Distributive Effects of Survivors Insurance Benefits and Public Assistance

Abstract

This study investigates the degree to which Survivors Insurance (SI) benefits and public assistance payments reduce poverty rates and equalize income distribution among survivor families on social security. The findings indicate that SI benefits equalize income distribution, but are more effective in reducing the poverty rates of relatively well-off poor families. Public assistance payments play a minor role in further equalizing income distribution. The antipoverty effect of public assistance, in favor of the relatively worse-off, only slightly counteracts the antipoverty effect of SI benefits.