Older Workers - The New School SCEPA

A realistic look at the disempowered status of America’s older workers and their rocky path to a secure retirement.

Working paper— Workers at all earnings levels would benefit from expanding Social Security. SCEPA proposes defaulting workers into “Catch-Up” contributions, where— starting at age 50— they would contribute an additional 3.1% of their salary. The increase in alternative work arrangements among older workers is due to low wages stemming from older workers' decreased bargaining power. 

Working paper— Social Security benefits are progressive and reduce the unequal distribution of retirement wealth generated by a broken employer-based retirement systeThe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can cause wage declines for workers who do not receive the tax credit. 

Working paper— Social Security benefits are progressive and reduce the unequal distribution of retirement wealth generated by a broken employer-based retirement system. This study identifies what is driving the loss of bargaining power suppressing older workers' wages. 

December 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

November 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

December 2015 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

September 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

July 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

May 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

March 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

February 2018 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

December 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

November 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

October 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

 September 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

July 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

June 2017 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

This week's Worldly Philosopher, Ismael Cid-Martinez, reveals the challenges older workers face in the labor market.

 This paper recommends expanding and reforming retraining programs and the creation of tax incentives.

While the harm caused by unemployment is unique to each person, this study focuses on the staggering variety of challenges and perils shared by older people.

bookThe January issue of the Retirement Income Journal features a review of "Falling Short," the new book about America's retirement crisis from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, by SCEPA Director Teresa Ghilarducci. Ghilarducci describes the book as an elegant and comprehensive description of the problems causing the crisis, but disagrees with the proposed solution: working longer and retiring later.

Brief — November 2015 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55

December 2016 Unemployment Report for Workers Over 55