Integrating retirement and permanent disability in NDC pension schemes

• Published in: Applied economics Vol. 48; no. 12; pp. 1081 - 1102
• Main Authors: Ventura-Marco, Manuel, Vidal-Meliá, Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Routledge 08.03.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Cost estimates; Defined contribution plans; Disability; Disability insurance; Dividends; nonfinancial defined contribution; Numerical analysis; Pay-as-you-go; Risk management; social security; Studies; Sweden; Sweden
• ISSN: 0003-6846; 1466-4283
• DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2015.1093084

In this article, we develop a theoretical basis for integrating retirement and permanent disability using a generic nonfinancial defined contribution framework. The methodology we use relies on a multistate overlapping generations model that includes the so-called survivor dividend. Currently, this feature can only be found in the Swedish defined contribution (DC) scheme. The results achieved in the numerical example we present endorse the fact that the model works well. Special attention is given to the assumptions made about mortality rates for disabled people and disability incidence rates, which largely determine the contribution rate assigned to disability. The model could be of interest to policymakers because, after some adaptations, it could be implemented without too much difficulty and would uncover the real cost of disability and minimize the risk of disability insurance being used as a vote-buying mechanism.