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GAA has compiled a number of articles
and reports focused on social pensions, as well as a
list of sources of information. We believe that older
persons have the unconditional right to income
security. Universal Social Pensions are the most
effective way to provide dignity to older
persons.
The world is aging fast. Developing
nations increasingly face difficulties supporting
their older population. In most developing countries,
the elderly live at the bottom of the socio-economic
strata. Older women, in particular, confront harsh
conditions. Women usually take care of their children
and family, an activity that puts them in a
disadvantaged position when older. Many people in the
developing world hold informal jobs or work without
wages in rural areas. These older persons enjoy no
proper pension system have scarce retirement savings,
if any. Most poor countries have no pension system,
save for the military and government officials. By
providing cash transfers to older persons, governments
can meet their obligation to protect the most
vulnerable sector in their society.
Where social pensions exist, older
persons share their benefits with the members of their
household, buying food, supplies, and proving clothes
and school materials for their grandchildren. Often
older persons care for relatives infected with
HIV/AIDS, as well as look after their orphaned
grandchildren. In the latter case, social pensions
save lives.
Recent examples of several poor
countries that have implemented a social pension
system show that they are neither complicated nor very
costly. In fact, financial projections (see reports
and articles) show that social pensions take less than
3% of a national budget.
Page
created
on: January 2007
Definitions
Social Pension(s):
generally defined as a non-contributory cash income
given to older persons (usually by the government)
Alternative words: cash transfers,
non-contributory pensions, social protection
pensions
Universal Social
Pension(s): cash income
given to all older persons, regardless of their
socio-economic status.
Means-Tested
Social Pensions: solely
for the poor and are conditional on the level of
income.
Social Protection: a
system that provides basic health, education, and
income security to all population or to a certain
group (usually the most vulnerable: children, older
persons, women)
Fact Sheet
Social Protection: Facts and Figures
May 1,
2006
Social pensions:
Have positive
social and economic effects
With a pension, older people can:
· afford to eat at least one meal a day
· access basic services such as credit, health
care and water
· invest in income-generating activities and
the health and education of dependants
· support the millions of children in their
care orphaned by HIV/AIDS or conflict and
emergencies
· break the cycle of chronic poverty from one
generation to the next.
Help reduce extreme
poverty and hunger
· The first
target of Millennium Development Goal 1 is, by 2015,
to halve the proportion of the population whose income
is less than a dollar a day. Social pensions can
contribute to the achievement of this target.
· Social pensions can reduce the number of
people living on less than a dollar a day. In South
Africa, the pension reduces the number of people
living below the poverty line by 5% (2.24
million).
· They can reduce the poverty-gap ratio. The
pension reduces the ratio by more than 13% in South
Africa and almost 8% in Brazil.
· Social pensions can increase the share of the
poorest 5% of the population in national consumption.
They increase the income of this group of the
population by 100% in Brazil and by 50% in South
Africa.
Contribute to the human-rights agenda
· Social pensions support the rights of older
people and their contribution to development.
· They build good governance and political
support for citizenship.
· They support social cohesion and household
coping mechanisms.
· Introducing a social pension helps to reduce
gender inequality in income and quality of life
between older women and men.
Effectively target aid at minimum cost
· In Brazil, pensions reach 5.3 million poor
older people at 1% of gross domestic product (GDP). A
pensioner in the family reduces a household’s
probability of becoming poor by 21%.
· In South Africa, pensions reach 1.9 million
poor older people at 1.4% of GDP. A pensioner in the
family reduces a household’s probability of becoming
poor by 11%.
· Social pensions target older women, who are
among the poorest and most vulnerable people in
developing countries.
· Social pensions deliver support to children,
bringing educational and nutritional benefits.
Improve the life chances of orphans and vulnerable
children
· In Tanzania, where there is no pension, out
of 146,000 children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, only 1,000
attended secondary school, because their grandparents
could not afford the fees.
· In Zambia, a pilot cash-transfer scheme to
older people caring for orphans has improved school
attendance.
· In rural Brazil, pensions are associated with
increased school enrolment, particularly of girls aged
12-14.
· In South Africa, girls living in a household
with an older woman who receives a pension are 3-4
centimeters taller than girls in households with older
women who do not receive a pension.
Are feasible and affordable
· The cost of delivering universal benefits is
not beyond the means of resource-poor countries.
· The cost of implementing large-scale social
pension schemes is less than 2% of GDP in Namibia and
1.4% in South Africa.
· Administration accounts for only 2-3% of
benefit payments in Botswana and Mauritius.
· Universal provision of social pensions to
older people is administratively simpler and less
expensive than means-tested benefits.
Background Documents
Worldwide, many ageing advocates and
their organizations see Social Pensions as a key
resource to reduce old age poverty in poor countries.
Increasingly, these non-contributory pensions awarded
on the basis of age figure as a primary development
strategy. In the field of aging, HelpAge International
(our partner organization) has carried extensive
research on how social pensions lift older people out
of poverty. Institutions such as the World Bank, the
Inter- American Development Bank, and the
International Labour Organization now identify social
pensions as a good method to help the help the poorest
elderly. UN agencies dealing with aging and/or
development urge governments to consider basic social
protection and social pensions for older
persons.
Social
Protection
for
Older
People: A Plan of Action (October 2007)
The Social Watch Report 2007 entitled, “In dignity and
rights. Making the universal right to social security a
reality,” was launched October 24 at United Nations
Headquarters in New York. It features GAA President
Susanne Paul and then Program Coordinator Alischa
Kugel’s article on “Social Protection for Older People:
A Plan of Action.”
Social Security for All:
Investing in Global Social and Economic Development
(August 2006)
The International Labor Organization’s social security
department launched a “Global Campaign on Social
Security and Coverage for All.” This paper shows that
their program is not that ambitious: national social
security systems can make a major contribution to the
achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The
extension of social security for all is nothing less
than a basic human right (article 22 of the United
Nations Declaration of Human Rights). The authors of
he paper stress that implementing minimum social
standards at the national level will reduce
international transfers and other financial
development aids. Economically, extending social
security in an aging world is realistic: it is proved
in the developed countries that social transfers to
the elderly are mainly spent and consequently
redistributed.
Social Protection as a
Productive Factor (November 2005)
This paper by the International Labour
Organization's Committee on Employment and Social
Policy argues in favor of income security and basic
health and social services to lift extremely
vulnerable persons out of poverty. This approach,
presented by the ILO for discussion and review,
would promote overall productivity and economic
growth in nations. Older persons would benefit as
well.
Social Transfers and
Chronic Poverty: Emerging Evidence and the Challenge
Ahead (October 2005)
Developing countries are turning more and more to social
pensions. The World Bank’s 2006 World Development Report
even recognizes their role in tackling poverty and
inequality. Indeed social pensions offer a cheaper and
more effective option to the humanitarian assistance
This DFID (Department for International Development)
practice paper summarizes how countries deal with the
main challenges as they install social pensions. What
are the issues of such social transfers? Here they are:
Developing appropriate mechanisms of co-ordination
between government and other ministries, getting support
of UN agencies and NGOs, ensuring that the transfers
reach the poorest through delivery systems protected
against corruption, and building country ownership and
political will.
Can Low
Income Countries Afford Basic Social Protection? (June
2005)
Economic experts from the International Labour
Organization presented a model study showing it is
feasible for low-income countries to offer basic social
protection to their population. Using case studies from
Sub-Saharan Africa, the paper illustrates that universal
pensions, basic health care and education would only
cost a small fraction of a poor country’s GDP . The authors state
that universal social pensions have proven to be very
effective in eradicating extreme poverty among those
most vulnerable, including older persons.
Social Security: A
New Consensus (2001)
The International Labor Organization published this
report following the Committee on Social Security’s
meeting. The committee defined a vision of social
security which would guide the work of the
Organization in the years to come. It also looked at
the various actors involved in income security and
social protection, ranging from the family and local
solidarity networks to the international community.
Concerning the challenge of an aging population, the
group revealed that financing social security faces
difficulties. World Bank advocacy of privatization and
pre-funding of pensions brought on new problems, such
as higher management and transitional costs. They
concluded that global access to social security
softens the “old age crisis.” They also suggested that
partnerships with private financial institutions could
be useful, for example, in the case of implementing
micro-insurance.
Reports
Report: Zambia: A
Social Pension in Zambia (Spring 2011)
In Zambia, in 2006, it was estimated that 64 per cent of
the population livedin poverty. In this context, 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. As the situation
is particularly problematic in households headed by
older people, the Katete district transfers US$11 a
month to everyone over 60 years old. The report
states that those increased incomes have not only
permitted the older peopleand their relatives to live
better, but also changed perceptions of older people
from being a burden, to being a resource.
Report: World Social Security Report
2010-2011: Providing Coverage in Times of Crisis and
Beyond (November 16, 2010)
This United Nations study finds most people
worldwide have no social security. Basic social
security remains out of reach for most people world,
especially those in poorer countries, despite the
crucial role it plays in protecting people from the
consequences of economic crises. The UN urges
governments to develop comprehensive social security
systems where only rudimentary systems exist so far,
starting with basic income security and affordable
access to health care.
World:
Public Pension Institutions and Old-age Mortality in a
Comparative Perspective (2010)
In the Journal of
International Social Welfare, a comparative study among
public pension institutions and old-age mortality
explores the relationship that is commonly discussed as
separate topics. The researchers examined data from 18
OECD countries during the post-war period. They wanted
to estimate the impact of changes in pension rights and
mortality in old-age. The report begins by asking the
critical question: “How could pension rights affect
old-age mortality?”
World: Ageing and
Welfare State: Securing Sustainability (January
2010)
Older adults are depending more and more on social
services that they have helped finance for years.
However, governments feel greater pressure to make cuts
due to the continuing recession. Many considerations for
solutions are underway; some governments are considering
rebuilding their public pension systems—a drastic act in
this critical momen.
India:
The Social Pension in India: A Participatory Study on
the Poverty Reduction Impact and Role of Monitoring
Groups (January 2009)
The population of older people is increasing
dramatically in India. In addition, there is widespread
poverty. To assist the elder poor, the government
adopted a means-based social pension system.
Unfortunately, the scheme did not always benefit the
intended recipients. HelpAge India started monitoring
this scheme through the Poorest Area Civil Society
program. To understand more about these “monitoring
groups” and the means-based pension, HAIndia conducted a
study. It revealed that the social pension provides a
secure means of monthly income to older people. They
noted that the pension had improved their quality of
life, improved their status in the family and gave them
greater self-confidence. Respondents also felt that the
monitoring groups helped make the pension application
process more effective.
World:
Working for Life: Making Decent Work and Pensions a
Reality for Older People (2009)
Very little data exists about older workers in the
informal sector. HelpAge International conducted
research on older people and work in Bangladesh, Peru
and Uganda. Among findings was the lack of pensions
available to older persons within the informal
employment sector, including 90% of workers in Uganda. A
universal pension for older people would enable them to
have a greater choice of work. It would provide them
with money to travel to work, giving them access to loan
schemes or simply allowing them to pay for basic goods
or services such as food or healthcare.
India:
Understanding Poverty Among the Elderly in India:
Implications for Social Pension Policy (2008)
In a 2008 report from India, researchers found that
households with older members are not likely to be
poorer than households without elders. Other study
findings have significant policy implications. Policies
that aim to reduce the mortality rate among older people
have the potential to reduce poverty among older people
as well. The researchers highlight that if the
demographics continue to change as the trends in their
study show, then the proportion of poor older people
will increase in the coming years and they will be
increasingly dependent on social pensions.
Africa: Investing in
Social Protection in Africa: Summary Report of
National Consultations Held in Burkina Faso, Cameroon,
Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Tunisia (October
2008)
Global Action on Aging and other aging organizations see
social protection as an indispensable but often
overlooked strategy for development. This HelpAge
International Report describes the need for Africa to
invest in social services for poor people. This report
summarizes the meetings held by participating countries
as well as key recommendations. The general findings
include the importance of high level political
commitment to making improvements, and a number of other
measures to assure effective social protection programs.
India:
Understanding Poverty Among the Elderly in India:
Implications for Social Pension Policy (April 2008)
Writers of a 2008 report from India found that
households with older members are not likely to be
poorer than households without elders. Other findings of
the study have significant policy implications. Policies
that aim to reduce the mortality rate among older people
have the potential to reduce poverty among older people
as well. The researchers highlight that if the
demographics continue to change as the trends in their
study show, then the proportion of poor elderly who will
need social pensions will increase in the coming years.
World: Tackling
Insecurity in Old Age: The Challenge of Universal
Pensions (September 2007)
“Deteriorating health and declining incomes threaten
the welfare and security of many people as they enter
old age.” This UN report reviews both rich and poor
countries, suggests that a minimal universal social
pension can provide a floor below which no older person
could fall. It also points out that such pensions form
the “basis for a more comprehensive pension system which
may consist of a mixture of public initiatives adapted
in accordance with existing country practices, financial
circumstances and equity considerations.”
World: World Economic and Social Survey 2007 (June 19,
2007)
(PDF format, 212 p)
Authors of the World Economic and Social Survey say that
governments should raise the participatory rate of the
women and older workers in the labor force in order to
offset the potential challenges that might arise with an
aging population. They also highlight initiatives
undertaken since the adoption of the Madrid
International Plan of Action on Ageing in 2002. The
survey particularly emphasizes the affordability of
universal social pensions, even for poor countries.
Pensions as little as one dollar a day would lead to
considerable reduction of old age poverty in developing
countries. This would guarantee the absence of extreme
poverty in old age when the population over 60 is
expected to increase from 670 in 2005 to two billion in
2050.
Asia Pacific: Expert
Group Meeting on the Regional Preparations for the
Global Review of Madrid International Plan of Action
on Ageing (March 27-29, 2007)
Five years after the Madrid Plan on Aging signed by 159
countries, HelpAge International conducted a review of
implementation of the Plan focusing on two countries of
Asia: Bangladesh and Vietnam. Two aspects of old age
that are particularly relevant in Asia are: income
security in old age and access to and quality of
healthcare. The report also focuses on a project with
the government of Nepal to analyze the impact of an Old
Age Allowance.
World:
Social Protection – an Effective Tool to Fight Inter-
generational Poverty (February 2007)
This article by Global Action on Aging’s Alischa Kugel
and Jennifer Nazareno, gives an overview of the
effective use of social cash transfers in combating
intergenerational poverty. The article also recaps
presentations given by experts on the issue during a UN
Roundtable at the Commission for Social Development and
discusses challenges that must be overcome.
World: Achieving Decent Work
for All Ages (February 9, 2007)
This HelpAge International presentation at the UN
Commission for Social Development makes clear that
social protection is the key to realizing the Millennium
Development Goals and satisfies the commitments of the
1995 Copenhagen Summit for Social Development. The UN
community wants to “place people at the centre of
development and ensure that economic investment is
balanced with social policies.” In the least developed
countries, 71% of older men are still in the labor
force, holding informal sector jobs or working in
dangerous worksites. The Decent Work Agenda speaks up
for a universal pension system. Indeed older people
living in poor countries are highly concerned,
especially because they need income provision for
retirement and as carers of HIV/AIDS affected families.
World: Update on Trends in
Income Security in Old Age (February 7-9, 2007)
This report by the International Labour Organization
discusses the effects of aging on the population, in
both developed and developing countries. Developed
countries, since they already organized their system,
expect to increase their
GDP expenditure only from 23.4 % to
26.8%. However, this outcome results from policy changes
that push up employment rates and actual retirement ages
and push down benefit levels. In the low income
countries, ILO suggests adoption of non-contributory
pensions (social pensions) to ensure an income to older
people. ILO has studied two kinds of universal basic
pension: one paying a regular amount of money to all men
and women over a certain age and another that sets the
level of benefits relating to GDP per capita.
World: Realizing
Universal Rights to Social Protection. Briefing
Paper (November 2006)
Grow Up Free From Poverty is a coalition that first
targeted children. This NGO coalition is now leading a
“campaign for the extension and establishment of
social protection measures, specifically cash
transfers.” Social pensions have become a successful
form of cash transfer, alongside family benefits or
child allowances. This paper studies the impact of
social protection through an intergenerational
approach. The coalition states that “older women and
men are increasingly the primary caregivers of
children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, war and
migration, [thus] poverty of older relatives will
impact on the poverty of the younger ones, and vice
versa.” From a political point of view, social
protection is a human right developed in many
international conventions; this paper refers to them
in an annex.
World: Why Social
Pensions Are Needed Now (October 2006)
This Help Age International briefing paper describes
the characteristics of social pensions and how they
contribute to the economic development of poor
countries. Governments that distribute social pensions
act to reduce poverty and to tackle HIV/AIDS. Indeed,
older persons are often disproportionately affected by
poverty because they don’t receive a regular income.
Social pensions also support economic growth as well
as social cohesion and governance: they “should be
regarded as an investment rather than unproductive
spending.”
Kenya: Poverty,
Old Age and Social Pensions in Kenya (2006)
Although older persons represent a small percentage of
Kenya
’s population, poverty affects them
disproportionably. This International Poverty Center
report highlights the importance of pensions in
combating old age poverty. While only 3% of older Kenyans report receiving
a pension, poverty rates without this income would
rise 17.1% for persons of 55 years and 14.6% for
persons over 60 years. Examining the possibilities of
expanding the current pension system, the authors
discuss non-contributory social pensions as well as
universal pensions to all older persons over 55 or 60.
Social Protection: The Role of
Cash Transfers (June 2006)
In this publication, the International Poverty Center
focuses on the importance of cash transfers as part of
social protection measures to combat poverty. Authors
discuss policy makers’ considerations, such as
targeted vs. universal delivery of the transfers,
their long and short term effects, case studies on
universal income grants from Africa, new initiatives
in Asia and conditional cash transfer models in Latin
America. Lastly, a bilateral donor representative
presents his view on cash transfers and details how
donor countries and developing countries can work
together to provide more effective support to the
scheme.
World: Universal Pensions
for Developing Countries (May 2006)
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.
However few countries implement this kind of pension.
The World Bank opposes such a system for reasons like:
younger generations should have priority in the social
budget or universal pensions “crowd out” private
transfers. However, universal pensions are not a “costly
luxury,” rather, the report demonstrates that developing
countries can afford this system.
World:
Shaping the Future of Social Protection: Access,
Financing and Solidarity (April 2006)
This in-depth report highlights the outcome the of
recent UN Economic Commission on Latin America and the
Caribbean (UNECLAC) conference in Uruguay.
Experts in this UN commission focus on Latin America ’s current
pension and health systems and their impact on
impoverished older persons. The document offers
analyses of social protection programs in the region,
providing useful information on how Latin American
nations are addressing the needs of their aging
population. The authors point out the financial
challenges governments face in implementing social
programs and give recommendations for possible
solutions.
India:
Bottom-up Evaluation of Non-Contributory Social
Protection Policy for Rural Labourers in India
(October 2005)
The Chronic Poverty Research Centre based in
the UK recently released a report evaluating the
effectiveness of non-contributory social protection
programs on the poverty levels of workers in rural
India. The study points out differences between
effective implementation strategies and program
outcome. In the case of rural Indian workers, the
study shows the implementation of non-contributory
social protection schemes increase the power of local
powerbrokers over rural workers. At the same time,
social protection plans tend to help reduce poverty
levels of rural Indians. Experts caution that
government officials may try to influence outcome
indicators.
World: Age and
Security: How Social Pension Can Deliver Effective
Aid To Poor Older People and Their Families (2004)
This HelpAge International report makes a
strong case for providing universal non-contributory
pensions - "social pensions" - to older people in
developing countries. It describes how social pensions
effectively target aid, reducing the poverty of older
people and the families they so often support.
Africa: Non
Contributory Pensions and Poverty: A Comparative
Study of Brazil
and South Africa
(2003)
A comparative study of
non-contributory pensions, published by Help Age
International, provides evidence of how
non-contributory pension programs affect the
well-being and the security of older people and their
families. An international team of researchers studied
non-contributory pension programs in
Brazil
and
South Africa
and found that the
programs had a positive effect on bringing households
out of poverty. This innovative program could help
other developing countries in the future.
Implementation
Each government that has a social
pensions program uses a slightly different system to
distribute benefits. Most nations give a monthly or
bimonthly pension, ranging from $2 in Nepal, to about
$130 in South Africa. Nepal and India provide the
lowest pensions, whereas South Africa and Argentina
provide the highest. Bolivia offers the “Bonosol,” a
benefit of $225 a year. Some countries like Chile and
Mexico combine their social pension schemes with food
and health care programs. Although in absolute cash
value social pensions are not worth a lot of money,
they represent a significant source of income for poor
older persons.
Africa
Uganda: Senior Citizens
Petition Museveni Over Pension, Access to Health
(November 21, 2010)
Older persons in Uganda are petitioning for access to
health centers across the country and access to their
pensions considering only 7.1% of older persons in
Uganda recieve it.
Uganda: Social Services
Better than Cash for the Poor (October 5, 2010)
The government of Uganda is formulating a social
protection policy for the elderly. This program, run
through the DFID (Department for International
Development), aims to provide the elderly with a cash
allowance allowing them to buy necessities such as food
and medicine. However, there will be a trial period
first analyzing the income of the elderly and
determining whether rehabilitation centers equipped with
food and medicine would be better than cash.
South Africa: Elderly in Row
Over Pension (May 25, 2010)
In Soweto, South Africa, three older people have accused
the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) of
declining their applications for old age grants because
their spouses are government employees. The three older
persons are qualified by age to receive the grants. But
the Government agency, Sassa, claims that their spouses
make more than R53, 000 and thus are not entitled to the
payments.
South Africa: 60-Year-Olds
Urged to Apply for Pension (April 6, 2010)
The Black Sash, a non- governmental human rights
organization in South Africa, has announced that the
qualifying age for men for the means-tested pension is
now equivalent to that for women. This will bring needed
relief to thousands of senior citizens. The Black Sash
intends to advocate for the removal of the means test
from the qualifications assessment. They are advocating
for a universal old age pension.
Tanzania: Help Needed to
Rear the New Generation (November 12, 2009)
(Article in French)
Older persons in many African countries, especially
older women, have to take care of their orphaned
grandchildren. However, these people are marginalized
from government welfare programs that tend to focus
solely on children or persons with disabilities. These
grandparents need help from their governments and access
to social pensions or micro-credits for those who can
still work.
South Africa:
Country's Social Security on the Right Track (November
9, 2009)
The Social Assistance Act implemented in 2008, lowering
the qualifying age for men to receive old age pension,
has progressed productively, according to South African
Public Works Minister Doige. A consolidated report that
will soon be publicly presented includes proposals for
further advancement and growth of the social assistance
programs, including the old age pension.
Nigeria:
Non-contributory Pension Scheme Fraught with
Corruption (May 20, 2009)
At the National Conference on the Implementation of
Pension Reforms held in Abuja, President Umaru
Yar‘Adua said that a non-contributory pension
scheme, which was operated before the pension
reforms of 2003, was corruption-ridden. To him, the
pension reform was the way out of the many problems
of pensions in Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria need
to consider a non-contributory pension scheme
(social pension) currently being operated aside the
new scheme for the purpose of addressing the
problems facing it.
Swaziland: Non-contributory
Pension Schemes Key – ISSA (December 31. 2008)
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has
honored Swaziland for its social pension policies as one
of the few developing nations with one. ISSA asserts
that giving money to older aged citizens supports them
as they support their own families who have been ravaged
by the effects of the HIV/Aids epidemic.
Africa: New Social Policy
Framework for Africa (November 3, 2008)
Fifty-three member states of the African Union agreed
on the first ever Social Policy Framework for Africa,
which includes policy recommendations to expand and
improve their social protection plan. This marks a
great leap in meeting the basic needs of all
marginalized groups, including older persons, by
improving social programs such as pensions while
providing security and assistance.
South Africa:
Social Grants to Bring Relief to Soaring Food Prices
(October 24, 2008)
To guard against the rising cost of food and fuel, the
South African government has increased social assistance
grants including those for older persons. The grant will
move from R940 to R960. Although this move is costly to
the State, it will increase the security of food for the
elderly and their families.
Africa: First Ministerial
Conference On Social Development in Africa (October
27, 2008)
The African ministers whose focus is social
development in Africa participated in a conference
with the goal of adopting a Social Policy Framework to
confront poverty and inequality while at the same time
encouraging healthier lives of the African people.
HelpAge International, along with many other NGO’s,
civil society organizations and national governments
worked together to share recommendations and expertise
prior to the conference.
Malawi: Govt. To
Introduce Social Pension for Elderly (September 26,
2008)
Malawi is introducing a social pension scheme for older
persons. Announcing the scheme, Clement Khembo, the
Minister responsible for People with Disabilities and
the Elderly, said, "Not all elderly people are
struggling with life. In its initial stages, the scheme
will target all those who are very poor to afford
sustenance. Those in the rural areas, who have even no
houses." The President of Malawi, Bingu Mutharika, is
also a strong supporter of improving the welfare of
older persons.
South Africa: New Law
Equalising Age for Pensions Passeed (July 13, 2008)
The Social Assistance Act has lowered the qualifying age
for men to receive social pension payments, so that the
age now matches the qualifying age for women. This Act
will increase the distribution of necessary financial
aid that will keep older individuals and their families
from poverty.
Mozambique: Just Give
Money to the Poor (July 11, 2008)
Joseph Hanlon of Open University in the UK discusses how
Mozambique can afford to adopt a “cash transfer scheme”
to relieve and encourage the poor. This scheme would
offer non- contributory pension to the elderly as part
of a social protection plan for the poor. He asserts
that social pension for older persons is an effective
way to get families out of poverty.
Zambia: Government
Discards the Elderly (September 20, 2007)
The author of this article calls on the Zambian
government to step up its efforts to protect older
persons. While Zambia provides pensions to formal sector
workers, most people work in the informal sector and do
not receive payments. Activists also critizise the
country’s free medical scheme for those 65 and older,
saying that while the consultation is free, drugs are
not. Senior citizen organizations are calling on the
government to implement a universal social pension to
help older persons cope with HIV/AIDS care-taking
responsibilities and to provide for a decent old
age.
Uganda:
Poor Ugandans to Get Monthly Allowance (August 9,
2007)
Uganda,
with the help of the UK’s Department for
International Development and aid organizations such
as HelpAge International, will start paying a
monthly allowance of $10 to the country’s
“chronically” poor, often times older persons.
Families whose household include an older person
will get an additional $6.00. The scheme, based on
similar models in countries such as Brazil and
Mozambique, will particularly help grandparents
taking care of children whose parents have dies of
HIV/AIDS.
Africa: Social Change Lags
Behind Africa's Economic Growth (July 17, 2007)
The recently released 2006 State of the African
Population report revealed that “half of Africa lives
in extreme poverty and one-third lives in hunger.”
While the economy is developing, few people benefit
socially. This is due, in part, to a lack of
education, inadequate investments in human capital,
gender inequalities and youth marginalization, which
keep people in chronic poverty. There are positive
experiences. South Africa has about 12 million social
security grant recipients, including older persons,
children and the disabled. Experts from the government
affirm that: “with the 100 percent take-up rate of
those who qualify for grants, they are actually able
to almost completely eradicate extreme poverty amongst
children and older persons." Africa has another
opportunity to seize: the 2010 FIFA World Cup South
Africa that will provide a platform to highlight
issues such as poverty.
Africa: Activists for the
Aged Press for Greater Care, Pensions in Africa
(February 19, 2007)
The growing number of senior citizens is an
increasing pressure on African governments. Numerous
organizations ask for the implementation of social
pensions to help older persons as well as their families
get out of poverty. According to Tavengwa Nhongo,
regional representative for HelpAge International based
in Nairobi, Kenya, social pensions are affordable even
for the poorest countries. Research data found that only
1.5% of GDP is required. Those pensions reduce older
people’s poverty by 94%. This article gives many
examples of fruitful experiments to implement universal
pensions, constitutional guarantees to protect the
elderly or national social security systems.
South Africa: Nest-Egg for
All (February 16, 2007)
South Africa has a widespread social security
system. However the old-age pension (social pension) is
only available to the very poor and is funded from
current budget revenues. The government is looking to
create “a compulsory earnings-related social security
system that will include retirement benefits for all
citizens.” Indeed South Africa’s pension system is
organized with a first and a third pillar, namely a
welfare-based old-age pension and private savings.
President Thabo Mbeki, during his State of the Nation
address’ speech, stated that workers will soon be bound
to contribute to a state fund, which will provide
universal retirement benefits.
Lesotho: Lesotho Pension System Proves Sceptics Wrong
(November 5, 2006)
The small country of Lesotho that is surrounded by South
Africa has followed its great neighbor’s example: the
government has implemented an old-age pension. For the
past two years, all citizens over 70 years benefit from
a monthly pension of 150 maloti (R150). Despite the
skepticism of the International Monetary Fund that
feared corruption, the government plans to distribute
R150 to more older persons. Lesotho can be proud about
creating this pension that helps some of the 56%
inhabitants living on less than $2 per day (about 15
maloti).
Zambia:
African Governments Take Action on Social Protection
(March 28, 2006)
HelpAge International highlights the importance of
last week’s conference on National Social Protection
in Livingstone, Zambia. The governments of Ethiopia,
Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique,
Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda,
Zambia and Zimbabwe, plus UN agencies and development
partners gathered to assess the impact of social
pensions. In a region afflicted by extreme poverty and
HIV/AIDS, 47 million older persons face terrible
conditions. Social pensions and cash transfers aim to
mediate this situation and improve the standard of
living for older adults and their families. Government
representatives reaffirmed their promise to establish
social protection programs for older persons. For
further information and resources on Social
Protection, please visit HelpAge press release
section.
Back to Top
Americas and the
Caribbean
El
Salvador: $50 a Month Changes the Lives of Older
Salvadorians (June 24, 2012)
(Article in Spanish)
16,000 older adults from 53 municipalities have
benefitted from El Salvador’s Basic Universal Pension
(Pensión Básica Universal). The
pension’s goal is to reduce poverty among seniors in the
100 municipalities with the highest poverty
incidence. Before the Basic Universal Pension
began, 9 out of every 10 older adults who lived in rural
areas did not receive a formal pension. The
program will end in 2014 with the conclusion of the
presidency of Mauricio Funes. The next government
must consider continuing the project.
Robbing
the Elderly Won't Pay the Government's Rising Care
Bills (July 10, 2012)
The government is trying to reduce the amount of money
older persons have to pay towards pensions. However,
this may come with difficulties. Nick Boles, an
influential Tory backbencher, is trying to get free bus
passes, TV licenses, and winter fuel allowances for the
elderly. Let’s cheer on his initiative!
Venezuela:
Nearly 12,000 Venezuelans to Receive Social Security
(June 19, 2011)
(Article
in Spanish)
The Social Security Institute of Venezuela has
reformed their pension policy to include a greater
range of eligible persons. Now, men who are 60 years
old and women who are 55 will be able to receive
monthly pensions. The number of pensioners has
increased greatly in the last decade due to the
numerous legal reforms that now allow over two million
people to enjoy the new source of income.
Peru: Peruvians Elect New
President on Pension Promise (June 16, 2011)
Influenced by the advocacy of HelpAge International’s
partners, Peruvians over the age of 65 have now come a
step closer to receiving social pensions after the
election of Ollanta Humala-- who proposed the “Pension 65”
program-- as their new president. The new program would
provide 250 soles (US$90) to every older person over 65,
gradually starting with those over 75 years old.
Costa
Rica: Government Doubles Funds to Assist Seniors (June
14, 2012)
(Article in Spanish)
Laura Chinchilla, the President of Costa Rica, will double
the funds in the Older Adult Person Council (Consejo de la
Persona Adulta Mayor). The government currently
provides ¢2.500 million to the Older Adult Person
Council and will increase this sum to ¢5.000 million
in 2013. This raise will finance care centers for
seniors and will subsidize families and assistants that
help older adults.
Report: Ecuador: The Aging and
Pension Board for Older Persons and People with
Disabilities is now Depositing Pensions into Savings
Accounts (June 7, 2011)
(Report in Spanish)
On June 6, 2011,
a new payment plan for social pensions was signed. The
act will allow senior citizens and people with
disabilities to have their pensions deposited directly
into a savings
accounts opened for them by the Central Bank of Ecuador.
This new payment plan will eliminate the cost of
processing each check and save a total of $27,000
nationwide in processing fees on a monthly basis.
Canada:
Community
Organizations
Will
Receive $11 Million for Seniors (March 6, 2011)
(Article in French)
The Quebec government will spend $11 million to
improve living conditions for older people. The
money will go to 170 organizations working for the
elderly. For example, the Federation of the Golden
Age of Quebec will receive $100,000 to fight against
financial abuse of older persons. Another $608,000
will be granted to the Quebec Association of
Gerontology to campaign against discrimination based
on age.
Bolivia: The
Pensions Reform Bill Proposes a State Insurance
(October 25, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Bolivia's government is negotiating with workers and
associations of older people the new Pensions Act. The
bill provides, among other things, the creation of a
state insurer to administer the payment of pensions
creates an invalidity pension and secure benefits for
widows even if they marry again.
Nicaragua:
Fourth Day of Protests by Older Adults for a Pension
(October 16, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
A group of older people protested before the
Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) in Managua
to demand a pension. In the country there are
thousands of older adults who do not meet the minimum
number of payments, 750 weeks, which is what is
required to qualify for a pension.
Mexico: Only
27% of Elderly People in Mexico Receive Pension, the
Poorest Have None: Cepal (October 10, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Only 27 percent of older adults in Mexico have a
pension or retirement money given to them by the
government, according to research by the Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
(Cepal). The percentage drops to almost negligible
among the lower social classes.
Argentina:
Pensions:
the Argentine Model (September 13, 2010)
(Article
in Spanish)
Two years after
the nationalization of the private pension system in
Argentina, the debate remains open. The government of
Cristina Fernandez defended the process and notes that
guarantee a dignified retirement and insurance to
retirees. However, some critics say the system is
fragile.
Trinidad and Tobago: Going
60 Will Bankrupt Us (August 11, 2010)
The debate on retirement ages and pension plan cuts
continues in Trinidad and Tobago. Discussions on the
current state of pensions and dropping the retirement
age to 60 shed light on the dangers and possible
advantages of these actions. It also highlights the
complexity of the state of affairs for older persons
in the country today.
Report: Latin America:
Universal Minimum Old Age Pensions, Impact on
Poverty and Fiscal Cost in 18 Latin American
Countries (May 2010)
This report examines the universal minimum old age
pensions in 18 Latin American countries, including
their fiscal cost and impact on poverty. The authors
of the report explain how a universal minimum pension
would reduce poverty among older people in Latin
America (except in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay where
minimum pension system already exist and poverty rates
are low). Also discussed in the report, are old age
poverty rates in Latin American countries, and the
design of the minimum pension schemes as well as their
impact on the economy.
Bolivia: Bolivia
Unprepared for Population Increase of Older persons
(May 16, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
Bolivia will almost double its population of citizens,
aged 60 and older, in twenty years; in 2,000 there
were 537,452 and in 2020 the numbers will rise to
1,007,155 people. Some associations have warned that
Bolivia is not ready for this increase because the
state benefit, 'Renta Dignidad,' is not sufficient to
ensure quality of life for older people.
Trinidad
and
Tobago: Browne: $21m for Higher Pensions (May 5,
2010)
Amery Browne, the Minister of Social Development of
Trinidad and Tobago who is contesting his seat again
in the upcoming elections, announced a raise in the
old age pension. The increase along with other
retirement benefits will cost the State $21 million
more a year. The national grant for senior citizens
with no source of income has increased from $1,950 to
$2,500, representing a 28.2 percent increase.
Trinidad and Tobago: Pensions
Go Up to $2,500: PNM in Election Love (May 3, 2010)
In the heat of campaigns for the upcoming May 21st
general elections in Trinidad and Tobago, the People's
National Movement (PNM) has promised to raise pensions
to $2,500 for 45,000 senior citizens and increase the
minimum payable pension of retired public servants to
$2,500. The PNM also proposes to remove the property
tax for citizens on public assistance and those
receiving the Senior Citizens’ grant. This election
has brought promising words to the older persons of
the country from all of the competing parties.
Trinidad and Tobago: Pensioners
get Increase, but Heavily Taxed (May 1, 2010)
Old age pensioners have won pension increases ranging
from 13.5 to 35 percent. However, the increases have
been heavily taxed, according to one pensioner’s
interview.
Trinidad and Tobago: NIS
Consultant Predicts 'Drastic Changes' (March 5,
2010)
The National Insurance System (NIS) of Trinidad and
Tobago controls the country’s social insurance and
provides pension payments to retirees. After scathing
scandals and corruption, the NIS has some new plans.
Hubert Dolsingh, an NIS consultant, discusses lowering
the lump sum payment for pensioners, increasing the
qualifying age and changing the formula determining
payment amounts. So far, there is no comment on how
this will affect older persons in the country.
Bolivia: The Credibility of
Campaign Promises (November 23, 2009)
President Evo Marales is expected to win another term
in government mostly due to his successful
implementation of social protection grants like the
Renta Dignidad for people over 60 years old. This
grant has served approximately 744,000 Bolivians since
Evo Morales has assumed the presidency.
Brazil: Brazil Aid Program
Making Inroads against Hunger (November 13, 2009)
Brazil’s Bolsa Familia, a social pension program,
spearheaded by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has
been lauded by various organizations including the
World Bank. Older people in Brazil benefit directly.
The Bolsa Familia has greatly helped in the fight
against poverty. Its simplicity, the use of an
electronic base and decentralization of the Bolsa
Familia are some of the technical innovations that
have contributed to the success of this social policy.
Other countries should take notes.
US:
SNAP Getting Food Stamps to Elderly (August 17,
2009)
In Florida many eligible older persons who have not
signed up for welfare. Now, they are now starting to
receive federal money as part of the Supplemental
Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2008
average per household from the SNAP grant was about
$227, which can be spent by using an Electronic
Benefits Transfer card, similar to a debit card. In
this article, the writer addresses many myths and
facts about the SNAP program as well.
Peru:
The
State
Evaluates
Offering Pensions to Poor Elders (July 28, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The government of Peru is studying the possibility of
offering non-contributory pensions (for people who did
not contribute during their working life) to
approximately three million older persons who have
found themselves in a state of material abandonment.
The program will be similar to Junto, an existing
program that offers S/. 100 to women in rural areas
who comply with sending their children to school and
to medical centers to be immunized.
Peru: 100 Soles Proposed
for People Older than 65 (April 22, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
The authors of the book Aging with Dignity concluded
that a special non-contributive pension of 100 soles
would benefit over 500 thousand older adults in Peru.
Representatives from different ministries met to
discuss ways to fight poverty. They agreed that this
pension would have to be accompanied by medical
services, education, drinking water and electricity
for the older population, who also are the most
vulnerable.
Brazil: Brazil Extends Bolsa Familia During the
Economic Crisis (March 20, 2009)
(Article Also in Spanish)
Bolsa
Familia, the largest cash transfer program in
the world, providing benefits for over 11
million families, is a social pension program
that’s been copied throughout the world. In
Brazil’s case, the income support of families is
conditional: they must meet human development
requirements such as school attendance,
vaccinations and proper nutrition. The program
requires families to take advantage of resources
that otherwise would confine generations to a
life of poverty.
Bolivia: Evo Asks
for an Increase in the Renta Dignidad (July 24,
2008)
(Article in
Spanish)
The government
has recently asked Congress to increase the amount of
pension provided by Renta Dignidad to retirees and
elderly with no other source of income. This increase,
funded by the revenue resulting from the Direct Tax on
Hydrocarbons, will help many of the nation’s elderly.
Bolivia-
Social
Pensions in Bolivia (June 17, 2008)
(Article in Spanish)
In January 2008, the government instituted la Renta
Dignidad, a non-contributory pension that provides
Bolivians over 60 with Bs 200 a month. La Renta
Dignidad, which replaced the Bonosol—the country’s
former social pension plan--increased the amount of
pension and lowered the minimum age of recipients. As
a result, 676,000 elderly are now receiving pensions
as opposed to 489,000 under the Bonosol. The social
pension is the only source of income to 50% of its
recipients and is used for necessities, mostly food
and medications.
Bolivia:
Renta Dignidad (April 2008)
La Renta Dignidad, which is a non-contributory pension
in Bolivia, is essential to the survival of 29% of the
population living there for under $1 per day. Bolivia
is the only country in Latin America with a
non-contributory pension. La Renta Dignidad decreased
the eligibility age and increased the amount of
pension distributed in the country’s initial plan, the
Bonosol. Many give credit to the National Association
of Older People for advocating to improve the social
pension and making older Bolivians’ lives much better.
Now the Association is working to implement
non-contributory pensions all over Latin
America.
Paraguay: The Elderly
March Tomorrow in Search of a Social Pension and a
Food Pension (September 30, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
On the International Day of Older Persons, a group of
elder Paraguay pensioners and their supporters will
demonstrate and demand action to approve a law
providing a social pension and a food pension to
people over 60 years living without any income. The
law will propose a social pension of no less than one
fourth the minimum wage. The march will take place on
October first and is organized by CAMA (Counsel of the
Elderly in Asuncion)
Chile: Chamber of Deputies Approve Provisional
Reform that Permits Banks to Enter AFP (August 29,
2007)
(Article in Spanish)
President Michelle Bachelet’s provisional legislation
to improve the pension system and the condition of
retired citizens was approved by the Chamber of
Deputies. One of the highlights was the agreement to
permit banks to enter the “Insuring Pension Funds
Entity” (AFP). Another major accomplishment was the
“Solidarity Pension” which establishes a basic pension
of 75,000 pesos ($147) (known as a social pension) for
those elderly citizens who are not otherwise eligible
for a pension. According to a government official,
once the reform begins to take effect, 1.1 million
Chileans will have new benefits, a minimum pension,
assuring security and dignity.
Bolivia:
Social
Pensions,
Older
People Were Cheated (June 28, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
The writer describes how schemers cheat older people
out of their social pensions in Bolivia. In one scam,
persons carried fake identification papers and passed
through the registration process and received the
social pension. Other scam artists recruit old, poor
and illiterate persons to apply for the social pension
and rob them as soon as they receive the money. In
another case, a daughter cheated her mother by forcing
her to apply for the pension and then robbed her. Law
officials are investigating to learn if there is an
organized network involved in this terrible scam
operation. Of course, this cheating and robbery
undermines public confidence in the efficacy of the
social pension administration system in Bolivia.
Bolivia: AFPs Cheat on Retired People. (May 17,
2007)
(Article in Spanish)
Bolivian retirees (people older than 65 years old),
receive a social pension from the AFPs, Bolivia's
leading pension fund administrator, of 1800 bolivianos
(USD225). Recently around 300 people in Bolivia went
to the bank to get the payment and were told that
another person already had claimed it. Retired people
think that a company stole the data base from the
AFPs. Retirees asked the AFPs to replace the payment.
AFPs denied any responsibility for the theft. Getting
nowhere, the old people registered their claim with
Human Rights organizations, with the Police and with
the Public Ministry. Not a single person has yet
received the payment. Most suspect that they will
never get it.
Uruguay: A New Social Program for Older Persons Will
Triple the Beneficiaries over the Previous Program
(March 28, 2007)
(Article in Spanish)
In September, a new social program will reach out to
include nearly one million more people who live in
poverty. The previous Plan reached the poorest poor,
while the new program gives all poor families access
to health, education, and jobs. The program’s old age
cash allowance will now reach all those who are 65 and
older, instead of 70 years of age.
Chile: Chilean
Leader Proposes Soc. Sec. Reform (December 15, 2006)
Speaking before a retirees’ organization,
President Michelle Bachelet announced a change in the
pension system: she expects that one million of
people, generally without any coverage, would benefit
from a non-contributory pension, estimated at $141 per
month. Mothers, particularly women who left the
workforce to raise their children, will receive an
additional pension benefit. President M. Bachelet said
she wants to “guarantee the security of a dignified
old age.”
Argentina: Extended
Moratorium for Retirees (October 23, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
In Argentina,
elderly people who do not meet the required number
of employment years for retirement are eligible for
a plan that will allow them to receive pension.
Argentine President Néstor Kirchner postponed
the moratorium for older people to join this plan.
This plan not only benefits the elderly, but also
those who were forced into retirement due to
unemployment after 30 years of registered
employment.
Argentina: Plans to
Improve Retirement Plans (October 8, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
In light of Argentina
’s economic crisis in the
years 2001 and 2002, different companies, with the
help of consultants, came up with ideas of how to
improve retirement plans. The result is that three
out of ten leading companies now have an optional
retirement plan in addition to governmental pension.
Consultants predict that this trend will contribute
to the development of trust funds.
Chile: Pension Reform
to Combat Systemic Poverty (September 15, 2006)
In 20 years only half of the Chilean citizens will
receive more than the minimum pension. Mrs. Bachelet’s
government will submit a bill to Congress by December
to strengthen solidarity pensions and to reduce gender
inequalities. However, some trade unions oppose the
government’s maintaining the Pinochet system that
requires an individual capitalization system. This
privatized system, the first in Latin America, has
failed to provide sufficient income for most seniors
and soaks up a lot of revenue in operating costs.
Mexico A
Pre-Election Quarantine Takes Effect (May 22, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
To prevent public officers’ misuse of social programs
during the last month of the presidential campaign,
the Mexican Electoral Institute has put a quarantine
into effect prohibiting all governmental agencies and
public authorities from making any attempt to
influence citizens’ voting preference. In practice,
this decree means that some institutions will have to
stop some of their social programs. In Tamaulipas, for
instance, the office for the Development of Older
Persons will no longer distribute a weekly food basket
to a group of extremely impoverished older persons.
Presidential candidates have strongly focused their
campaigns on a theme of social development and helping
vulnerable groups, especially older persons.
Venezuela:
Government Makes Late Payment to Older Persons
Enrolled in Social Pension Program (May 17, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The Venezuelan government started the late payment of
its monthly social benefit to older persons last week.
Apparently, there were problems regarding the transfer
of funds from the Treasury to the National Institute
of Social Services. Older persons were unable to
receive their pension in April. The government has
guaranteed to solve the problems the program faces,
and has also announced that it will increase the
amount of the benefit.
Bolivia: The Government
Guarantees the Payment of the Bonosol (May 16,
2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The Bolivian government recently nationalized
the gas industry. Since 1998, Bolivia has
provided—using the tax revenues from this
industry—older persons, above 65, with an annual
social pension of $ 225. Many fear that the
government’s bold measure of taking over the gas
industry will jeopardize the Bonosol. However, the
president has assured Bolivians that the government
will continue offering this pension. The possible
change, though, might be that the Bonosol will no
longer be universal, and available to all persons
over 65 years, instead it may be given to only the
poorest. Means testing is expensive since the
country must set up a bureaucracy to verify who is
"poor."
Mexico:
390,000 Older Adults Benefit from Universal Pensions
in Mexico City (April 2, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
A few years ago, the government of Mexico City
pioneered with a program directed to help the elderly.
Every older adult —above 65—has the right to a monthly
pension of $70 as well as access to free medical
check-ups and prescribed drugs. This month the number
of beneficiaries reached 390, 000. Local authorities,
in an effort to fight back strong criticism from the
opposition, stressed that the social pension scheme is
not jeopardizing the government’s finances. Supporters
of the universal pension model argue that Mexico has
the means to implement social pensions at a national
level. Although there are a number of programs that
reach older persons, most older Mexicans do not have a
pension and live in poverty.
Uruguay:
Pension Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean
Need to Be Reformed, States ECLAC (UN Economic
Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean)
(March 23, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The ECLAC’s aging focal group presented a document
on the future of social protection during a recent
ECLAC session meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay. Latin
America and the Caribbean urgently need income
support in old age for their citizens. Only 4 out of
10 older persons in the region currently receive a
pension. Many workers, especially women, work in the
informal sector or in temporary jobs and, therefore,
will not have access to benefits with the current
system. Furthermore, ECLAC stresses the importance
of expanding pension coverage and creating a system
to address the needs of a rapidly increasing aging
population.
Guatemala:
Constitutional Court Approves Law on Social
Pensions for Older Adults (March 15, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The Guatemalan Constitutional Court has ordered the
publication of the new legislation on the Program of
Economic Support for Older Adults. The legislation
enables persons above 65—who are not enrolled in a
pension plan--to claim a social benefit of $65 a
month. Much controversy arose around this bill
because Congress passed the legislation early this
year without executive approval. The bill did not
receive executive power support because the
government lacks the necessary resources to
implement the program. María Antonia Bonilla,
Minister of Finances, states that there is not
enough money in the treasury; however, the
government might make an effort to redistribute
resources and modify its budget.
Chile: Bachelet Initiates Presidency Readjusting
Pensions (March 13, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The new Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, sees
readjusting pensions as her top priority. The
government will raise the minimum pension amount (now
about $76 per month) to stabilize the retirees’
economic situation. More than a million older Chileans
will benefit from this measure. Other social projects
aimed at the elderly and persons with disabilities
include the implementation of a universal pension
system. Bachelet’s social agenda is based on quick,
cost-effective actions to tackle poverty and create
high impact reforms.
Mexico: Universal
Pensions Would Be Financially Possible, Says Study
(March 1, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
The Center for Research and Faculty of Economics
(Centro de Investigación y Docencia
Económicas) in Mexico says in a recent study
that a system of universal pensions would be both
sensible and financially possible. With the number of
older people increasing sharply and the levels of
poverty among the elderly rising, universal pensions
are now very much needed. If managed properly, the
cost of such a program will only be about 0.35% of the
national budget. Mexico has a great gap between the
poor and the rich according to age, where 70% of older
adults live in poverty. A universal pension system
would help reduce older persons’ precarious conditions
in a cost-effective manner.
Mexico: Fox Announced
Social Pensions for the Elderly (January 7, 2006)
(Article in Spanish)
President Fox announced that this January the government
will start its monthly payment of social pensions to the
elderly affiliated to the program “Oportunidades.”
“Oportunidades” is a social development project based on
the premise of families saving for the future. There are
currently 200,000 families enrolled in this program. The
federal government will reward each family with a bonus
that will double their savings. Fox stated that the
program will target particularly rural and indigenous
populated areas, promoting health, education, housing
and pension benefits as fundamental elements for aging
with dignity.
Back to Top
Asia/Pacific
China:
Older
Persons Will Receive A State Pension (August 18, 2011)
(Article in French)
With the 12th
Five-year Plan for Older Persons (2011-2015), every
Chinese senior will receive a pension from the State
beginning in 2015. Moreover, they will enjoy better
health care and more nursing homes. Another big step
forward for older Chinese people.
Philippines: Elderly Poorest
of the Poor Receive Social Pension (June 24, 2011)
In the province of Capiz, about 895 older persons received
a social pension. Part of the National Household Targeting
System for Poverty Reduction, the government of the
Philippines will distribute monthly PHP500 (=USD11.49)
stipends to the poorest older persons. To receive the
social pension stipend, older people must be over age 77
and receive no other support, not even from relatives.
Philippines:
More Baguio Senior Citizens Get Taste of Social
Pension (June 21, 2011)
Thanks to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, 34 seniors
from the city of Baguio received a social pension in the
amount of 1,500 Philippine Pesos (= USD34.5). According
to the City Social Welfare Officer, about 78 older
people in Baguio City should receive the social pension.
The allowance granted to the poorest is to be used for
buying medicines, essential goods and access to health
services.
Philippines:
Limits
on
Pension
Rights
for
Elderly
Draw
Flak (September 6, 2010)
The Philippine government gives pensions to only those
80 years and above excluding the estimated 4.1 million
elderly who are 60 years and older and in need of the
pension.
India:
Social Security System Towards Global Standards (May
24, 2010)
The coverage of the social security system in India is
minimal in comparison to that of more developed
countries. The author discusses how the Indian pension
schemes do not extend beyond 10% of the population who
are formally employed, leaving many non-contributors
without a plan or income for their older years.
India:
Demand to MCD: Give Pension to Elderly Sex Workers
(May 19, 2010)
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi gave its approval
to include the physically challenged, widows and
notoriously eschewed eunuchs in its pension scheme. An
NGO has demanded that sex workers be included in the
pension scheme as well. The NGO states that poverty
and starvation affect many sex workers; a decent
pension would benefit them enormously.
India:
Pensioners in Haryana to get Biometric Cards (March
25, 2010)
Technology is making pensions in India more accessible
and less of a hassle. In a new project, biometric
cards will be issued to pensioners in certain
districts. Direct deposit will also be used for
payouts to pensioners.
Philippines:
Seniors
Without
Pensions to Get Government Aid (July 2, 2009)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) has created a social pension program for older
persons. It is targeted at persons 70 years old and
older who are poor and are not members of a pension
plan. Moreover, the DSWD has prepared a package of
after-care services for older prison inmates,
including provision of temporary cash assistance,
employment, livelihood and educational assistance.
China: China to Launch Rural
Social Pension Projects (June 25, 2010)
In a meeting that included China's Premier Wen Jiabao,
China's State Council decided to launch social pension
pilot projects that would reduce rural poverty and
encourage social stability.
China: Experts Urge
Stimulus Package on Social Welfare (June 24, 2009)
In response to the global financial crisis, experts in
China have called for their government to create new
social pension programs to help the older population
remain stable. Analysts also call for more programs
focused on youth development, sound social security,
and the overall strengthening of human capital.
Thailand: Advocates Call for
Social Pension Scheme in Developing Countries (June
2, 2009)
Eduardo Klein of HelpAge International says that the
social pension is a tool for governments to pull
people out of poverty. HelpAge and other NGOs are
advocating for developing countries to increase their
social protection plans especially with respect to
social pensions.
Thailand:
Thai PM Guarantees Older People’s Right to Social
Pension (April 15, 2009)
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has
declared social pensions a basic human right and will
seek ways to expand the country's current pension
system to deliver income security for all older
people. From April 2009, Thailand’s citizens aged 60
and above who are not receiving any government
subsidies are eligible for a monthly payment of
500-baht (US$14). This, along with existing pension
schemes, covers more than 5 million older
people--71.4% of older people in Thailand.
Philippines: Government
Should Provide Social Pension for Poor Senior
Citizens
(March 19, 2009)
The Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE) is
pushing for Congressional approval of a bill that
would assure very poor older Filopinos a monthly
social pension. Despite the facts that the Philippines
is only one of two Asian countries without any social
pension for older persons and evidence clearly
demonstrates the benefits of social pensions, the
proposed bills are not gaining ground in the
Philippine legislature.
India:
Aging in India (March 17, 2009)
India has the second largest population of older
adults in the world. Very few older persons are
covered by any kind of social pension or social
security system, and rely on traditional patterns of
family care. Problems of globalization compound the
problem, e.g., there are more women in the workforce,
smaller families and high mobility. All these
obstacles limit the ability of families to provide for
their older members.
Thailand:
New Working Group Will Champion Pension for Thailand
(January 19, 2009)
HelpAge International has coordinated a group from
academia, government and UN members to advocate for a
universal pension scheme in Thailand. The current
means- tested scheme only benefits very poor older
persons, while the universal one will increase the
coverage and benefit of the social pension plan.
India: Social
Security to Become a Right (August 22, 2008)
The Union Cabinet has approved the Unorganized Sector
Workers’ Social Security Bill. People working in the
unorganized sector will gain increased rights. The
bill will provide pension rights for the aged and
insurance for accidental death.
China: New Pension
Insurance Scheme in Rural China Benefits Older
People (August 4, 2008)
Here’s more information about the new Rural Social
Pension Insurance Program that China is putting in
place. The program is one of the government’s first
attempts to decrease poverty among the nation’s
elderly. It provides greater income security to its
beneficiaries and decreases dependency. Although this
insurance pension has helped many older persons, Help
Age International maintains that improvements still
need to be made, including an increase in the amount
of pension distributed.
Thailand: Pro-Aging
Strategies for Thai Elders (January 23, 2008)
(Article in Chinese)
Adult children are abandoning an increasing number of
elders in Thailand. The incidence of elders staying
alone has risen by 7.1%. The retirement age may be
raised from 60 to 65 years. In 1999, a social pension
system was introduced and both employers and employees
contribute 3% of the salary as premiums. Poor elders
without pensions will get 300 Thai Baht a month for
living assistance. In 2005, free dentures were given
to 80,000 elders. Beginning in 2007, elders holding
special assistance passes are receiving free medical
treatment at 1,000 designated hospitals.
India: Social Pensions
to Benefit Another 17,456 People in Himachal (August
10, 2007)
Himachal is a state in the north-west of India. The
state government announced recently that 17,456 more
people would benefit from social pensions. Namely in
this region more than 200,000 older persons, widows
and people with disability are eligible to receive a
monthly pension.
China:
China’s Social Security Fund Grows Steadily through
Sound Investment (April 12, 2007)
(Article in
Chinese)
On April 12, 2007 China’s Social Security Fund
Management Committee announced that the Fund has 280
billion yuan and that investment of the Fund made a
profit of 19.6 billion yuan, a nearly 10% profit rate,
in the last year. Xiang Huaicheng, the Committee Chair,
said that “we had formed a sound and reliable practice
of investing the fund.” Experts believe that the fund
should target low-risk investments with a reliable rate
of return.
China: Social Pension
Funds Worth of RMB
￥60M Looted
Unlawfully by Local Former Labor Relation Officials
(March 10, 2006)
Recently, the National Audit Office uncovered
information that local labor relations officials had
unlawfully looted the Honghe County’s social pension
funds worth of approximately RMB￥60 Million.
They took the money for their private use in YunNan
Province. By the end of year 2003, only RMB￥1,300
thousand was left in the pension balance.
China: Pressures
in China Over
the Issue of Aging (March 3, 2006)
(Article in Arabic)
In its Second National Conference on Old Age, China
’s State Council called for
the urgent establishment and implementation of a
pension system that will secure the basic needs of
older persons. The state council also proposed
developing health, culture, education and physical
training programs related to older persons. China
’s aging population now
comprises 20% of the global aging population. The UN
expects China
to remain the country with the largest number of
older persons in the world for the first half of the
twenty-first century.
India: India to Get Its
Own Social Security System (January 22, 2006)
The government of India is currently working on a bill
to promote the care, maintenance and protection of
senior citizens. The National Council for Older
Persons and several other NGO’s have helped the
government develop its program. The new system will
offer services, such as an old age pension, minimum
level of financial security, old age home in each
district and well-equipped wards in each hospital.
South
Korea: Government Pushes New Social Security
System for Elderly (May 24, 2005)
The
South Korean Government and ruling Uri Party officials
have decided to set up long-term care insurance for
senior citizens as early as 2007 in order to address
the welfare needs brought on by the growing elderly
population.
Back to Top
Europe
and Central Asia
UK:
Suicides Soar Among Elderly Britons Due to Recession
(July 26, 2012)
Over the past decade, suicide incidence among Britons ages
55 years and older have increased by 12%. Men
between the ages of 45 and 54 years are the most likely to
commit suicide. Loss of jobs due to the recession
may have contributed toward these suicides. Cuts in
services to aid individuals with depression need to be
reassessed during this campaign season.
UK:
Robbing the Elderly Won't Pay the Government's Rising
Care Bills (July 10, 2012)
The government is trying to reduce the amount of money
older persons have to pay towards pensions. However, this
may come with difficulties. Nick Boles, an influential
Tory backbencher, is trying to get free bus passes, TV
licenses, and winter fuel allowances for the elderly.
Let’s cheer on his initiative!
Russia:
Fraud Artists Intimidated Pensioners (July 2, 2012)
(Article in Russian)
Authorities have initiated a criminal case against fraud
artists. Pretending to be medical workers, these
fraudsters extorted large sums of money from
pensioners. They successfully collected more than 5
million rubles and cheated over 70 pensioners.
France:
Paris: Creation of “Solidarity Paris” Contributes to
Minimum Pension (February 7, 2011)
(Article in French)
While 12.6% of Parisians 60 to 74 years of age live below
the poverty line, the City of Paris has created a
supplement to the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly so
that no senior will be living with less than 840 Euros per
month. Seniors with less than 1,100 Euros per month will
also be eligible for the aid “Paris Logement [housing].”
In addition, an exemption to the Personal Autonomy
Allowance is provided for seniors whose incomes are less
than 1,000 Euros.
France: Strikes Put to a Test the Sarkozy's Pension
Reform (October 18, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
The protests in France against government plans to rise
the retirement age from 60 to 62 years intensified on
Tuesday, one day before day the project will be voted in
the Senate. In addition to the demonstrations, the
unions have blocked for a week the 12 French oil
refineries and, as a consequence, hundreds of service
stations run out of gas.
Switzerland:
UN Urges Developing Countries to Promote Pensions
for Older People (October 1, 2010)
(Article in Spanish)
At the International Day of Older Persons, the United
Nations will urge developing countries to establish
pension systems for the elderly. Millions of old
people in the world suffer from unequal treatment and
their human rights are denied. Nowadays, one in ten is
over 60 years.
Spain:
Russian Pensioners in Spain (May 27, 2010)
(Article in Russian)
In Spain, all pensioners are allowed to work although
they face a few conditions: they cannot work full time
and must submit an application to the social security
authorities if they do. To become eligible for a
Spanish pension, one must be a legal resident of the
country, enter the country with the intention of
working for at least 5 years to replenish the pension
fund, or live in Spain for 5 years as a dependent
relative.
United Kingdom:
In Europe, Britain May Face Largest Debt Hurdle (May
24, 2010)
Great Britain is facing debilitating debt, as is the
rest of the European Union. Among the expenditures are
blamed in part for their descent into debt is the
country’s “generous” pension commitment. Government
officials must make the hard decision to cut
expenditures, including freezing and curtailing the
pension payments. GAA asks whether increased taxes on
the UK richest citizens could help pay off the debt?
Bulgaria:
Social Monthly Pension for Old Age Increases to
100.86 Leva (May 23, 2010)
A news release from the government of Bulgaria
underlines the cabinet decision to increase the social
pension for old age. This increase is related to a
decision to update all pensions by 9 percent as of
July 1, 2009.
Ireland:
Coalition Braced for Second Showdown with Pensioners
(May 14, 2010)
Ireland and other European nations are facing
proposals to decrease non-contributory pensions due to
the debt crises they are facing. Reducing or
eliminating social pensions will only hurt the
neediest and most dependent older persons. Recipients
of the pension were spared last year from decreases,
but the current debt crises may trigger such cuts.
Ireland: Irish Old
Age Pension Could Be Cut (May 13, 2010)
The Minister of Social Protection, Éamon
Ó Cuív, may not be able to prevent
cutting Ireland’s Old Age Pension. Despite massive
protests by older citizens against proposed policy
changes, it appears likely that the new austerity plan
will negatively affect them. There is still time left
for the Minister to confirm any decisions affecting
older people; those who oppose policy changes have
promised to take action.
Ireland: Pension
Win for Farmers' Wives (April 8, 2010)
Newly appointed Social Protection Minister Eamon O
Cuiv yesterday reversed the January decision by his
predecessor Mary Hanafin to withdraw pensions from 268
elderly women who had been receiving contributory
pensions for years of work on their family farms. This
decision followed advice from the Attorney General's
office and will be effective retroactively to the date
on which pensions were withdrawn or reduced. All
arrears due would be paid.
Ireland: Why
Most of Us are Going to Have to Work Up to 10 Years
Longer (March 2, 2010)
In the last four decades, Irish life expectancy has
increased by 9 to 10 years. The non- contributory
pension scheme faces a heavy burden as the population
steadily ages. In response, the Irish government is
proposing to increase the qualifying age to receive a
pension. Can the citizenry handle putting off
retirement for several more years?
Spain:
Non-Contributive Pensioners Can Now Request 425
Euros to Cover Living Expenses (September 19, 2009)
(Article in Spanish)
Pensioners who receive non-contributive pensions from
Social Security can now pay their cost of rent and
living expenses with the additional allowance of 425
euros. To be eligible for this financial aid, the
interested older people must prove that they do not
possess any property, that they rent their current
home and that they are mentioned in the lease
contract.
France:
Pensions: A 7% Increased of the Social Pension
(April 1, 2009)
(Article in French)
In France, older persons living alone and earning less
than 677 euros ($920) a month, have the right to
receive a social pension. The government plans to
raise the so-called Allocation of Solidarity for Older
Persons (ASPA) by 25% before 2012. After a major
decrease of its beneficiaries since its creation in
1960--thanks to the generalization of the right to
pension--the increase of the social pension will
re-extend the number of eligible seniors and therefore
the number of beneficiaries.
Croatia:
SDP: Social Pensions for All Over 65 (May 7, 2007)
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presented its
retirement strategy included in its electoral program.
They reproach the current system, the HDZ, for
impoverishing pensioners; more than a third of
Croatians have pensions lower than 1,600 kuna which is
considered borderline poverty. SPD suggests equalizing
everybody’s pensions first. Then they would establish
social pensions for all people over 65 years old who
do not have any income.
Bulgaria: Economic
and Social Development Pact Signed in Bulgaria
(October 2, 2006)
Following the announcement of Bulgaria’s entry into
the European Union in January 2007, the national
government signed an Economic and Social Development
Pact (ESDP). Bulgaria revealed its new political
program to increase the standard of living of
citizens, as much as economic growth. As for older
persons, socially disadvantaged retirees will receive
a social pension that will be half of the minimum
wage. That’s a significant forward step!
Russia:
A Line for the Poor (September 22, 2006)
(Article in Russia)
The line of people who want to receive monetary
compensation instead of social benefits grows
every minute. The local offices of the Russian
Pension Fund are crowded from the early mornings.
People cannot understand why they have to go
through this exhausting process one more time,
when in June they already made their choices.
According to the legislature, a pensioner has to
confirm his or her choice every year. Members of
Parliament, however, did not take into account
that it might be not that easy for older persons
to stand in a line for several hours, waiting
until a social officer accepts their application
once again.
Russia: Social Benefits or Money? (September 21,
2006)
(Article in Russian)
Only 10 days are left for
pensioners to decide whether they prefer to
receive monetary
compensation or they would like to enjoy social
benefits such as free medication and
transportation. Those who prefer monetary
compensation have to file an application with the
local division of the Pension Fund not later than
October 1, 2006. It seems, however, that there is
no right choice: the prices for the medication
increase every day, so that whatever money a
pensioner gets, will be wasted because of
inflation; and those who do not travel every day
do not need free transportation benefits.
Ireland:
Standard Scheme Expected to Result in Higher
Pensions for Thousands (June 9, 2006)
The Irish legislative body approved a new social
welfare law reform and pensions act. A new pension
framework will take effect September 2006 and will
combine all non-contributory payments for people 66
years of age and older into one standard pension
scheme. The government expects this reform to result
in 34,000 pensioners receiving higher pensions.
Russia:
Social Pensions Will Go Beyond the Minimum Living
Wage (April 1, 2006)
(Article in Russian)
According to the Pension Fund of the Russian
Federation, social pensions will reach and even go
beyond the level of the minimum living wage by 2008.
The amount of the social pension payment in Russia has
increased by 8.3% starting April 1, 2006. Gennady
Batanov, head of the Pension Fund, predicts the social
pension benefits will increase to the level of the
minimum living wage in the near future.
Kazakhstan:
Citizens to Be Excluded from the Social Protection
Program (March 31, 2006)
(Article in Russian)
The Minister of Labor and Social Justice Guhlzhana
Karagusova announced that the government of Kazakhstan
could exclude certain beneficiaries from the social
pension program in ten years. However, she stressed
that these changes will only affect persons who
acquired citizenship fewer than 10-15 years before
reaching the pension age. Kazakhstan is one of the few
countries of the former Soviet block providing social
pension benefits to all older persons who are not
eligible for the labor pension. The Minister says that
such changes are necessary to prevent the influx of
migrants to Kazakhstan from neighboring countries in
the future.
Back to Top
Middle-East
and North Africa
UAE:
Social Care and State Responsibility (February 1,
2006)
Social Security is an international principle
guaranteed by international covenants. The State
honors this principle for the sake of protecting
vulnerable groups in society. That is why the UAE
has decided to increase the level of monthly social
assistance benefiting old people. This only confirms
that the UAE leadership has been assessing the needs
of those entitled to such extra benefits, especially
the old, so that they can meet their living costs.
Back
to Top
World
Report: Pension
Crediting for Caregivers (June 2011)
This report examines pension crediting for
caregivers (PCC)-- which serves as a compensation for
periods of unpaid work and thus negligible pension
contributions-- in Canada, Japan, Finland, France,
Germany, Sweden and the UK, and tries to determine its
feasibility in the US. PCC is usually linked to other
social benefits whose objectives are poverty
alleviation, gender equality, increased fertility
rates, and greater labor force participation.
Social
Protection: From Handouts to Social Justice (May 17,
2011)
Social protection,
including cash transfers and other programs, has
proven to be a phenomenal success story in some poor
and vulnerable countries. However, what is being
overlooked is that social protection is not only
about installing safety nets and reducing poverty,
but impacts the social contract between governments
and citizens of the recipient countries.
World:
Age Demands Action: Impact 2010 (March 31, 2011)
As part of the HelpAge Network’s “Age Demands Action”
campaign, elderly activists in more than 50
countries called on their national governments to
take action on issues affecting older people. Many
succeeded in having their governments increase
allowances for older citizens and improve Social
Welfare.This article includes success stories from
some less developed countries such as Kenya, Ghana,
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Report: World: UN
Independent Expert: ‘Social Pensions are Critical to
Human Rights’ (Spring 2010)
According to the UN’s Independent expert on human
rights and extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepulveda,
social pensions are critical to reducing poverty and
achieving older people's right to social security. She
recommends that States recognize social pensions that
reach beyond a single recipient and impact the family,
including helping children and grandchildren.
Universal pension schemes comply with principles of
universality and non-discrimination.
World: UN Praises Latin-American
Social Pension Policies to Confront Global Crisis
(February 24, 2010)
Social protection policies are an integral part of the
movement towards achieving the Millenium Development
Goals. The UNDP has noted that the conditional cash
transfer programmes, like the Oportunidades of Mexico
and the Bolsa Familia of Brazil that include older
people in their target population, have made inroads
in the fight against poverty and are proving to be an
integral part of successful social programming.
World: Social
Pensions to Ease Economic Crisis (August 4, 2009)
A number of countries are expanding their social
pension plans to alleviate the effects of the economic
crisis. Russia, Thailand, Philippines, Lesotho, Kenya,
Ecuador and Paraguay are all taking part in the effort
to extend pension coverage for old people. The old age
social pension is not social assistance, but rather a
basic human right that everyone deserves. In the long
run pensions can result in economic benefits; the more
money in people's pockets to spend on basic
necessities, the more demand expands. As a result,
this will create more jobs in the formal sector.
World: Pensions Key to Meeting MDG Targets (July 9,
2007)
According to the OECD, old-age poverty would be 50%
higher in developed countries without the existing
appropriate pension system and other cash transfers.
That is why social pensions are obvious instruments to
fight poverty in developing countries. Such social
pensions would not be a burden on poor countries’
economy: the UN estimates that “a basic universal
pension to all over 60s equivalent to US$1 a day would
cost less than 1% of GDP in 66 out of 100 developing
countries.” Southern Africa is leading the process to
achieve the Millennium Development Goals (reducing
poverty, gender inequalities, hunger, etc.) since
Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius and South Africa all have
a social pension scheme.
Report: UK: Pensions
Not Poverty (May 2007)
Based in the United Kingdom, Help the Aged and
HelpAge International launched the “pensions not
poverty” campaign to raise awareness of older
persons’ right to a social pension. The campaign
calls on UK citizens to ask their Government to “put
social pensions at the top of the international
agenda and to ensure social pensions are a vital
part of all relevant aid, development and
debt-relief initiatives.”
Back to Top
HIV/AIDS
Social pensions also impact
whole families.
Social
pensions keep the vital intergenerational link
alive. With such pensions, older people can help
provide for themselves and their families. Since
the current “breadwinner” generation can be
disabled or killed by HIV/AIDS, many children lose
their parents, becoming orphaned. In such cases,
older people must care for them. Often lacking
food or other resources, older persons look to
social pensions to buy food and – sometimes –
education for these children. Social pensions also
help those who suffer from HIV/AIDS who must eat
some food in order to make their free retroviral
drugs work.
Social Pensions: South
Africa: South African Families Coping with AIDS
(August 20, 2007)
A US study from Professor Enid Schatz, University of
Missouri-Columbia, showed the positive impact of
“older generation's government pensions.” Many
families in South Africa have to confront the death
of their primary income earners because of HIV/AIDS,
since the pandemic affects first the middle
generation. Those social pensions, widely
implemented in South Africa, help to maintain an
entire household. The study gives the example of an
elderly woman and her husband who support 12 people.
Social
Pensions: World: UN Offers Support but No Cash for
Older Carers (8 June, 2006)
Member states adopted a new UN Political Declaration
on HIV/AIDS on June 2, 2006
. The Declaration commits governments to provide
support and rehabilitation to older people,
particularly in their role as caregivers. Although
HelpAge International appreciates this commitment,
the organization is concerned that the Declaration
contains weak human rights provisions as “it does
not acknowledge older people as a vulnerable group
with specific needs, and fails to set specific
targets towards achieving universal access to
treatment by 2010,“ says Jo Maher, HelpAge
International’s HIV/AIDS Coordinator.
Help Age International: Making
Cash Count: Lessons from Cash Transfer Schemes
in East and Southern Africa for Supporting the
Most Vulnerable Children and Households
(November 2005)
This study from Help Age International
and Save the Children elucidates the problem of
poverty among children in southern and eastern
Africa and how it affects the elderly in their
society. Even though
Botswana and Lesotho
are rich and poor countries
(respectively), they both have non-contributory
social pensions. Many of the adult children of the
elderly have passed away because of AIDS resulting
in the elderly caring for the grandchildren.
Grandparents are the most common carers of orphan
children even though there is extended family.
Because grandparents do not have the funding to
support their grandchildren, many are living in
poverty. That's why this study calls for
“unconditional cash transfers” to promote a
‘progressive’ social protection agenda. Social
protection is important because it includes such a
broad range of programs like pensions, family
allowances or child benefits, school feeding
programs, and health insurance. The childhood
poverty problem for the present generation will also
lead to poverty for the next generation unless some
changes are made to interrupt the poverty cycle.
Events
United
Nations International Forum on the Eradication of
Poverty
(November 15-16, 2006)
To
mark
the end of the first UN Decade for the Eradication of
Poverty, the UN organized an international forum from
November 15 to 16. The forum addressed key
developments in policy and practice over the past ten
years and identified future challenges.
See
the
report by GAA Program Coordinator Alischa Kugel:
United
Nations: Report on the UN International Forum on the
Eradication of Poverty (November 2006)
|
Access the
Presentations
|
|
Intergenerational
Poverty
|
Ppt
|
|
|
-
Jo Maher, HIV & AIDS
coordinator, Help Age
International
|
|
Tackling
Poverty
with Social Transfers to Vulnerable
Groups: Evidence from Africa
|
Ppt
|
|
|
- Professor
Michael
Samson,
Director
of
Research
at
the
EPRI
|
|
Poverty,
Social
Security and Human Rights. Lessons from
OECD Experience
|
Ppt
|
|
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-
Professor Peter Townsend, London School of
Economics
|
|
Mainstreaming
Decent Work into Poverty Reduction
Strategies
|
Ppt
|
|
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-
Professor Martha Chen, Harvard
University, WIEGO
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---------------------
Social Protection
Initiatives for Children, Women and Families: An
Analysis of Recent Experiences (October 30-31,
2006)
The
panelists
described how older persons (and others) benefit from
income support. UNICEF and
the New School sponsored the social
protection event last week.
Intern Jenn Nazareno attended for GAA and selected
these articles that refer directly or indirectly to
older persons.
|
Access the
Presentations
|
|
Who are the
Vulnerable Children? Exploring the
Implications of Different Criteria for
Determining Eligibility for Program
Assistance
|
Pdf
|
|
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Katie Schenk, Lewis
Ndhlovu, Stephen Tembo, Andson Nsune,
Chozi Nkhata, RAPIDS
|
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Social Protection Schemes in
West and Central Africa: A Proposal for
Renewal
|
Pdf
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- Sidya Ould El Hadj and Medou
Diakhate
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The
Malawi Social Cash Transfer Pilot Scheme,
Preliminary Lessons Learned
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Pdf
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Bernd Schubert, Mayke Huijbregts
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Social Protection for Children
and their Families: A Global Overview
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Pdf
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-
Sheila B. Kamerman and
Shirley Gatenio Gabel
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Targeting
Efficiency and Poverty Reduction Effects
of Means-Tested and Universal Child
Benefits in Russia
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Pdf
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-
Franziska Gassmann and Geranda Notten
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Links
Grow Up Free From Poverty Coalition
Over 24
NGOs and faith groups come together to build in the
Grow Up Coalition. Social protection, including
old age cash transfers lie at the heart of the
Coalition's advocacy campaign to eradicate poverty.
This page provides resources on the topic.
HelpAge International: Social
Protection
This rich resource provides
background information as well as case and country
studies on the effectiveness of social
pensions.
International Labour
Organization: Social Security Department: Pensions
This
page provides an overview on the effectiveness and
affordability of social pensions.
International Labour Organization:
Social Security Policy and Development Branch
The ILO's Social Security and Development
Brach provides information on the Campaign for Social
Security and Coverage for All as well as its Step
Programme, which provides strategies and tools against
social exclusion and poverty to policy makers.
International Poverty Center: Cash
Transfers and Social Protection
The International Poverty Center
is a joint project by the UN Development Program and the
Brazil government to foster South-South cooperation on
poverty research. This link highlights the International
Poverty Center's " publications on cash transfers and
includes other important research papers, evaluation
reports and interviews on the topic from multilateral
organizations, NGOs, governments and
practitioners."
UNICEF: Policy
Analyses
This web-page provides links to
UNICEF's work on social protection. It includes
articles and reports on the importance of social
protection in fighting intergenerational poverty.
World Bank: Social
Protection Sector
This web-page provides
information on the Bank's social protection
programs. Topics for further research include
pensions, transfers and social funds.
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