working in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and related sectors. All those identified will be offered free access to healthcare, while older people and other vulnerable groups will also be offered a pension.","2012-02",
"Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria","Online News Report - Nigeria: Ekiti State Commences Payment of January Stipend to the Elderly","Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria","http://www.ekiti.com/ekitinews/display_search.php?news_source=&news_id=105635","The Government of Ekiti state, Nigeria, announce implementation of a monthly stipend to older people within Ekiti.","2012-02",
"Portuguese Social Security Institute ","Old age social pensions: a guide","","http://www2.seg-social.pt/preview_documentos.asp?r=23124&m=PDF","Portuguese. This paper provides information on the Portuguese social pension. It includes information on eligibility, how to apply, transfer amount and the legislative base.","2012-02",
"World Bank","Resilience, Equity and Opportunity: The World Bank’s Social Protection and Labour Strategy 2012-2022","World Bank","http://siteresources.worldbank.org/SOCIALPROTECTION/Resources/280558-1274453001167/7089867-1279223745454/7253917-1291314603217/SPL_Strategy_2012-22_FINAL.pdf","While this paper covers a range of social protection tools its thinking on social pensions is particularly interesting. This paper necessarily takes a long-term view, envisaging an integrated multi-pillar approach that will balance contributory pensions, voluntary savings and social pensions. Here, social pensions are seen as predominately an interim, albeit essential, means of providing coverage to those ‘who do not have enough time to accumulate pensions in contributory programmes’ and it is expected that their role will diminish as coverage of formal systems expands. The World Bank also anticipates that low incomes, mistrust of institutions and the on-going predominance of the informal sector will present a challenge for the expansion of contributory systems. ","2012-03",
"Government of Guyana","Guyana: Budget speech 2012","","http://www.mlhsss.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486:budget-debate-april-2012&catid=3:speeches&Itemid=80","This 2012 budget speech, as well as reiterating the Government&#039;s commitment to the social pension, provides a brief history of the transfer.","2012-03",
"New Vision","Online News Report: Uganda&#039;s social pension pilot expanded","New Vision","http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/629491-museveni-to-launch-senior-citizens-scheme-womens-day-supplement.html","News report detailing the planned expansion of Uganda&#039;s social pension pilot to five new districts by April 2012.","2012-03",
"J. Mariappan","Online News Report - India: Pension woes: Elderly pour in to prove existence","The Times of India","http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-18/chennai/31360707_1_pension-woes-mtc-staff-treasuries","This online news report describes the requirement for recipients of the social pension in India to travel annually to their state capital for &#039;life certification&#039;. This article demonstrates why accessiblity must be of key concern when designing social protection programmes, particularly for older people. ","2012-03",
"F. Cai, J. Giles, P. O'Keefe and D. Wang","The elderly and old age support in rural China: challenges and prospects","World Bank","https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/2249/675220PUB0EPI0067882B09780821386859.pdf?sequence=1","This book aims to do two things: first, it provides detailed empirical
analysis of the welfare and living conditions of the rural elderly since the
early 1990s in the context of large-scale rural-to-urban migration, and
second, it explores the evolution of the rural pension system in China
over the past two decades and raises a number of issues on its current
implementation and future directions.","2012-03",
"HelpAge International","Achieving income security in older age: taking stock and pushing boundaries","HelpAge International","http://www.helpage.org/download/4ffd3d376a0df","Against a backdrop of an increasingly vibrant international debate about the role of social protection in the context of growth, employment and poverty reduction it was time to take stock and to identify how to push the boundaries of thinking and action on the issue.  How does income security in old age fit into broader social protection debates? Were we engaging in the right forums and debates with the most relevant stakeholders? Did we need to change our messaging and ways of working or are we on the right track? 


This reflection and analysis was done through facilitating a strategic and open conversation with experts and knowledge brokers. The group included development practitioners, academics, social security/social protection experts as well as trade union and work/employment related professionals. Over the course of two days, they dedicated their time and expertise to share, learn, unpack assumptions and reflect on evidence and experience.


This paper pulls together key discussions points and insights gained during the meeting, and outlines how HelpAge aims to build on the insights and learning in its direct programming, advocacy and policy work.","2012-05",
"ECLAC","Ageing, solidarity and social protection: time for progress towards equality","ECLAC","http://www.eclac.org/celade/noticias/paginas/7/46027/2012-114-CRE-Ingles.pdf","With a central theme of ageing and equality this paper analyses the outlook for population ageing and advocates mainstreaming this issue into the public agenda. The paper documents the significance of non-contributory pensions in improving pension coverage in Latin America, noting that &quot;one of the most significant advances since 2002 has been the decision to broaden access to social security by creating non-contributory pension programmes for older persons&quot; (p. 72). It highlights that &quot;non-contributory systems are an opportunity not only to alleviate poverty but also, at least in some cases, to make good the lack of coverage.&quot;","2012-05",
"P. Contreras ","Economic Security for Older People","HelpAge International","<iframe width='560' height='315' src='http://www.youtube.com/embed/lBbE4-hE9mo' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe>","Spanish. This presentation was given at an international seminar hosted by the International Labour Organisation and HelpAge International in May 2012 on &quot;Social Security Systems in Latin America: Challenges for the Extension of Social Protection in the Andean Region&quot;. In it Pilar Contreras, from HelpAge International, speaks about the pressing need for economic security for older people and how it could be achieved. ","2012-05",
"Xinhuanet","Online News Report: China approves five year plan for social security development","","http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/02/c_131564333.htm","Alongside rapid expansion of its rural pension scheme, China plans to establish a universal social security scheme.","2012-05",
"AllAfrica","Online news report - Namibia: A pension is a right","","http://allafrica.com/stories/201205030153.html","This online news report argues that it is important to see Namibia&#039;s social pension as a right.","2012-05",
"Business Standard","Online News Report - India: Cost &amp; equity counter-arguments on pensions","","http://business-standard.com/india/news/costequity-counter-argumentspensions/474268/","As part of escalating calls for a universal pension in India, this news report debates whether or not a universal pension is affordable for India. Includes commentary from development economist Jean Dreze.","2012-05",
"R. Farell","Online news report:  Nationalization under the microscope","Latin America Press","http://lapress.org/articles.asp?art=6631","This article discusses the question of nationalisation in Bolivia, making reference to the extension of the Renta Dignidad and other social protection programmes such as the “Juancito Pinto” and “Juana Azurduy”. ","2012-05",
"The Hindustan Times","Online news report - India: Old age pension of 200 Rs. an insult","","http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Jairam-says-old-age-pension-of-Rs-200-an-insult-asks-PM-for-review/Article1-858728.aspx","This online news article adds to growing pressure for the improvement of India&#039;s social pension.","2012-05",
"El Pais","Online news report: Six out of ten older people in Latin America are not covered by a pension","","http://sociedad.elpais.com/sociedad/2012/05/20/actualidad/1337534823_348007.html","Spanish. This online news article discusses why coverage of pensions in Latin America remains low as well as other issues affecting older people in the region.","2012-05",
"L. Willmore","Social pensions in Mexican politics","","http://larrywillmore.net/blog/2012/05/25/social-pensions-in-mexican-politics/","In this blog Larry Willmore explores recent pledges by presidential candidates to introduce a social pension.","2012-05",
"","Online news report - Nigeria: Informal sector workers call for massive investment in critical sectors.","Vanguard","http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/06/informal-workers-call-for-massive-investment-in-critical-sectors/","The Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria restate their demands for basic rights for the 70 million informal workers in Nigeria. This includes the establishment of a social pension for those aged 65 and older.","2012-06",
"ILO","Online news report - Cape Verde: How social protection can help the elderly","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/press-and-media-centre/insight/WCMS_182195/lang--en/index.htm","This article shows the impact that Cape Verde&#039;s social pension has had on Luisa Oliveira Marques, 81. It also suggests that the social pension in Cape Verde shows that social protection can be affordable and achievable for all countries.","2012-06",
"ADB","Social protection for older persons: Social pensions in Asia","ADB","http://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/pub/2012/social-protection-older-persons.pdf","This publication aims to address the knowledge gap of social pension reform in Asia and the Pacific. In particular, it examines what has been learned from programmes operating in different countries, and highlights key policy and budgetary issues that arise. The publication also addresses the application of social pensions in various social, political, and institutional contexts. Ultimately, it concludes that social pensions represent an important component of an institutional foundation for old-age social protection. As such, social pensions contribute to inclusive growth in a region increasingly challenged by rapid demographic change and socioeconomic transformation.","2012-07",
"The Hindu","Online news report - India: Pension delay leaves elderly in distress","The Hindu","http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article3609302.ece","This article demonstrates the human impact of data entry errors, delayed payments and lack of administrative capacity. An administrative error has declared Yamuna Poovappa, 70, dead and left her without her pension. Meanwhile, officials claim that they do not have the capacity to deliver payments on time.","2012-07",
"European Commission","Social protection in European Union Development Co-operation","","http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/social-protection/documents/com_2012_446_en.pdf","This document seeks to explain the role of social protection in underpinning inclusive and sustainable development and the role of EU development cooperation in supporting the strengthening of social protection policies and systems.  

Throughout, the focus is on the development of long-term, nationally owned social protection systems that should support people across the life course.
","2012-08",
"Aporrea","Online news report - Venezuela: 1.384.177 hogares verificados por cuartetos de las misiones sociales","","http://www.aporrea.org/misiones/n212392.html","Spanish. This online news report documents recent expansion of social protection programmes in Venezuela - including the expansion of the social pension.","2012-08",
"B. Emmett","Electronic payment for cash transfer programmes","HelpAge International","http://www.pension-watch.net/download/5086afe728324","This briefing, the 8th in the Pension watch series, focuses on the practical considerations of establishing e-payment systems for distributing cash transfers.
 
It illustrates the positive impacts these systems can have over traditional, &#039;physical&#039; systems whilst also acknowledging the disadvantages.
 
Finally, it explores potential barriers to use of e-payments by recipients and discusses whether e-payments are suitable within the context of emergency response.
","2012-08",
"Times of India","Online News Report - India: Agitation for higher pension for elderly","","http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-13/pune/33181638_1_pension-parishad-age-pension-pension-support","This online news article documents further protests in India calling for a universal pension. It includes information on coverage levels of the current social pension scheme in India.","2012-08",
"GBC Ghana","Online News Report - Ghana: Government to institute social pension for all?","","http://www.gbcghana.com/index.php/index.php?id=1.1016302","This online news article documents a statement from the Government of Ghana that they are &#039;exploring measures to implement a social pension&#039;.","2012-08",
"J. Dada and R. Leon","Nigeria: Two States Take the Initiative on Social Pensions","Think Africa Press","http://thinkafricapress.com/nigeria/pensions-osun-ekiti","Whilst national level attempts at a social protection strategy have stalled in Nigeria, two states have acted independently to ensure income security for older people. This article explores the initiatives in Ekiti and Osun States and asks what this means for social pensions in Nigeria.","2012-09",
"Pointblanknews","Online News Report - Nigeria: Gov. Aregbesola Announces N10,000 Allowance For 1,602 Elderly Persons","","http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/news/gov-aregbesola-announces-n10000-allowance-for-1602-elderly-persons/","This online news report documents the implementation of a social pension in Osun State in South West Nigeria. It provides N10,000 to 1,602 older people.","2012-10",
"Daily Times","Online News Report: Pakistan - CAAD introduces bill of rights for senior citizens","Daily Times","http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=20121011story_11-10-2012_pg11_2","In October, 2012, the Capital Administration and Development Division (CAAD) introduced the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2012, which aims to secure the rights of older people in the capital. 

This article documents this announcement and some of the policy proposals which it includes.","2012-10",
"C. Knox-Vydmanov","Old age and social protection: the role of social pensions.","HelpAge International","/download/51836189527c1","This presentation was delivered as part of the 2012 Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes Course. 

Recognising old age as a distinct vulnerability that requires a specific response in the form of pensions, this presentation asks how low coverage can be overcome. Exploring international experience it demonstrates the failure of contributory systems to extend coverage.

This presentation argues that social pensions are essential to close the coverage gap and explores how disincentives can be avoided and costs controlled over the long term.

","2012-10",
"M. Lavigne","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Paraguay","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/4/48744/Social-protection-systems-Paraguay.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  

The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality.","2012-11",
"The Hindu","Online News Report - India: Their wait for pension continues","","http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/their-wait-for-pension-continues/article4062438.ece","In Karnataka state in South West India, payments within the Indira Ghandi National Old Age Pension Scheme have been suspended for nine months over concerns of fraudulent claims. Lack of capacity to identify the eligible has been identified as an ongoing issue.","2012-11",
"Shanghai Daily","Online News Report: China&#039;s pension insurance covers 459 million people","Shanghai Daily","http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=107207","This online news article reports on the coverage of China&#039;s urban and rural pension insurance systems. 459 million people are now covered and as many as 125 million older people are reported to receive pensions each month.","2012-11",
"Robles, C. and Vargas, L. H.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Trinidad and Tobago","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/4/49054/SPS_TrinidadAndTobago_ing.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Filgueira, F. and Hernandez, D.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Uruguay","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/2/49052/SPS_Uruguay_ing.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Vega, I. R.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Costa Rica","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/0/48990/SPS_CostaRica_ing.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Farias, C. R.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Chile","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/8/48988/SPS_Chile_ing.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Lomeli, E. V., et al.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Mexico","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/6/48986/SPS_Mexico_ing.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Repetto, F. et al.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/5/48985/SPS_Argentina_esp.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"Mesa-Lago, C.","Social protection systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Cuba (Spanish)","CEPAL","http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/3/48993/SPS_Cuba_esp.pdf","This report is part of a series of national case studies aimed at disseminating knowledge on the current status of social protection systems in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and at discussing their main challenges in terms of realizing of the economic and social rights of the population and achieving key development goals, such as combating poverty and hunger.  
The national case studies characterize two major components of social protection systems –non-contributory (traditionally known as “social assistance”, which can include both universal and targeted measures) and contributory social protection (or “social security”). The case studies also discuss employment policies as well as social sectors such as education, health and housing, as their comprehension is needed to understand the challenges for people’s access to those sectors in each country.  
Furthermore, the case studies include a brief overview of socio-economic and development trends, with a particular focus on poverty and inequality. At this regard, we wish to note that the statistics presented in the case studies —be they on poverty, inequality, employment or social expenditure— do not necessarily correspond to official data validated by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
","2012-12",
"R. Calder","Grandmas, Pensions and Clitorises: Pathways’ Perspectives #7","Development Pathways","http://www.developmentpathways.co.uk/news/pathways%E2%80%99-perspectives-7-grandmas-pensions-and-clitorises-pathways%E2%80%99-perspectives-8-re-silly-ence-or-the-reinvention-of-vulnerability/","This paper reports on the surprising finding that pensions may be contributing to a reduction in female genital cutting in Karamoja, Uganda, and suggests that we need to understand much more about how social and economic interventions can work together to tackle harmful traditional practices.","2012-12",
"Government of Fiji","Fiji: 9,000 plus to benefit from social pension scheme","Government of Fiji","http://www.fiji.gov.fj/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7266:9000-plus-to-benefit-from-social-pension-scheme&catid=71:press-releases&Itemid=155","This article announces a new social pension in Fiji. The scheme will provide US$17 a month to 9,000 Fijians aged 70 and over. ","2012-12",
"P. Bukuluki, C. Watson","Transforming cash transfers: beneficiary and community perspectives on the Senior Citizen Grant (SCG) in Uganda","Overseas Development Institute","http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/7179-transforming-cash-transfers-beneficiary-community-perspectives-senior-citizen-grant-scg-uganda","This report investigates beneficiary and community perspectives on the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) in Uganda. This is one of six country reports for the DFID commissioned project: Transforming cash transfers: beneficiary and community perspectives on social protection programming. Each report provides robust evidence from the perspective of beneficiaries and their communities that will improve the quality and effectiveness of cash transfer programmes.

See the project website here: http://www.transformingcashtransfers.org/","2012-12",
"K. Selvester, L. Fidalgo and N. Tambo, P. Pereznieto","Transforming cash transfers: beneficiary and community perspectives on the basic social subsidy programme in Mozambique","Overseas Development Institute","http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/7180-mozambique-cash-transfers-social-protection","This report investigates beneficiary and community perspectives on the Senior Citizens Grant (SCG) in Uganda. This is one of six country reports for the DFID commissioned project: Transforming cash transfers: beneficiary and community perspectives on social protection programming. Each report provides robust evidence from the perspective of beneficiaries and their communities that will improve the quality and effectiveness of cash transfer programmes. See the project website here: http://www.transformingcashtransfers.org/","2012-12",
"Daily Times","Online News Report: Pakistan - Draft of senior citizens welfare bill 2012 finalised","Daily Times","http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=201212 8story_8-12-2012_pg11_1","This article documents the finalisation of the draft senior citizens welfare bill, 2012. 

The policy for the older persons is said to reflect a “change in our development priorities to invest in greater degree for the welfare of our senior citizens”. ","2012-12",
"The Kathmandu Post","Online News Report - Nepal: Walking for Nothing","","http://www.ekantipur.com/the-kathmandu-post/2012/12/08/related_articles/walking-for-nothing/242631.html","This article from The kathmandu Post explores the Old Age Allowance, drawing on the author&#039;s experiences of conducting research in Mid-Western Nepal.","2012-12",
"South China Morning Post","Online News Report: Hong Kong: Old Age Allowance","","http://www.scmp.com/topics/old-age-allowance-0","Visit the South China Morning Post for the latest articles and thinking on the Old Age Allowance in Hong Kong.","2013-01",
"UK Government","Government of the UK: Single tier state pension","","http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06525.pdf","On 4 April 2011, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government published a consultation paper setting out options for reform of the State Pension, including the option of a single-tier pension, combining the basic State Pension and State Second Pension. The aim was to “better support people to save for their retirement.” A White Paper published in January 2013, set out the Government’s proposal to introduce a single-tier pension for individuals reaching their State Pension age after implementation, currently planned for 2017 at the earliest. The single tier pension would be a flat-rate payment set about the level of the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee (currently, &pound;142.70 pw for a single person) uprated by at least the growth in earnings. Thirty five qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits would be needed for individuals to receive the full amount. Those with fewer than 35 qualifying years would receive a pro-rated amount, subject to them having a minimum number of qualifying years (between seven and ten). Under the single tier, there would be no special rules for marriage divorce or bereavement. However, there would be transitional arrangements for people with pre-implementation NI records.

This note looks at the Government’s proposals for a single-tier state pension. ","2013-01",
"UK Government","Government of the UK: State Pension Reform","","http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05787.pdf","On 4 April 2011, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government published a consultation paper setting out options for reform of the State Pension, including the option of a single-tier pension, combining the basic State Pension and State Second Pension, set above the level of the Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee. The aim was to “better support people to save for their retirement.” The Government said it would legislate to introduce a single-tier pension for future pensioners early in the next Parliament. Further detail will be set out in a White Paper.

This note aims to provide some background to the proposal for a single-tier State Pension, to the end of 2012. ","2013-01",
"Government of Hong Kong","Hong Kong: Old Age Living Allowance to be rolled out in three phases","","http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201301/31/P201301310329.htm?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter","This press release, from the Government of Hong Kong, announces the April launch of the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA), which will be implemented in three phases. The OALA, which is being introduced under the Social Security Allowance Scheme, aims to supplement the living expenses of Hong Kong elderly persons aged 65 or above who are in need of financial support. Eligible elderly persons will receive a monthly allowance of $2,200. ","2013-01",
"The Guardian Nigeria","Online news article: Nigeria - Ekiti N5,000 monthly stipend to indigent elders: measuring the impacts","","http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=114232:ekiti-n5-000-monthly-stipend-to-indigent-elders-measuring-the-impacts&catid=3:metro&Itemid=558","This online news articles looks at the social pension in Ekiti and includes interviews with older people in receipt of the transfer. ","2013-02",
"G. Irungu","Online news report: Kenya - Cash transfers to all unworkable, say experts","Business Daily","http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Cash-transfers-to-all-unworkable/-/539546/1687040/-/55c5ys/-/index.html","In light of proposals for extended non-contributory pension in Kenya, this article shares the voices of organisations that challenge the feasibility of the programme. For a different view, see our Pension Watch briefing on  a universal pension in Kenya: http://www.pension-watch.net/download/50ffb71ee2fd7 ","2013-02",
"World Bank","Online news report: Panama - Greater fiscal space and social protection efficiency for one million Panamanians","World Bank","http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2013/03/26/panama-wb-greater-fiscal-space-social-protection-efficiency-one-million-panamanians","This article reports the World Bank approval of a new US$100 million loan to support Panama&#039;s efforts to improve tax revenue, fiscal management and transparency, and make social programmes — which currently benefit more than 925,000 Panamanians — more efficient. 

100 a los 70, Panama&#039;s social pension, is cited as one of the programmes that will benefit from this loan, with the aim of improving coverage and efficiency. However, while a change in eligibility criteria is mentioned what this entails is unclear. ","2013-03",
"S. Kidd and K. Huda","Pathway&#039;s perspectives no 9: BOLSA unFAMILIAr","Development Pathways","http://www.developmentpathways.co.uk/downloads/perspectives/Pathways-Perspectives-9-BOLSA-unFAMILIAr.pdf","This paper assesses the evidence on Brazil’s social security system, examining the beneficiary numbers, budgets, levels of benefits, impacts and coverage of the main social security schemes in Brazil. It reveals the role that the social pension plays in driving down poverty and inequality in Brazil. ","2013-03",
"C. Knox-Vydmanov","Social Pensions in Thailand and Beyond","HelpAge International","http://www.scribd.com/doc/128848776/Social-Pensions-in-Thailand-and-Beyond","This presentation was made by Charles Knox-Vydmanov, Social Protection Policy Adviser at HelpAge International on 5th March 2013. It compares the Thai social pension to similar schemes globally and introduces future considerations for the Old Age Allowance in Thailand.","2013-03",
"Jebaraj, P. and Ali, M.","Online news report: India - Consensus on universal pension linked to inflation index: Jairam","The Hindu","http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/consensus-on-universal-pensions-linked-to-inflation-index-jairam/article4485549.ece?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=muthukrish7","Following protests by the Pensions Parishad, it is reported that the Prime Minister has agreed to negotiate a consensus on the expansion of the pension system. 

Rural Development minister Jairam Ramesh stated: &quot;The most important issue we have agreed upon is that everyone should get a pension and the APL/BPL [Above and Below the Poverty Line categories] distinction should be done away with&quot;.  ","2013-03",
"The Times of India","Online news article: India - Jairam Ramesh agrees to hike pension, universalise scheme","The Times of India","http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jairam-Ramesh-agrees-to-hike-pension-universalize-scheme/articleshow/18857124.cms","This article by the Times of India reports on a commitment from the Government of India to increase the transfer amount of the social pension and to expand the scheme. 

It includes some information about the proposed eligibilty criteria of an expanded scheme, which will seek to exclude the wealthy or those in reciept of a contributory pension.  ","2013-03",
"Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira and Ana Lucia Kassouf","Impacts of the Continuous Cash Benefit programme on Family Welfare","IPC","http://www.ipc-undp.org/pub/IPCOnePager192.pdf","This one pager focuses on Brazil&#039;s Benef&iacute;cio de Presta&ccedil;&atilde;o Continuada (BPC – Continuous Cash Benefit).

It explores the impacts of the BPC on older people and their co-residents, including children, and finds a drop in labour performed by children aged 10 to 15 years who live in households where an elderly person receives benefits from the programme.

","2013-04",
"ILO","World Report on Child Labour: Economic vulnerability, social protection and the fight against child labour","ILO","http://www.ilo.org/ipecinfo/product/download.do?type=document&id=19565","This new report is the first in a series to be published annually by the ILO’s International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour. It brings together research on child labour and social protection, identifying policies that are designed to achieve multiple social goals. It discusses the role of poverty and economic shocks in rendering households vulnerable to child labour and considers the impact on child labour of cash transfers, public employment programmes, social insurance and other social protection initiatives as they have been implemented around the world. The report distils a broad range of research in economic and social policy and should be of interest to those looking for ways to combat poverty in the present and reduce its burden on the next generation. It includes an assessment of the impact of pensions and reports that in multi-generational households pension income can help reduce child labour, citing evidence from Brazil and South Africa.","2013-04",
"Mariano Bosch Mossi","Should the Elderly be Targeted? Social Pensions for the Elderly or Social Assistance for Households: Lessons from Brazil rural pension scheme","IADB","/download/519098df6d2ce","This presentation draws on lessons from Brazil&#039;s rural social pension and was given at a Morning Symposium on Social Assitance vs Social Pensions at the World Bank on 3rd April 2013. ","2013-04",
"Knox-Vydmanov, C. ","Should older people be targeted? Social pensions for the elderly or social assistance for households","","/download/51836250a77e1","This presentation was originally given at the World Bank on April 3, 2013.

Charles Knox-Vydmanov, Social Protection Policy Adviser at HelpAge International, explores whether catch-all safety nets are an appropriate response to income insecurity in older age. ","2013-04",