Money's worth in social security benefits: Black-white differences

Martha N. Ozawa, Hak Ju Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the wake of public debate about reforming social security, Democratic Party leaders, union leaders, and black leaders defend the current social security program because it is designed to provide disproportionately large monthly benefits to low-wage earners relative to their lifetime average monthly earnings. Despite the progressive benefit formula used by the program, an important question remains: Do black workers receive disproportionately larger benefits during their lifetimes in relation to their lifetime contributions, as well as disproportionately larger monthly benefits? This article presents findings from a study that shows that when the lifetime perspective is taken, black workers receive less money's worth in social security benefits than white workers. Implications for policies are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5-14
Number of pages10
JournalSocial Work Research
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2001

Keywords

  • Benefits
  • Black workers
  • Contributions
  • Social security
  • White workers

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